Differences In Western and Eastern Teaching/Learning Styles
Friday, November 12th, 2010This list contrasts some of the values assumptions which affect teaching and learning in China. It is general in nature, and you may want to argue with some of its assertions. We feel that it may be helpful in giving some handles with which to grasp some of the cultural differences.
| Western | Eastern |
| Teacher is the facilitator. | Teacher is the authority. |
| Individual is most important. | Individual is least important. |
| Group is least important. | Group is all important. |
| Students ask questions. | Students hesitant to ask. |
| Students are encouraged to do their own thinking. | Student learn official answer without question or comment. |
| Student expresses self and own ideas. | Student says what he/she thinks the teacher wants to hear. |
| Group discussion is important mode of instruction. | Group discussion is difficult at best. |
| Student assimilates concepts and applies to other situations. | Restatement of concepts in learned mode only. |
| Making mistakes is part of learning. | Saving face is all important. |
| Excuses tend to be truthful. | Excuses given to save face. |
| Student sometimes polite to teacher. | Student always polite; respectful of authority. |
| Students respect colleagues. | Students put down colleagues. |
| Lecture is one of several modes used; often least important. | Lecture is only mode of instruction. |
| Memorization is least important means of learning. | Memorization is most important means of learning. |
| Sometimes does not require text. | Always requires a text. |
| Can begin with any concept and in any order in the book. | Systematic and sequential treatment of text. |
| Often relies on outside/additional resources. | Relies on textbook only. |
| Respects copyright laws. | Disregards copyright laws. |
| Student determines own class attendance. | Student always comes to class. |
| Students develop discipline. | Students are disciplined. |
| Students take tests in stride. | Students are test-oriented. |
Fireworks welcome in the ‘Year of the Tiger!’
This week in my class, “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ), we had our mid-term group project reports. Each group came up with a list of stereotypes that Chinese often have about Americans or America in general. From that list of stereotypes, I chose one and the group chose one and those two stereotypes became the basis for a research project.