Whose Responsibility?

At a Chinese university, all students work hard. The system does not tolerate slacking off. From elementary school on, students have been in class 8 hours a day and doing 5 or 6 hours of homework. The Chinese are a nation of "Nerds."

When I saw how hard everyone worked, I inquired if people were kicked out if they did not study. I was told this was rare. If someone fails a class-- also rare-- they repeat it. Nearly everyone enrolled in university completes the program. Dropping out is rared.

In China, teachers are very respected-- by students, parents, and everyone else. The title, "Lao-she"-- teacher-- is one of deep respect. I knew this, but even if I hadn't, I'd have known from how students say it.

A powerful work ethic surrounds academic culture here. I saw this last summer when I taught middle school and did teacher training. When students don't learn, whether in elementary school, middle school, or university, the Chinese do NOT begin by blaming teachers. They say students should study harder. Everyone-- public officials, administrators, parents, students themselves-- believes that learning takes effort, and that students, to be successful, must work hard. While the middle schools teachers are pressured to prepare students for exams, it is understood that the students' own efforts are paramount. Discipline problems, as they exist in our schools do not occur here, though middle school students will sometimes act out by throwing paper on the floor or leaving their shirts tucked out.

In this academic environment, students absorb a great deal of information. However, they are not especially creative, nor are they good critical thinkers. It is a struggle to get them to engage in dialogue.

As we reform our schools, I would not like to see us copy the Chinese system exactly. Nevertheless... we have a great deal to learn from the Chinese.