Understanding the U.S. Classroom Learning Environment

In order to better understand U.S. classroom culture:

1) Watch the 4 minute video Living in the U.S.- Formal Classroom Culture
2) Read the webpages, U.S. Academic Culture  (insert the webpage addresses into Lingro  first for vocabulary development)
3) Answer the questions below by leaving comment in the box
4) Respond to three other student's comments


1. Do you agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values? What experiences have you had that confirm or contradict the writers' claims?

2. What values do you think are most important in your country's classroom learning environment? Explain.

Comments

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. 1. I do mostly agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of US classroom and culture and values. There was a few things that I have not experience yet, it doesn't means that the author's opinion is wrong it is just that I have not experience that yet. No one of my Professors has ever asked the same question to more than one student to make sure that all students understands the material. In general I don't think Professors has time for that, I cannot imagine that my Professors would have time for that.

    2. I think that the most important values in Swedish classroom enviroment would be the participation. It doesn't matter if you attend to every class meeting if you don't participate, talks or ask questions. To participate can be a difficult part if you are very shy as a person and don't like to talk in front of people or talk to people that you don't know that well. And even if you are in class and takes notes and are a good listener and writer, the Professor wants you to talk and show via oral communication that you understand the material and know what is going on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I experienced professor ask the same question to more than one student to share their ideas about this question. I think it is necessary for students to speak their own thinking about class' topic. At my TED class, my professor ask me to talk with my partner, and professor will ask each of group using the same question.
      I think participation is important values no matter in what culture's classroom environment. It is essential for a student.

      Delete
    2. Students should participate in every class. In China many students are just focus on what teacher said,teacher in order to improve student's grade, they just talking all the time, even don't left time to give students thinking. I agree with" It doesn't matter if yu attend to every class meetig if you don't participation."

      Delete
    3. Hi Maja
      I have already experienced almost aspects that the video mentioned,
      and it's true that professors will not ask the same questions to every student. However, some of them will ask about two or three students to collect some different ideals, it is very good for students to listen to others' views and become more creative.

      It is very different between Sweden and China. I am appreciate that the most crucial thing in Swedish classroom is participation. Students have enough time to express themselves and interact with others, they are good for students' development. In China, we are supposed to work hard and get high grades, it's very hard and even decrease the interest about studying.

      Delete
    4. I basically agree with your opinions Maja, and I think we have the same experience in class. But I want to mention that some of professor will ask the same question to more than one students, just like Journalism class. My professor will focus on one question and ask most of us so we can get more sources and ideas. Maybe because we only have around 25 students in that class.

      I really agree with your opinion, it helps students develop their courage, so that they will understand that no matter what suffering may befall them now, just keep going up and do not give in to it, they will get success by the end.

      Delete
    5. Maja I think regarding professors trying to make sure everybody understands the material it really does vary among professors. I've had ones that just keep rumbling on and on and who don't even bother to take a glimpse of students sitting in the rear; on the opposite side there are professors who are willing to dedicate one extra second ensuring his time is well spent. Just depends on their personalities I suppose.

      I'm also glad that schools in Sweden emphasize student's actual psychological engagement in class. I agree there are plenty of us out there who physically attend classes yet with brains left in sleeping mode. Your educational system promotes the real meaning of class participation, not just on a superficial level but more of a brain-to-brain interaction between teachers and students.

      Delete
  3. lin wang

    1. I totally agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of US classroom and culture and values. There was something that I have experienced. At the beginning of the semester, the professor will review their syllabus with us. the syllabus is the guide to the course, so we can know classroom etiquette, book list, office hours and so on.What is different from China is we can call our professors with their fist name here. Additionally, I find that In many courses, professors expect the students to ask questions and use critical reasoning. I think I have to improve in it.

    2.I think there are a lot of important values in Chinese classroom environment. In my opinion, it would be the etiquette.This is respect for your courses and teachers. American students may look sleepy or sit in very relaxed positions, eat food, be inattentive, or even noisy In class and they usually are tolerated. However, in China, our teachers do not allow us to do these. We should pay attention on our teachers and take notes carefully. Then, it is good for us to get good grades.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1) I agree with what you said. Syllabuses are things we never have never seen in China. I think all of us need to adapt or improve ourselves in American classes. Keep going!

      2) I am not totally agree what you say, because different class may need different classroom environment and it also depends on teachers. When I was study in high school or junior school, it is allowed to eat or drink in class if you do not brother others.

      Delete
    2. Hi Lin
      I agree with you. I have already experienced almost aspects that the video had mentioned. I even experienced something have not including in this short video. In addition, American classroom are definitely active than Chinese classroom, and we should interact more during the class to improve ourselves.

      In my opinion, high grades is the most crucial thing in Chinese classroom. However, respect and etiquette are also important.

      Delete
    3. i have the exactly same view with your opinion in class etiquette, because observe the rules in Chinese class is very important, but i prefer american class environment.LOL

      Delete
    4. 1. I agree what you are saying. Same as you, I have already experienced almost thing that the video mention to us. I think you are doing really great you don't really improve that much
      2. I got suprized that china has similar class as Korea. Korea is just as same as what you talk about.

      Delete
    5. 1. You mentioned one thing that I actually thought to write about but I totally forgot it. That the Professors are reading through the syllabus and make sure that every student understands what the professor are expecting from them. I totally agree with you and the author because that is definitely one thing that I have experienced here! It interesting that you cannot call your professor in china with their first name… In Sweden we always called our professors with their first name. It would be so weird if some of my classmates in Sweden would say the professor’s family name…


      2. This is so interesting for me to know, when I read your comments it made me think about who it is in Sweden during class meetings. And it’s in general okay if students are eating something during class, but we are not eating like food or real meals during class, it is more like a fruit or a bar, like snacks. It is important with good grades in Sweden too, but that is not the highest priority. It is more important for students to take own responsibility for their different classes and school material, teachers will not wait for students if they are late. I have experience that teachers are waiting for students who are delayed here in the US. What would happened if you are late to class in China?

      Delete
    6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    7. I aggree with you Maja. Shyness is a huge hurdle for many students to participate in class.

      Delete
  4. 1). I basically agree with what the webpage author's and the video's characterization of US classroom culture and values. I have got syllabuses from each classes, which make my understand what I will learn this semester clearly. In addition, US classroom need students work as group and interact with professors frequently, that make sense to me because all of my classes need group works. Finally, whether a professor asks the same question to more than one student depend on the class-size and professor himself. I have experienced both classes with professors will ask the same question to more than one student or not. Therefore, I agree with them.


    2). I think high grades might be the most important values in Chinese classrooms. It will not matters a lot if you do not interact with teachers frequently or volunteer to ask questions during classes. Overall, high grade plays a significant role in a student's final grade.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I experienced many things related in the video. Thus, I also agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of US classroom and culture and values.
      I think high scores is the most important values in Chinese classrooms as well. I think high scores even can represent anything in most situation.

      Delete
    2. I agree with what ying said, because I have the same experience with ying. I like the way American professor give classes, which make me feel comfortable.I think also high grades very importance.

      Delete
    3. Hi, Ying. Thank you for sharing your opinion. I have had the same experiences as you, so I totally agree with you. Second answer is also the same. In Japan, high grades is the most important value, especially in College or University. However, in junior high school and high school, students participation is the most important, I think. How about in China?

      Delete
    4. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    5. We're from the same university, which make me have the similar feelings to you. In China, we never get syllabus from each classes to help us understand what I will learn this semester clearly. However, I don't think high grade is the most important values in Chinese classrooms. Teachers prefer to students who have critical thinking, not just work hard to get high grades.

      Delete
    6. yes, high grade is the only way that professor judge you, it is petty bad, because it might cause students want to get through the exam by cheating.

      Delete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I agree with what the webpage author's and the video's characterization of US classroom culture and values. Those things mentioned in the video are just what I experienced. I got syllabuses at the beginning of this semester at each class. Thus, I can have a clear understanding of what I will learn and what I should do this semester. Additionally,professors will introduce their name and tell us that we can call them by using first name. Furthermore, I find that American class is more active than Chinese, because students are willing to answer or raise questions. Professors prefer to ask students talk with classmates in groups, and I can practice my English when I talk classmates in a group. I have experienced what videos showed, so I agree with them.
    In Chinese classroom learning environment, I think high scores is the most important values. Teachers and parents think if students get high scores that represent those students study hard, they have critical thinking. In most situation, high scores can even represent for anything. A large number of Chinese are value high scores with good qualification.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1) So am I. We got syllabuses from each class at the beginning of the semester which makes me surprised at first, because we do not have syllabuses in China, do we? What is more, as you told us American class is more active than Chinese class, so I am still adapt to the active class. I think American class is more valuable for students to learn. It is definitely a excellent chance to learn English.
      2) All of us have the same opinion. High grades sometimes are considered as the most important thing when teachers or parents evaluate children's hard work. Moreover, some people even consider high grades are important than good behaviors, how ridiculous it is!

      Delete
    2. We do not have syllabuses in China, so we feel new to get syllabuses from our professors. Maybe we can use syllabus when we become a teacher to help our students know course well.
      Good grades let us enter a good university and even let us get a good job in the future. I totally agree with these. Meanwhile, we also should focus on our independent thinking, participation and practice.

      Delete
    3. 1. Hello Coco, I'm glad you have many experiences to share your agree with the values. And yes, most of my professors prefer me to call their first name! It shows that the relations between students and professors are closer and intimate. In Taiwan, it's rarely happened to call professors by their first name without the titles.
      2. Getting high grades can be relatively vital in Asia while sometimes makes the competition more hard for children. In this perspective, I agree with the evaluation system here. Focusing more on how much students getting involved with classes can be much more crucial instead of getting good grades.

      Delete
  8. 1)I completely agree with these views, the American university attaches great importance to the student’s initiative and creative thinking. When I came to USA I have the same experience. At the begin of the semester, each one of the professor gave us the syllabus, which help me understand the general arrangement of whole semester. During Halloween, many professors gave us many candy, we ca eat candy at class, it’s very causal. Additionally, we always have many discussions in class. Professor focus on students own opinion, we usually do our homework by brainstorm.



    2)I think independent thinking might be the most important values in Chinese class. Because in China when we take a exam, we can not talk with classmates we also can not refer to book. However when we do homework we can discuss with my friends and teacher, as to me, I am strongly rely on books. In China, I always look up to textbooks to find answer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you, yining. I also think the syllabus which professors gave us at the beginning of the class are useful. And I think our opinion and brainstorm play an important role in studying.
      The independent thinking is a good skill we should develop. We can read more books and join in more activities to improve our independent thinking.

      Delete
    2. Hi Yining
      Where is your picture?
      I totally agree with your views. I have already experienced almost aspects that the video had mentioned. In addition, American classroom is more active than Chinese classroom.

      About this question, I don't think so. From my perspective, in China the most crucial thing in classroom must be high grades. However, independent thinking is also very important.

      Delete
    3. 1. Hi Yining, I agree with you. The syllabi truly helped me a lot in the beginning of the sememster. The professors introduced a lot t and made us know more about the courses. And more, they emphasis festivals celebrations and willing to share US cultures to us.
      2. That really surprised me! I thought the educational systems in Asian don't really focus on the skills on independent thinking. They emphasis on the ''right answers' most of the time and that makes students lack of creations. However, things can be changed after entering into colleges. The thing I listed are basically for high schools and primary schools.

      Delete
  9. From my perspective, I agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. I have experienced almost author's views. For example, each professor reviewed his or her syllabus at the beginning of the semester. Thus, almost professors prefer to be called by their first name, its true. In addition, American class tends to be more interactive than Chinese class, and professors want students to be active and creative. Sometimes I raise my hand to catch teacher's attention to ask some questions, including about homework or something else. I also have used professors' office hours to clarify some concepts. The most important point is that feel free to ask.
    In my opinion, the most crucial in your Chinese classroom learning environment
    is High grades (marks). Students are supported to get high scores, it can shows students' personality traits, such as hard working and conscientious. Besides high scores, independent thinking and student participate are also very important.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yoli, I agree with you. I also find that American class tends to be more interactive than Chinese class. So I think we should be more active and creative to show ourselves.
      Most Chinese students focus on high grades because we do not let our teachers and parents lost expectations.

      Delete
    2. I like you picture, and I also agree with you opinion. Amercian style is very casual I feel comfortable when I have class in USA. The high scores is very importance for students in China. I feel great stress when I was a high school student in China.This is one of the reason why I prefer studying in America.

      Delete
    3. 1) Yoli, we are at the same side! I think Chinese classes need to change more actively. All of us need to improve ourselves to be more actively during class.

      2) I agree with you, I think most Chinese students or parents will pay more attention to high grades than others when they study at school. That maybe a reason will Chinese students have lot of homework to do!

      Delete
    4. 1)Hi Yoli, We have the same opinion and I really like how you explain the details of interactive and discussion compares with America and China.
      2)High grades is a n important value in China, and most of parents, teachers, even schools will judge a student is good or bad based on their grades which is not fair for some students. And that's the reason why I appreciate American's learning style.

      Delete
  10. I agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. In this video, there were some experience that I have had. For example, at the beginning of this semester, all professor showed syllabus, and they explained about class. Second, professors like to ask questions in class. Third, most professor admit to call them their first name. That is why I agree with the author and video.

    In my opinion, in Japan, the most important value in University is high grades. Even if students sleep in class or do not listen to the lecture, they can pass the class when they get high score in exam.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1)I agree with you Aina, I think syllabus are helpful for us to check out the complete schedule for each courses. Especially for international students, so we can follow the professor as possible as we can.
      2)We consider high grades as the most important value as well. To be honest, in my opinion, even though high grades represent a student is great, but it can not provide that student is valuable. For example, in USA, most parents encourage their children participate in different activities and involve in student council or club as much as they want, so they make sure their children ensure an all-round development.

      Delete
    2. Syllabus are very important for each students in the follow classes, and i agree with you in your second opinion, because this is totally the same as China, if we passed the final exam, processors would not care what you have done in the class, i think it is petty bad. It might cause students want to pass the exam by cheating.

      Delete
    3. Hi Aina,
      I totally agree with you! I also have some classmates who doesn't show up a lot but because of the result of tests, they still get good grades. It seems like being participate in class is just in case we don't get a good grade on tests!

      Delete
    4. Hello, Aina.
      It is very similar in Korea. Some students did not focus on a class but, if they have good grade on tests. it does not matter how was their participants during the class. I thought it was unfair.

      Delete
    5. You and I have similar opinions Aina! I do also agree with the author and I have experience the same as you had.

      It’s the same in Sweden, you can basically do whatever you want in class, you still need to have a good behavior and show respect to other people. But if you rather watch youtube videos or surfing on Facebook then paying attention to the teacher and takes notes, you can do so. As long as you not fail the exam you are totally fine. I think it has to do that the grading system in Sweden is definitely not the same as it is here in the US.

      Delete
    6. Hi Aina,
      1. I know your feelings! professors really like to ask questions. This is a fresh experience for me. I seldom saw college teachers asked so many questions in one class, but I think it is interesting. I really like that they ask some critical thinking questions, and I will not afraid to answer them in American classroom atmosphere. What about you?
      2.Oh, I see, and I think in China the most important value is also high grades, but not in university. Compare with high schools, Chinese univerities really have relax atmosphere.

      Delete
  11. 1. First, I definitely agree with how they characterization of US classroom culture and values from video and two articles. I had experience in American high school, and it is pretty much the same as college. It totally different than Chinese culture and values which I really appreciate their culture and values. Every student will get syllabuses from each classes, it makes students understand class rules or request better, and they know the class plan exactly. For example, they can clearly see the quiz, test, or any other events date. It shows how hard are teachers/professors treat their work. Based on this environment, most of students would give their opinion in front of class, and they are willing to share their thoughts, so that they can know if their answer is correct or wrong immediately. It also helps them strengthen creative thinking.In addition, discuss with other students in the class is a general way wherever middle school, high school or college. It emphasis student's critical thinking skill. Most of student would like to participate in class because the professor can grab their attention very well, so that they feel interested in that class.

    2. In my opinion, I think the most important in my country's classroom learning environment is student participation in class. When students participate in class very well, most of teacher will feel thankful and they will try their best to teach class. That's why student participation will encourage teacher and give them motivation to teach better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello beibei, I totally agree with you.Thank you for sharing your experiences. U.S. classroom learning environment and teaching ways are really different from China. I enjoy the discussion in classes, which improves my language skills.

      Delete
    2. Hi Bei Bei,
      I agree with you about the syllabus issues here in America, but when I'm in Taiwan, I feel like because the professors take the participation of students is what suppose to be, so sometimes they don't actually well prepared, which made me kind of mad of the education system and environment in Taiwan. Does that also happens in China?

      Delete
    3. Hi BeiBei,
      1.I totally agree with you! I really like discussions here. I do think Chinese schools should add more effective discussions and the students need to learn more about critical thinking.
      2.It is very diffierent from mine. My country's students have low participation in class. Mostly, students just listen to teachers. Although maybe we will learn new knowledge effectively. I do think participation is also very important for shaping some good qualities.

      Delete
  12. 1.I do agree with the video and webpage. One main difference I noticed during the classroom is the professor would like to ask a lot of open-ended question and the students would answer questions. I found out my classmates here would like to get involve in class more than Taiwan. Maybe it is because the students here were used to being affirmed and are not afraid to be wrong.

    2. I think the grade is the most important thing in my country’s classroom learning environment. In most of the department and major, they only care about grades. But as I am major in Early Childhood Education, I think attitude and participation is also an important thing in my country's classroom learning environment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Hello Melody, That's true. Getting involved in the classes is really vital here. Students mostly are willing to share and accept various ideas. There is no certain answer when it comes to open-ended questions. The only thing we need to do is to try and get to know the true answers from ourselves.
      2. Like my journalism-majored classes, participation is as important as tests. We'd love to share different ideas and opinions to get more creative plans. However, I still need to admit that getting good grades are still a crucial part for most schools in Taiwan. And that mostly equal to his your achievements are going to be.

      Delete
    2. Hi, Melody. thank you for sharing your opinion. Professors like to ask open-ended questions. That's true. The U.S. class is more active than in Japan, so I think that Japan and Taiwan have similar situations in classroom. Second answer is also the same. In Japan, high grades is the most important value, but students participation is not so important in Japan, especially, in University. I mean that students don't have to ask questions so much. How about in high school? Is high grades the most important value?

      Delete
    3. Hi, Melody.
      I think in South Korea, we also care about how other think about me and judgments from others. This is the reason Korean students do not want to ask question. If they ask some basic question, they think other students might think they are stupid. This misconception affect that students cannot ask question with feeling free.

      Delete
    4. You are right Melody! I haven’t even thought about that, students here are not afraid to say the wrong answer or talk loud in front of the whole class plus the professors. I think that is good, one reason why they not are afraid to say their opinion can be because the other students don’t judge the student that is talking.

      I have seen that a lot of students from this class says that the most important value in their country is the grades, you are mentioning that it is also important to have a good attitude and to participate during class. I like that, and I think that is a key for being successful and that will ends up with good grades!

      Delete
  13. 1. I agree with most of the values among the videos and the webpages. American tend to have a relatively informal classroom when comparing to Taiwan. While I really glad to visit the instructors during their office hours, they are all kind and willing to help me out. Somehow, I think not all of the professors prefer having discussions during classes. It depends on their ways in teaching and the subjects they teach.
    2. In my department(Journalism), participation can be an important part in the courses. To get involved with the topics and share various ideas are vital. However, in high schools, good grades and a formal learning environment can be much important.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Arissa. Thank you for sharing your opinion. I also like to visit professors' office. Class in Japan is more formal than in America. Same as Taiwan! Second answer is interesting. In Japan, I think that high grades is the most important in University. However, in high school, students participation and a formal learning environment is the most important value. It is hard to explain why, but I just felt like that.

      Delete
    2. Hi Arissa,I'm glad to see your different perspectives. In China,the professor always don't tell students specific office hours, we can meet them any time when they're free.

      Delete
    3. Hi, Arissa.
      Since I'm from the same country with you, I think is not that different situation between our university and I do agree with the office hour the professors have. But what I noticed is I think Taiwanese professors will stay in their office whole day. Do you also visit them a lot?

      Delete
    4. Hello, Arissa.
      I think so, too. I felt comfortable when I visited professor's office. They are very glad to have conversations with students during office hours. Even though it is not related with the class, they seems like just enjoying conversation no matter which topic they discuss. It is very different in Korea. We should be more polite and more formal when we visit professors.

      Delete
  14. From Ashley Hong
    1.I agree most of their characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. I even have heard some of them before I came to America. For example, academic honest. I have read an essay that there was an international student who let his friend do homework for him and finally was expelled from his school. That piece of news was really surprised me because we will give them some punishment though, we never severely dealt with the students. Interestingly, the webpage author and the video author have a different idea about one point. Webpage author agrees that If a student is confused about something in the class, it is expected that he or she will ask the professor before or after class. However, I remember video author recommend us to ask question during the class. For me, I prefer writing down questions first and asking them after the class. I think it will be more polite and suitable. If everyone ask questions during the class, it might decrease the learning efficiency.


    2. In the middle school and high school, I think our country would value high grades and formal learning environment most. During this period, the main task of the students is to achieve higher grades and go to the key university. Moreover, because of the large population in China, every classroom has nearly 40 people, so it is important to build a formal learning environment which would help students study better. For primary schools and universities, I do not have a clear idea.

    ReplyDelete
  15. 1. Exactly! The video shows the characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values vividly. I have some similar experiences as the video shows. First, at beginning of this semester, every professor gave me the syllabus and introduced classroom expectations, which made me to understand the goal of the course clearly. Second, professors prefer to ask questions like: Have more questions? It can helps me thinking and understand what they say totally. What’s more, it’s very common to work in groups, which gives me more chance to practice language skills, like the group surveys, and group discussion.

    2. From my perspective, the most important value in Chinese classroom learning environment is independent thinking. We are not just listeners, every student should be a critical thinkers. Helping students develop independent thinking is a goal to all the teachers. Education departments devote on cultivating creative students all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1.I agree with your proffessor Tyler, and Alex
      I have classes with them and they are teaching me really great my favorite teacher is Tyler.

      2. I think Korea is similar to China
      Korea is also important about the grade. In korea proffessor are changing the attitude by looking our grade.

      Delete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. 1. Do you agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values? What experiences have you had that confirm or contradict the writers' claims?
    The most characterizations of the US classroom culture in the video, I can agree with them.Especially, when students ask some questions to professors, typically they always happy to have questions.In my experience, I am usually ask question in classes, because if I do not know clearly it disturb my thinking. In Korea, many teachers does not like to get question. Unless I sold my curiosity, I cannot do next task. Some teachers think it is disagree with their thinking. The best attitude of professors was they always glad to answer questions, since I came in the US and took classes. I feel very comfortable when I ask questions.





    2. What values do you think are most important in your country's classroom learning environment? Explain.
    In South Korea, the result of tests is the most important. If we had good participants and good attitudes in the class. It does not help at all. On the other hand, if a student does not have very good participants in class, but if they have high grades on the test. It does not big matters. In results, in South Korea, the most important thing is the grade.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. I agree with what you are saying because I was nervouse to ask question when I was in Korea, but now I am confortable with asking question to the proffessor.

      2. I worte same thing as what you write, I am happy that I can talk about this with you. We can have more discussion later when we have time together.

      Delete
    2. Soobin I'm pleased to hear you are comfortable asking professors questions and are enjoying yourself in class. I believe thanks to the current trend now in some Asian countries especially with the gradual hit of westernization to almost every aspect of our cultures, classes are getting more open and I see more interactions than ever. I think this is what education is really about: not merely receiving information and rote memorization but developing problem-solving skills and applying them later.

      Delete
  19. 1.Do you agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values? What experiences have you had that confirm or contradict the writers' claims?
    I agree most of the things in the video.I agree that telling the proffessor their name perfectly because when I was in class, I had trouble telling my name to proffessor. Most of the proffessor they couldn't tell my name well. First, I was really shy when I have to tell my name in front of every class. Later, I realize it's confortable to tell the proffessor or ask questions to them because they are making me confortable.

    2.What values do you think are most important in your country's classroom learning environment? Explain.
    In South Korea, the grade is really important because of the grade lot's of students are suicide because they have low grades. The participate is not really important for the korea class. Even you don't come to school or you don't do your homework, if they are test score is high than they are grade will be high. The class don't really care about the participating they only care about the test score.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sehee, having the same name pronunciation problem here too! I let all my professors know before the first day of class that I would go by Leo, as I guess my first name is even more confusing than yours lol, but I believe that's the quickest way to avoid someone awkwardly mispronouncing your name; you correct them and then they go "what?"

      On the other hand, the problem with teachers overly focusing on performance and grades in most Asian countries, eg. Taiwan and South Korea, is that there's so little time for so much work which they don even understand. I see my friends back home staying up super late at night right before the exam, using rote memorization and short-memory to absorb a large amount of information. Surely they will score high on the next day but we all know that sort of memory won't last long so basically they ain't learning anything in the long run. #needreforms

      Delete
    2. I completely agree with you Sehee. In Congo, it is the same. Many students commit because they do not succeed in the national test that allows them to go to universities.

      Delete
  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Leo.
      I have the similar experience with you when writing to the professor. But oppositely, I write professorXXX to him, he sent back saying that "I have told you in the class, call me by the first name next time." Yeah, I find it really matters here.

      Delete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog