It snowed here yesterday. The most I have ever seen in Zhengzhou. This morning it looks like a good 6-8 inches. The city is totally unprepared for snow in any real quantity. There are now snow plows or real removal methods for the streets. Snow shovels dont exist so workers are using any shovel they can find to clear paths in the snow around my complex.
Kids are having a blast though and snow pyramid men are popping up. They dont use three large balls to make the body. a large pile with a round head is the usual technique.
I have to go to the hotel and then Luoyang today. I have a feeling that it is going to be hell to do that, we shall see.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Chinese Education
Producing Quality, Not Quantity
(Revised and Somewhat Edited)
The last 30 years has seen the rise of the Chinese state through the opening of the Economy and mass invites to foreign businesses. At the same time the Chinese educational system has jumped at the challenge of creating thousands of new scientists and engineers to help keep the economy rolling ahead. However, like the mass cultural projects of the past, it appears that this new wave of educational production is creating as much waste as it is qualified graduates.
There are many fundamental differences between east and west in terms of college education. One of the most glaring is the comparative difficulty for Chinese students to get into college versus the relative ease with which western students gain admittance to their colleges and universities. However, on the flip side, once admitted to a Chinese college, graduating is almost guaranteed. American college students on the other hand have no such assurance.
There are a variety of mechanisms in place to help ensure that students in the Chinese system can make it to graduation. One of the most absurd is the final exam retest policy. The Chinese educational system puts a heavy focus on the final exam. In many cases it is at least 70% of the final grade, often more. Homework, class-work and other assignments are not usually graded or even assigned. However, should a student fail the final exam they are often given the chance to re-test. Even if they are caught cheating, a re-test is on the table. This re-test is usually given at the start of the following semester. Allowing the student at least one month to prepare to retake the exam. There have been many conflicts in my experience between Western teachers and Chinese administrators over this policy. The main area of contention is usually that cheaters should not be allowed a second chance. They cheated, they were caught, and now they fail. Being given a second chance, without any penalty assessed for cheating, is a tacit approval of cheating in the first place.
Cheating is rife in the system. By far, it is one of the biggest challenges that Western teachers have to face when preparing test materials for their classes. While overt cheating is a direct challenge, there are many simple techniques that can be used to overcome the problems. However there are more subversive problems that are harder to overcome. Sharing test information between class periods is large-scale problem that occurs at a far greater scale than any of my college experiences. Every teacher must assume that the class taking the test will share as much test information with the next class as they possibly can. To combat this problem I usually use different test versions to keep test questions secret. I have had students who clearly did not even read the test questions and wrote the answers to version 1 on version 2. They have all the correct answers, if they were taking version 1, but instead now have all wrong answers for version 2. While this is not exactly cheating in definition, it is in spirit, but thankfully still achieves the same grades. However, if it were up to my Chinese counter-parts the students in question would be offered the chance to take the test again at a later date. Passing information from one class to another is one method. But it requires transfer of information. It is much easier to copy directly from a reliable source, than to wait for you friends to tell you the answer.
Plagiarism. It is not a problem in China. Not because it is not done, but because no one really cares. I have had to clarify several times that writing ten sentences for homework does not mean looking at the internet and writing ten sentences from a website (copying) directly onto their paper. It is literally at times a foreign concept to cite others for their work. Often the students are not trying to show off the work as theirs. They merely don’t see the point of giving credit to someone else when it is so much faster to skip that part.
This can also lead to an over-confidence and trust in websites that have no actual authority or discretion. Many of my students realize that anything can be published by anyone in on the Internet. However, because of the Chinese government’s intensive campaign to “clean” the Internet many people believe that all the remaining information is worthwhile and trust worthy. Clearly this is not the case. When you are not worried about citing your information, rarely does one pay as much attention to the person who is writing the document. If it agrees with what you want say, then it is a fantastic article and used immediately.
I believe that the group mentality that pervades much of Chinese thought is a strong factor for the failure to see the importance of citing other’s work. Conformity with the group is much stronger than standing out as an individual. Standouts are subject to intense ridicule and almost a system of social banishment. From talking with Chinese friends and students I have heard horror stories about what classmates have done to those that did not fit in with the group. These actions range from taunting and the world standard of verbal abuse to obscene pranks. Of course, this happens in western schools as well as Chinese. The real difference between the two is the acceptance of the behavior among the classmates, and also among the teachers. Teachers will often not stop students from verbally abusing others and may even take part if the student does not match with their ideal for what a student should be.
Fortunately for some students, the thoughts and opinions of the teachers are completely irrelevant. They can achieve this protection and insulation from the group by buying it. At many schools degrees are in one way or another for sale.
My second year teaching at a college in Zhengzhou (Henan) I had a student added to my second year Business English class. The second year was a continuation of the first year, but not exclusive to new students. The course was taught in English and was meant to prepare the top 10-20% to attend college in America. The problem with this student was that he could not speak English. Not that he could not effectively communicate, but could not answer the most basic of questions. What is your name? What day is it today? Where are you? And more where met with a blank stare. The only English I could pull out was “I’m sorry, my English is very poor”. After class I went to the office to tell them that he needed to be moved to the first year class and more likely out of the program entirely, his English simply was not good enough. However, my request was countered by the most Chinese of passive responses that say without saying, “He will remain in your class and there is nothing you can do”. When I pushed for a reason why, I was told that his father wanted him to graduate sooner and so he was being fast tracked through the school. He had paid for the privilege of skipping the first year. I further pressed that that was fine, but he can’t finish a year earlier if he goes on to fail all his classes (which he did). I was assured that was not my concern and they would take care of that. Rather that was already known and taken care of through financial remuneration.
This was a rather direct display of what a family with money can achieve. However, far more common is the bribery (although never called that) of teachers with gifts, dinners, presents and more. Taking the professor to an elaborate dinner and paying their share is a common practice. This is made easier by the Chinese custom of not splitting the check. While not overtly unacceptable, it never felt right and in all my experiences I always insisted on paying the student back or paying myself. Other cases I have witnessed students or their parents giving gifts to teachers ranging from snacks to hundreds of dollars worth of MaoTai (a popular Chinese liquor). It is part of the system, it is not wrong. How else do you graduate?
Hard work would be one answer. But that would be asking too much of far to many. Beyond that, how could countless underpaid school officials make any money if they had to expel rather than tax all the underachieving students? Therefore I believe that all tests and graded material are submitted to an independent body for grading; nameless, faceless, and incorruptible.
Schools that wish to demonstrate their academic integrity can subscribe to an independent grading or grade review company. By outsourcing the grading to a body away from the influence of students and parents and open to transparent review, schools can ensure that students are receiving the grades they earned. This in turn can increase the value of a degree from that school. Allowing them to raise tuition and begin to reap the financial rewards that can come from academic integrity.
A private prep school does something like this. All grades are sent to a central administrative office. From there random materials are occasionally selected and reviewed to ensure the academic standards are being maintained. Because so many people review the grades a teacher cannot consistently alter students grades. One or two many get through, but eventually peer review will uncover the anomalies and once brought to light a comprehensive review will find past digressions, problem solved. The school is part of an international chain. To maintain their image it is of the upmost importance that each school adheres to the same academic standards at all locations.
China has come a long way in the last 30 years. With every tiny increase in freedom the people have exponentially increased their prosperity. Rapid expansion has come with it costs. Everyone laments the destruction of the environment, but it is not the only area that has suffered. Without changes to many sectors, especially education the economic growth that has been so important will not continue.
(Revised and Somewhat Edited)
The last 30 years has seen the rise of the Chinese state through the opening of the Economy and mass invites to foreign businesses. At the same time the Chinese educational system has jumped at the challenge of creating thousands of new scientists and engineers to help keep the economy rolling ahead. However, like the mass cultural projects of the past, it appears that this new wave of educational production is creating as much waste as it is qualified graduates.
There are many fundamental differences between east and west in terms of college education. One of the most glaring is the comparative difficulty for Chinese students to get into college versus the relative ease with which western students gain admittance to their colleges and universities. However, on the flip side, once admitted to a Chinese college, graduating is almost guaranteed. American college students on the other hand have no such assurance.
There are a variety of mechanisms in place to help ensure that students in the Chinese system can make it to graduation. One of the most absurd is the final exam retest policy. The Chinese educational system puts a heavy focus on the final exam. In many cases it is at least 70% of the final grade, often more. Homework, class-work and other assignments are not usually graded or even assigned. However, should a student fail the final exam they are often given the chance to re-test. Even if they are caught cheating, a re-test is on the table. This re-test is usually given at the start of the following semester. Allowing the student at least one month to prepare to retake the exam. There have been many conflicts in my experience between Western teachers and Chinese administrators over this policy. The main area of contention is usually that cheaters should not be allowed a second chance. They cheated, they were caught, and now they fail. Being given a second chance, without any penalty assessed for cheating, is a tacit approval of cheating in the first place.
Cheating is rife in the system. By far, it is one of the biggest challenges that Western teachers have to face when preparing test materials for their classes. While overt cheating is a direct challenge, there are many simple techniques that can be used to overcome the problems. However there are more subversive problems that are harder to overcome. Sharing test information between class periods is large-scale problem that occurs at a far greater scale than any of my college experiences. Every teacher must assume that the class taking the test will share as much test information with the next class as they possibly can. To combat this problem I usually use different test versions to keep test questions secret. I have had students who clearly did not even read the test questions and wrote the answers to version 1 on version 2. They have all the correct answers, if they were taking version 1, but instead now have all wrong answers for version 2. While this is not exactly cheating in definition, it is in spirit, but thankfully still achieves the same grades. However, if it were up to my Chinese counter-parts the students in question would be offered the chance to take the test again at a later date. Passing information from one class to another is one method. But it requires transfer of information. It is much easier to copy directly from a reliable source, than to wait for you friends to tell you the answer.
Plagiarism. It is not a problem in China. Not because it is not done, but because no one really cares. I have had to clarify several times that writing ten sentences for homework does not mean looking at the internet and writing ten sentences from a website (copying) directly onto their paper. It is literally at times a foreign concept to cite others for their work. Often the students are not trying to show off the work as theirs. They merely don’t see the point of giving credit to someone else when it is so much faster to skip that part.
This can also lead to an over-confidence and trust in websites that have no actual authority or discretion. Many of my students realize that anything can be published by anyone in on the Internet. However, because of the Chinese government’s intensive campaign to “clean” the Internet many people believe that all the remaining information is worthwhile and trust worthy. Clearly this is not the case. When you are not worried about citing your information, rarely does one pay as much attention to the person who is writing the document. If it agrees with what you want say, then it is a fantastic article and used immediately.
I believe that the group mentality that pervades much of Chinese thought is a strong factor for the failure to see the importance of citing other’s work. Conformity with the group is much stronger than standing out as an individual. Standouts are subject to intense ridicule and almost a system of social banishment. From talking with Chinese friends and students I have heard horror stories about what classmates have done to those that did not fit in with the group. These actions range from taunting and the world standard of verbal abuse to obscene pranks. Of course, this happens in western schools as well as Chinese. The real difference between the two is the acceptance of the behavior among the classmates, and also among the teachers. Teachers will often not stop students from verbally abusing others and may even take part if the student does not match with their ideal for what a student should be.
Fortunately for some students, the thoughts and opinions of the teachers are completely irrelevant. They can achieve this protection and insulation from the group by buying it. At many schools degrees are in one way or another for sale.
My second year teaching at a college in Zhengzhou (Henan) I had a student added to my second year Business English class. The second year was a continuation of the first year, but not exclusive to new students. The course was taught in English and was meant to prepare the top 10-20% to attend college in America. The problem with this student was that he could not speak English. Not that he could not effectively communicate, but could not answer the most basic of questions. What is your name? What day is it today? Where are you? And more where met with a blank stare. The only English I could pull out was “I’m sorry, my English is very poor”. After class I went to the office to tell them that he needed to be moved to the first year class and more likely out of the program entirely, his English simply was not good enough. However, my request was countered by the most Chinese of passive responses that say without saying, “He will remain in your class and there is nothing you can do”. When I pushed for a reason why, I was told that his father wanted him to graduate sooner and so he was being fast tracked through the school. He had paid for the privilege of skipping the first year. I further pressed that that was fine, but he can’t finish a year earlier if he goes on to fail all his classes (which he did). I was assured that was not my concern and they would take care of that. Rather that was already known and taken care of through financial remuneration.
This was a rather direct display of what a family with money can achieve. However, far more common is the bribery (although never called that) of teachers with gifts, dinners, presents and more. Taking the professor to an elaborate dinner and paying their share is a common practice. This is made easier by the Chinese custom of not splitting the check. While not overtly unacceptable, it never felt right and in all my experiences I always insisted on paying the student back or paying myself. Other cases I have witnessed students or their parents giving gifts to teachers ranging from snacks to hundreds of dollars worth of MaoTai (a popular Chinese liquor). It is part of the system, it is not wrong. How else do you graduate?
Hard work would be one answer. But that would be asking too much of far to many. Beyond that, how could countless underpaid school officials make any money if they had to expel rather than tax all the underachieving students? Therefore I believe that all tests and graded material are submitted to an independent body for grading; nameless, faceless, and incorruptible.
Schools that wish to demonstrate their academic integrity can subscribe to an independent grading or grade review company. By outsourcing the grading to a body away from the influence of students and parents and open to transparent review, schools can ensure that students are receiving the grades they earned. This in turn can increase the value of a degree from that school. Allowing them to raise tuition and begin to reap the financial rewards that can come from academic integrity.
A private prep school does something like this. All grades are sent to a central administrative office. From there random materials are occasionally selected and reviewed to ensure the academic standards are being maintained. Because so many people review the grades a teacher cannot consistently alter students grades. One or two many get through, but eventually peer review will uncover the anomalies and once brought to light a comprehensive review will find past digressions, problem solved. The school is part of an international chain. To maintain their image it is of the upmost importance that each school adheres to the same academic standards at all locations.
China has come a long way in the last 30 years. With every tiny increase in freedom the people have exponentially increased their prosperity. Rapid expansion has come with it costs. Everyone laments the destruction of the environment, but it is not the only area that has suffered. Without changes to many sectors, especially education the economic growth that has been so important will not continue.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Some things are never easy...
So it appears that I have found another working proxy to get through to the internet. I am not sure how long this one will last. But it has been nice to get on facebook, once every couple of months seems about right and also to the blog page. I will try and write something more this weekend and post later. This is a test run.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Still in China
So I have finally found a reliable way around the great Chinese firewall. Although now I realize that its not so great and really easy to get around. It has been two years and a couple of days since my last post. I will try again to get some pictures put and see if I can post something weekly. Who knows I might actually be able to do what I started trying to 2 years ago.
Right now I am teaching 9 (although soon to go to 10) hours a week. Down from the heavy load of 12-16 I was putting down last year. So that is nice. I have also doubled my salary and tripled the size of my living space. All in all a fairly nice change from the last year.
I also am handling smaller classes. I went from 185 students last year to about 18-20 this year. So that makes things a little easier to manage. I am taking 6 hours of Chinese classes a week, with the help of my live in tutor (or girlfriend). Also able to make boxing about 5 days a week.
Things are going well. I will do my best to keep up with this. Only took 2 years to get it working.
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