Archive for the ‘America’ Category
Friday, November 12th, 2010
This 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 |
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| Teacher is the facilitator. |
Teacher is the authority. |
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| Individual is most important. |
Individual is least important. |
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| Group is least important. |
Group is all important. |
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| Students ask questions. |
Students hesitant to ask. |
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| Students are encouraged to do their own thinking. |
Student learn official answer without question or comment. |
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| Student expresses self and own ideas. |
Student says what he/she thinks the teacher wants to hear. |
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| Group discussion is important mode of instruction. |
Group discussion is difficult at best. |
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| Student assimilates concepts and applies to other situations. |
Restatement of concepts in learned mode only. |
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| Making mistakes is part of learning. |
Saving face is all important. |
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| Excuses tend to be truthful. |
Excuses given to save face. |
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| Student sometimes polite to teacher. |
Student always polite; respectful of authority. |
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| Students respect colleagues. |
Students put down colleagues. |
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| Lecture is one of several modes used; often least important. |
Lecture is only mode of instruction. |
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| Memorization is least important means of learning. |
Memorization is most important means of learning. |
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| Sometimes does not require text. |
Always requires a text. |
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| Can begin with any concept and in any order in the book. |
Systematic and sequential treatment of text. |
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| Often relies on outside/additional resources. |
Relies on textbook only. |
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| Respects copyright laws. |
Disregards copyright laws. |
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| Student determines own class attendance. |
Student always comes to class. |
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| Students develop discipline. |
Students are disciplined. |
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| Students take tests in stride. |
Students are test-oriented. |
Posted in America, China, Cross-Cultural, Education | 6 Comments »
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 13 from the textbook which is about Sports and Scenic Spots in America.
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Education | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 12 from the textbook which is about US Foreign Policy.
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Cross-Cultural, Education | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 11 from the textbook which is about Technology in America. We attempted to define “technology” and then we discussed briefly the history of technology in America from the 19th century until today.
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Cross-Cultural, Education | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 9 from the textbook which is about Social Movements of the 1960′s. We took a look at what is meant by “social movement” and then we discussed briefly why the 1960′s were so active with social movements. The remainder of the class dealt with the three main movements of the 60′s; The Civil Rights Movement, The Women’s Rights Movement, and the Youth / Anti-War Movement (aka Hippie Movement.)
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Cross-Cultural, Education | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 8 from the textbook which is about the American Education System. We took a look at a brief history of education in America from the 17th century until today. I pointed out that much of the info in the textbook is sorely out of date (most statistics were from the mid 80′s!) so we spent the remainder of our class time discussing the current status of things in today’s education system in America.
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Cross-Cultural, Education | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 7 from the textbook which is about American Literature. We actually didn’t discuss much American Lit in the lecture – I did point out some highlights and some things to note for the final exam. However, most of our class time was used on logistics for the Mid Term Projects that are coming up.
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Cross-Cultural, Education | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 6 from the textbook and the lecture was an overview of Religion in the United States of America. We covered religious diversity in America today, described the most popular religions in America and discussed current trends surrounding religion.
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Cross-Cultural, Education | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 5 from the textbook and the lecture was an overview of The economy of the United States of America. We covered the fundamentals of the USA’s economy and discussed some of the unique characteristics that set it apart from other economies around the world, including China’s.
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Education | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
For my students at the Hunan Institute of Science & Technology ( 湖南理工学院 ) who are taking the course: “The Society and Culture of Major English-Speaking Countries ( 英语国家社会与文化入门 ) : An Introduction (Book Two / Second Edition)”
This week’s lesson covered unit 4 from the textbook and the lecture was an overview of The political system of the United States of America. We covered a range of topics including the formation of the USA’s government as well as some of the fundamentals of how the USA’s political system works.
If you would like to have the Presentation Notes from this week’s class, click on the link to view or download them.
Posted in America, Education, History, West | No Comments »