LRK - Task 8: 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 and US Classroom Culture in Higher Education (insert the webpage addresses into Lingro first for vocabulary development)
3) Answer the questions below by leaving a comment in the box by Monday, November 13th at 11:59 pm
4) Respond to three other student's comments by Thursday, November 16th at 11:59 pm
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.
Your answers and responses should be thoughtful, informative and have few grammatical errors. Use academic words from the Word Combination Card. This task is work 10 points.
Yes, I agree with the characterization in video. For instance, there are a lot students in class put their leg on chair or eat in class, which is untolerable in a Chinese class. And many students have a lot questions to ask.
ReplyDeleteI think that would be the respect to the teacher and the knowledge. In traditional China, people intend to put their teacher in a extremely special spot. There are five things that we respect most, which in the order of the sky, the ground, the king, your parents and your teacher. Therefore, people show their respect by behaving yourself in a classroom.
I agree with you too. And I also think respect is very important because only in this way can they have more interest to do their duties. And you said we should show our respect to knowledge and I think I can reflect on this opinion too.
DeleteWhen I compare U.S formal class with China formal class, it is apparent that American class will be more casual than class in China. In American class, there are cooperative work or independent assignments. Students will desire to participate in evey activity and tend to think about knowledge more critically.
DeleteIn our traditional conception, teachers should be respected so we hardly have a social relationship with professors outside of the classroom. We are concious of the hierarchical relationship between teachers and students. I remember that in our elementary school, we were taught to seat straightly and put our hands on the table in the classes. We had countless rules to limited our behaviors, which are quiet different from America.
DeleteI think most Americans don't play their phones after their professor tell them which shows the respect to professor. However, in China people just do something they want to do.
DeleteYes, compared with Chinese classroom, American classrooms are relatively free. I always expect Ben's TED class because of his snacks, hahahahah...
DeleteThe biggest difference in chinese classroom can be the number of a class. And the active of interactions may be good at elementary school, but it is so bad in middle or high school. It is always a silence.
DeleteYes, I also think so. American students have more poor posture than Chinese students in class. And what you said is true that formal posture is a way at which Chinses students show their respect to professors.
DeleteI am Jimmy (Min Jia).I agree with you. What surprised me the most when I went to the American elementary school was that students ate food during class and put their legs on the chairs. In China, most students behave themselves in a classroom. However, outside of the classroom professors may become friends with students.
DeleteI agree the webpage author's and the video's characterization. I have experienced some of them. At the beginning of semaster, we got every professor's syllabus which is our guide to the course. It helps us know more about this class and the professor. Also every professor has the name that they prefer to be called. In classes, teachers encourage students to express their independent opinions and students are expected to ask questions whenever you want. Likewise we work with a group.
ReplyDeleteI think the most value is freedom in my country's classroom learning environment. Some students are afraid to ask questions in classes bucause of the strict impression of some elementary or high school teachers. Teachers are highly respected in China. But it changes as the society develops. I hope one day I can see more students have their different ideas and challenge teachers in classes.
What the video shows is exactly what we experienced. So amazing! And now I really understand this characterization. As for our country, there is less questions in class. Students are too shy to ask questions and they prefer to ask their classmates or ask their teachers after class. So the class seems like to be teachers’ own performance.
DeleteFreedom is one of the most important characteristics in U.S formal class. Students are likely to stand up and say their thoughts and opinions. Teachers or professors are not only a speaker but also a torchbearer, and they will lighten every road to knowldege.
DeleteIn Amrican classes, there are many opportunities to work with a group to cooperate or share our point views with our classmates. Through group cooperative learning, we can learn a lot from our partners and at the same time come up with our ideas.
DeleteYes, I think syllabus are really useful which give students enough information before start class. And I think we should use this in China! Sometimes I will confuse that what are teachers going to teach and how can I meet them in office.
DeleteI also think teachers are highly respected in China. Some people think it's students' duties to show respect to their teachers, in other words, students should follow teachers' instructions and take notes about what the teacher said during the class. Others might think students play a really vital role in classes, they are supposed to ask questions whenever or wherever they want to. From my perspective, every coin has two sides. It would be better if students ask some simple questions in a polite way during the class. If the question needs a longer time to explain, it could be better if you have a talk with your teacher after class or go to his/her office during his/her office hour.
DeleteI am Jimmy (Min Jia).I also feel it is very helpful to get a syllabus at the beginning of the semester. In China, professors also explain their syllabuses. If we want, we can print those on the internet. Additionally, most Chinese students prefer to ask questions after class instead of during the class. As for me, I did not like to ask questions in the class when I was a high school student, because I worried that other students would laugh at me.
DeleteAnd professors are also expecting you can have a nice private relationship with them. They expect you can reach them and have meals and question forwardly. Which is also quite different.
Delete1. I agree with some points presented in the video or in the webpage.When I started my first TED class or ESL class, I felt so surprised because every proofessor gave me syllabus about this class. However, in China, it is rare to see one professor hand out syllabus and explain its content during the class. Another common thing happening in traditional U.S classroom is professors will introduce themselves and tell students how to address their preferred name. Besides, professors will try their best to remember all students' name.( Sometimes it is very difficult for them to remember international students' name.)I can remember during the first class, professors took some pictures when students held their name tags.
ReplyDelete2. I prefer efficiency and creativity as the most important values in Chinese classroom learning environment. In China, expert teachers or professors tend to charge time with high-efficiency. For instance, they will give us a brief introdction to this chapter; they will highlight core knowlege that students need to learn; they will help us summarize what we learn today. These pedagogical skiils make our learning environment more efficient. At the same time, students can also acquire more important knowledge in the limited time. Besides, the creativity plays a rather important role in classroom learning environment. How to make students engage in your class activities? How to help students be interested in what you teach to them. The creavity can bring positive effects to students during learning process.
Lacking interactions is a remarkable feature in Chinese classes. We sometimes are accustomed to being a listener rather than an active participant. In this way, we are easily to become a passive learner. From my viewpoint, I enjoy having interactions with professors in classes. Only in this way, can I be devoted myself in the class and study efficiently.
DeleteYes, I agree with you. The syllabus really surprised me and it's very useful to arrange our study plan. Besides, I also think efficiency is an important value in Chinese classroom. I always feel tired after class because of the compact curriculum.
DeleteYes! I think syllabus of courses in America and brief introductions to chapters in China are both really helpful. By reading syllabus, I am able to know the schedule of this class in this semester. By the introduction, I know what I am going to learn in this chapter. In my opinion, we should learn the strengths of both ways.
DeleteI am Jimmy (Min Jia).I agree with you that in China professors tend to use their time efficiently. However, I disagree with the opinion that most professors in China do not have syllabuses. I think in ZISU, many professors explain their syllabuses at the beginning of the semester. The only difference is that most professors do not print their syllabuses for us. However, if we want we can get them on the internet.
DeleteIn my first ETL class, I thought that was way more easy than I expect, now I realized I was wrong.
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ReplyDelete1. I agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. Students here are given high expectation to come up with questions. What impresses me most is that American classes seem never lack interactions. Professors are ready to answer questions at any moment. In addition, the learning environment is very comfortable and active. Unlike, some classes in China made us a little bit sleepy decreasing the efficiency of learning. Yesterday, I observe two Art-related classes to conduct my project. The whole classes seem like academic communications. Furthermore, the second point is that the relationship between professors and students is very close. Especially, our professor Geoffrey in TED class sometimes shared his romantic stories with his wife to us. Besides, we also never forget our snack time in Professor Ben’class.
ReplyDelete2. As far as I am concerned, important valuable features in class are active, comfortable and efficient. Achieving teaching objectives not only need teachers’ mastered teaching methods but also need students to cooperate. At the beginning of class, teachers are supposed to give a brief introduction of the class. And in the end, don’t forget to do summarize helping students to review what they learned. With regard to students, they are expect to learn in a comfortable environment.
Haha snack! It really surprised me when I received snack in Professor Ben’class again and again. From my bottom of my heart, it really helps me feel relax in his class.
DeleteI can’t agree more! An active class makes me think and participate in the class; a comfortable class makes me relax and feel free to ask questions; and an efficient class could let me learn more!
DeleteThe relationship between professors and students may affect the efficiency and creativity.In this vidoe and webpage, U.S formal classes tend to create interactive and comfortable atmospher to make students engage in the class.
DeleteActually, you can't say professors in China don't expect questions, but in the traditional way, teachers don't wan't to hear anything not related to class, in fact, not related to the grades.
DeleteI agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. What impresses me most is that professor usually put us into a group, using different color pages or something else. Even they will arrange the chairs and tables into groups! It is not common in China, people just sit wherever they want and just study by themselves
ReplyDelete2. I think the most important in my country's classroom is that professor will tell you the emphases of this class and underline it. Obviously, it really helps us to know this class and pass the final exam.
Yeah, all students will be divided into several groups in almost American classes. It is very convenient to share our own opinions with others and cause the discussions.
DeleteYes, I think so. Professors always tell us the emphases of this class and underline it. To be honest, it really help us remember something easier. Moreover, we can know which ones are usually used. Nevertheless, in this way, we might ignore something else that professor did not underline.
DeleteIn China, professors will tell you the emphases of this class and underline them. Although it really helps us to pass the final exam, this phenomenon also brings some disadvantages. Some students just memory the underlined emphases and without understanding, some students even don’t read the ununderlined part of the book.
DeleteI learn some good ways to constitute groups here. We can share our minds with different people instead people you are familiar with every class. We are more good at working with a group at the same time.
DeleteI totally agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. I have experiences to confirm the writers' claims. First, at the beginning of the semester, professor gave us the syllabus for the class; we would know the course arrangement clearly. It really helps us study effectively. Then, I found that the greatest characteristic of American university class is the high interactivity between professors and students, professors often ask questions to help us think through the information. Additionally, we are allowed to ask questions at any time in American class so we can always solve our confusing points in time.
ReplyDeleteFrom my perspective, decency and efficiency are most important values in Chinese classroom learning environment. We usually don't interrupt the class to ask questions and we are not allowed to use phones in our class. As for the value of efficiency, the curriculum is always very compact in Chinese class, students are supposed to write down all the key points in the class.
I totally agree with you. High interactivity between professors and students does one of the greatest characteristics. We can never emphasize its importance too much. It can not only enrich the teaching contents and invigorate the atmosphere, but also improve the teaching effects.
DeleteI also found that students can freely do everything as long as they are listening to teachers’ lecture. In China, many students play their phones in the class. But I will not be able to see any smart phones in the class. We Chinese students must be aware of this behavior!
DeleteI agree with you. Writing down all key points makes us understand the content deeply and increase the efficiency.
DeleteI agree the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. The first class of every course, professors gave us their syllabus and reviewed it with us, which is really helpful from my perspective. After professors’ introduction, I knew the course goals and professors’ expectations, besides I gained a lot of information about campus resources. Furthermore I like the free and positive atmosphere of American classroom. Students are good at thinking and asking questions.
ReplyDeleteI think respect and efficiency are most important in Chinese classroom learning environment. We can call Professors’ first name here, but in China, we are supposed to call Professors with their family name to show our respective. And in China, people think it’s impolite to eat at class or put feet on the table. Professors always give a lot of new information in one class and told us what are in test range.
I also like the free and positive atmosphere of American classroom. In American classroom, I feel free to ask questions. Moreover, if I do not know how to respond questions I can say "Pass".
DeleteGiving syllabus always me feel organized. I can get more information in the beginning of the class.
DeleteI really like the free atmosphere in class, which I can ask any question and clear what should I do next. The interaction between teachers and students can also let them better communication.
Delete1.I agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values.Cooperative learning activities in groups is particularly common here. In addition, through group cooperative learning we can gain a lot of ability. For example, we can share our opinion with others and your group members will give you some advice, and you can learn experience from your group.
ReplyDelete2.The most important value in my country's classroom learning environment is show respect to teachers and students. If I respond teahers' question, I must stand up. In order to show respect to them as well as let classmates hear my voice much easier.
Sometimes it is difficult to organize or call up all members to participate in the cooperative activities. Some people lack responsibility and team awareness.
DeleteWe have a lot of discussion and cooperation in the process of learning opportunities, and members of the exchange can learn different opinions and ideas, division of labor also makes us more specific and comprehensive work.
DeleteYes it is! When I was first told that I needn't stand up to anwser the teachers' questions, I was so surprised. And I still took a long time to get used to this way of sitting to aanwser.
DeleteI also consider show respect to teachers and students as the most important value in our country's classroom learning environment. Generally speaking, professors in China seem more powerful during class, they represent an authority to us students. Just as you mentioned, we should stand up to answer professor's questions in China. Therefore, I used to stand up to answer professor's questions in the first week. However, I prefer not to stand up now.
DeleteI totally agree with those ideas since what it expressed is exactly what I experienced. For example, in our first class, teacher only told us their plans that are all put into syllabus. And in the video, one word impressed me a lot is “ask” because it appeared a lot of times. So I know that it is important for us to ask questions, and of course teachers are willing to answer. However, there are few questions in class.
ReplyDeleteI think that could be mutual respect. That is to say, teachers should respect students as well as students do. And there is no doubt that there is no higher or lower position in the class. Teachers and students are equal because both of them are learning something from each other. Their mutual respect must help them achieve their goals efficiently.
I totally agree with you that the relationship between teachers and students are equal in America. (Felicia)
DeleteI cannot agree more. My guidance teacher Ms. Karen always tells us that she can learn many new things from students every day and it is really fun. Therefore, I think the mutual study and communications will be an increasing trend in most of classes.
DeleteI agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization. In the beginning of our semester, every teacher gave us syllabus. Most of them spent a whole class to explain their teaching plan and activities in detail. What is more, in American class, there are a lot of discussion need us to participate in. Some homework is also supposed to finish through group work .
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing in Chinese classroom learning environment is efficient teaching. In class, most students prefer to listen carefully and take notes. Teachers are well prepared and talked about a topic briefly. What is more, students always know that it is unfair to occupy other people's class time if they ask very simple questions or strange questions to challenge teacher. In this way, Chinese class can be efficient.
I also think that syllabus is very important, it can make students clear the semester task and time node and also can be very good to help students learn.
DeleteSyllabus is a new thing for me as I don't realized it's importance until my university. By the way, I don't know what if soemthing out of teacher's expection happened, will teachers change their syllabus?
DeleteExactly, we have syllabus of every course we have this semester. Additionally, I can't agree more about there are many group discussions in American classes, even some homework need group working. In my opinion, share ideas with each other is a terrific way to advance our own thoughts, just as the old oriental saying goes," when everybody adds fuel, the flames rise high."
DeleteI think what your said in Q2 that in most case Chinese classrooms revovle around professors's teaching is an efficient way. However, group discussion session is a brilliant approach to aborbsing ideas from others to get knowledge. This is thus effective and creative in college class but not bloody useful in middle school or lower than it like primary shool I think, because it is better for students in primary or middle school to get more correct information effectively, I mean, it is more helpful to get knowledge from teachers directly because of their young age.
DeleteI'm Cindy.
DeleteI agree your opinion of group work a lot. In every class I take here in the USA, I feel that American classes look highly of group studies. We discussed a lot and worked together a lot. And I like this learning method, which makes me more concentrated on the work.
1. I agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. When we arrived this university and began our class, we can clearly felt the difference of classroom atmosphere. The distance between professors and students is closer, and there is more interaction in the classroom. The professors will welcome the students to ask questions, there are not too many rules in the class. In many courses, professors expect the students to ask questions and use critical reasoning. It is seen as part of the learning process. We have lots of chances to talk with each other as a group. 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. If the issue requires a longer conversation, the student may make an appointment to see the professor during office hours.
ReplyDelete2. In China classes often have more rules, honor the teacher and respect his teaching is the most important. Students sometimes are not allowed to ask question when the teacher does not ask questions. It is very important for the teacher to finish the knowledge content of the lesson, so the interaction time between the students is limited.
Yes I can't agree more as I noticed the same thing. But sometimes it depends on different teachers as there are also some interesting professors in China.
DeleteIn the Chinese classrooms nowadays, students are becoming more and more active and the teachers are giving more freedom to the students. Mostly teacher will allow students to ask questions as long as the students raise their hands.(Felicia)
DeleteThe same as you. It is totally different from Chinese classrooms. And we always nod our heads to show repect to our teachers. And it is radiculous for us to against what textbooks said. It is so wierd!
DeleteThis is Gaby. I totally agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. For example, once I felt ashamed of having breakfast in class and tried not to let the professor find out. However, the professor did not say anything about my illegal behavior even a warning. Besides, I always find that one of my classmates seems free access to the classroom and the professor says nothing. I am really confused about that. In China, those behaviors above are thought as disrespect for teachers. We students should do what we need to do in class and try our best not to disturb other students. Everyone has his own attitude towards studying and I think it is our duty to keep order in class together.
ReplyDeleteYes, in China i usually study bu myself. But here, it is usually study in groups or with partners. It is really surprised me. And in my elementary school, children have snakes and eat while teacher is reading. I love that.
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ReplyDeleteYes, American students have more freedom during class. And in the mean time, they try their best not to disturb others. From my perception, maybe the freedom they have in classes contributes to American students' creativity.
DeleteThis is Eve.
ReplyDelete1、Yes, I do agree with their classroom culture and values. Last week when I observed the Art History class on Friday, and I felt so surprised that students even could leave classroom without asking for permission. But I guess this phenomenon only happened in university classes, as I noticed that in elementary classroom that students would like to ask for permission to leave for a moment even it is in the break. As for asking questions or appearing to challenge the teacher, I don’t think it is impolite. On the contrary, I believe it’s a kind of seriousness.
2、In my opinion, the most important thing in my country's classroom learning environment is study efficiency. Teachers are always eager to give more knowledge and hope students can get more points as soon as possible.
In the class I am observing in elementary school, the students don't have to ask for permission if they want to go to restroom, I guess whether they should ask permission or not is up to the teacher.(Felicia)
DeleteAlthough professors say nothing of the students who behave in seemingly disrespectful ways because of the American concept of individual expression, I feel a little bit unaccustomed and uneasy. In my opinion, it is not only irresponsible to himself, but also irresponsible to others.
DeleteOh, in my class in elementary school, students also go to other places during the class. And sometimes they don't ask for permission. Maybe it's just a custom.
DeleteChinese classes primarily revolve around professors and in most case professors give knowleage to students.
DeleteThis is Felicia.1. I agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. What the video described about American classroom is exactly what we are experiencing. At the beginning of the semester, the professors of my courses gave syllabus to the students and we can find most of the information about the class in the syllabus. Moreover, When I observed in an Art History class, I found that students are free to ask questions and some of them put their feet up on furniture, students in American classes have more freedom.
ReplyDelete2.From my perspective, the most important value in my country's classroom learning environment is the efficiency and the respect to teacher. In some class, teachers are the center of the class, to show respect for the teachers, most students won't challenge the teachers' authority in class, but students can talk with teachers after class.
Actually in my study and life, I always ask the teachers questions in class when I feel confused about what the teachers said. I do not think this kind of behavior challenges the teacher's authority in class and most of time I can set up a good relationship with my teachers through this way.
DeleteYes, definitely it is. Chinese students tend to ask our questions after class. And since there is too much content of one class our teacher put emphasize on the efficiency. Sometimes they are in hurry and speak very fast.
DeleteDefinitely. America students have more freedom. In China we think constrainting behavior could be good for study. However I think it depends. And Chinese class is very efficiency. Teachers would only foucus on important concepts.
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ReplyDeleteThis is Debbie.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values.
Firstly, in the video, I see professors will introduce courses by syllabus in the beginning of the semester. Nearly all of my professors give us the syllabus at the beginning to let us know the assignments and exams of the class. Secondly, In many courses, our professors give us some snakes to eat even during the class, however, in China we seldom can eat during classes. Thirdly, I observed a very interesting phenomenon in elementary schools. Many pupils raise their hand to answer questions even though they don’t have complete answers. It’s just show students’ willingness to engage in the class rather than they are impolite.
I think show respect to teachers and attach great importance to education is most important in China’s classroom. We show respect to our teachers by concentrate on their class and answer the questions after fully think about it. Though it may let China’s classroom not very active but we adapt to it and enjoy it.
Yes. we can not eat while teacher is talking. Because we consider it is not respectful. And in elementary school children allow to bring snakes to eat while teacher is reading books.
DeleteI totally agree with this. We have the syllabus for each class. This syllabus really suprised me. It's a good wat ti show how many things should we do around this semester, also give us more information including the office hours of each professol, the plan of this semester and which level of our grades. Anyway, we can do them well after read this syllabus.
ReplyDeleteYes. Actually I am surprised when I first recieve so many syllabus to tell me all about this class. But it is really convinent.
DeleteIn the Chinese classroom, freedom is the most important values. The education of China is more and more better around these years. We have a good communication with our professol and they always encourage students to answer questions. They give us enough respect that we will be more consident to answer questions.
ReplyDeleteI'm Danchen.
ReplyDelete1. I agree. Alex, our writing teacher told us that plagiarism is a big problem in America university. In his class we learn how to quote what someone else has said or written. Also, I found someone offered incomplete or incorrect thoughts and the teacher did not point out. I am afeard that what if some students misunderstand the concept.
2. I think the most importan value in my country's classroom is that teachers introduce the knowledge systematically. Afert the class, we could understand how this concept apply to the work or other concepts we have learned before.
I‘m Melody.
ReplyDelete1. Personally speaking, I agree with the webpage author's and video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture. Every professor gave us a syllabus about their courses at the very beginning of this semester. Additionally, professors usually ask us ," Do you have any question or comment about that?" Therefore, students often ask for clarifications or requirements during class. We also have many opportunities to discuss in groups in class. Because most of my classmates are international students, I didn't notice anyone would eat food during class, which shows respect to professors in some ways.
2.As for my country's learning environment, I think the most important value is that in China, there is no doubt that we should respect our professors. Instead of challenging professor's authority during class, students usually talk with their professors about their concepts after class. From my perspective, this could improve the efficiency of the whole class and won't let our professors feel embarrassed or offended if someone asks a weird question. What is more, we are not allowed to bring any food to our classroom according to the school rules, which also shows respect to our professors when they are instructing lessons for us.
"Do you have any question or comment about that?" All the teachers I have met before will ask the questions in order to make sure that every students have caught up with him/her and if he/she have made him/herself understood.I really appreciate it!
DeleteI totally agree with you that our morality have taught us to respect teachers. I think another way to show respect is that no talking and no cellphones in class. And my senior high school teacher said the same thing that don't interrupt him in class but ask questions after class. He really put emphasis on it, which, I think ,is kind of odd.
1.Yes, I agree.
ReplyDeleteConfirm: Professor always ask us to raise hands over your head to get attention that you know the answers or you almost have idea. And it is very common for me to work in groups or teams mirror working in the real world.
Contradict: I haven't have a teaching assisstant who is a graduated student and konw the subject very well to help exam or survery. Maybe it is because I'm an exchange student.
2.The most important one may be exam. Exams in China are equal to memory tests. They test how well you can memorize the textbook contents and key words. Even the essay part has an instruction to limit the way you can show your creativity: limits forms of literature, structure of the article, and sometimes give you a title of the article then ask you to fill out the body part.
I'm Cindy.
ReplyDelete1. Mostly I agree with the authors' and the video's opinions. The syllabus from each classes are kind of surprises for me. We didn't really receive syllabus in China. They are useful for me to get the information I want. Besides, I think it's true that in American classroom professors and students communicate more actively.
2. From my perspective, the most important value in Chinese classroom learning environment is taking notes. The professors will notify students who are not taking notes. The reason is professors will teach a lot of new knowledge at one time. What we will do is listening to them carefully and taking as many notes as possible. But some classes will be relaxing.
What I learn in America is that feel free to ask questions. Because we can get the exact information that we want to be sure about. Don't feel embarrassed to do it. Apart from this, I totally agree that we Chinese value in the notes. However, I think some of our teachers made a mistake. In my junior high school, I could say my English teacher enforced us to take notes and she would even check from time to time! Every morning, she asked us to recite our notes!
DeleteHi Cindy, I am Mindy.
DeleteI also agree with you that we should receive syllabus wherever we are. Syllabus help us to know the learning objectives better and have stronger belief in our well-prepared professors. And we should learn something from American students and try to be a more active, brave and critical person in class. That would make us understand the knowledge in textbooks better and be an independent individual who can hold their own opinion.
Though I don't think taking notes is so important but teachers think it does. In China's colleges, students usually just study for a few days before final exams in the whole semester. A lot of Chinese student borrow others' notebook and make a copy, and that is enough to pass the exam. However, I will never suggest you to do that and we should work hard every day!
I am Wendy.
ReplyDelete1. I agree with the webpage author's and the video's characterization of U.S. classroom culture and values. It is true said in video that American professors handed out syllabus to every student and tell students how to address their preferred name. While in China, we did not receive any syllabus but a professor will introduce the guidance of his/her class, which also includes office address, classroom etiquette, assignments and exams, but which does not include the office hours ( I think because it may be uncertain). What's more, indeed I saw some students used a labtop in class which is OK in American classrooms but it is not approved in China.
2. I would say that the most important in my country's classroom learning environment is that professors administer the more efficient teaching. In spite of less classroom interaction, teachers tend to give more knowledge, and give correct answers, while an American class primarily consists of students group discussion session, after which students show their outcomes, but the professor would not give a clear and standard answer.
I am Jimmy (Min Jia). I agree with some of the opinions within the webpages and the video Firstly, American students may behave in ways that seem disrespectful towards professors. For example, when I was a student teacher in an American elementary school, I saw many students eat in class and put their feet up on the furniture. Secondly, I agree that students have to do their own work and that the professor may only have a managerial role. During this semester, I did many presentations choosing the topic and preparing the papers by myself. Thirdly, students are supposed to participate actively in the classes such as asking questions and discussing in a group. I listened to a speech last week. When it was time to ask questions, there were many American students asking questions.
ReplyDelete2. In my opinion, there are two values that I think are the most important in a Chinese classroom. The first value is observing class rules. Because we want to protect most people’s rights. If we allow a student to eat food in the class it may disrupt the learning of other students. The noise of eating food makes it hard for other students to listen to the professor. The second value is use class time efficiently. Sometimes professors take up students’ rest time in order to teach class.
Well, I think you're right that professor may only play a managerial role in order to make students complete their assignments by themselves and be more independent. I think the worst part of Chinese classroom rule is that I can't go to the restroom or get some water without my teachers' permission! But in America, students are allowed to.
DeleteI'm Cindy.
DeleteToday I observed a class and I found one of the students wore the headphone all the time in class. And it was not a big deal. But if that happened in China, I'm not sure whether would the student get punishment. Thus, just as what you think, I also think American classes have freer atmosphere. Besides, could you explain more about the second value you mentioned?
I am Mindy.
DeleteYes, there is also some negative effect of relaxing classroom atmosphere. Students may do not have enough respect of their teacher or professors. But I still think most college students are mature enough and not a naughty baby anymore, so they deserve a close relationship with professors. A friendly relationship will benefit both professors and students.
I think so. In American class students ask questions a lot. For example, this afternoon I observed Professor Spencer's class, and I noticed that they asked a lots of quesions even it was just a small question. Thay are willing to show what they are thinking about and share it with others. Therefore, American students are more interactive with professors than we are in China.
ReplyDeleteIn China, I think the most important thing is that listen carefully to the teacher. For one reason, we think that is a way of showing respect to our teachers and knowledge. For another, our teachers believe that by this way, our students will focus on the class instead of being absent-minded. Therefore, not only schools bu also parents will ask us to listen carefully in class.
I'm Cindy.
DeleteExactly! One of the most important values in Chinese classrooms must be listening to the teachers carefully. I've told over thousand times to be concentrated on the class by my teachers and parents. However, I think it's OK to be absent-minded sometimes because our brain needs to relax.
Hi Ke, I am Mindy.
DeleteI agree with you. American people, both professors and students, seem to be much more active than Chinese. American students are not afraid of raising their hands and ask the questions! Having questions usually means you are thinking critically and listen to your professor carefully! That also indicates that American professors are more inclusive and encourage diverse thinking. In China, have you ever found that it is hard to focus on what professors are talking about all the time? If we don't get involved, we are easy to get sleepy.
Hi, I am Mindy.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I cannot agree more. American classrooms tend to be very interactive. Professors make the courses interesting and lively enough to ensure students are more willing to get involved in classes. As a result, it could encourage students think independently and diversely. What is more, American professors allow students to have different opinion about the same answer and value their opinion very much. Though high-quality discussions, students will gain deep and critical comprehension in knowledge. I can feel strongly in all of my classes that professors are trying hard to get our attention and let us participate in the classes. I love this typical American style of classes!! And students are always welcomed by professors during their office hours. American students are able to get more support from their professors. In China, very sadly that we don't have so many chances to see our professors on campus. But in UWRF, we get a lot of support from our professors!
Secondly, in China, the most significant thing is RESPECT. We do not have very lively, active, interactive atmosphere in classroom. And there is only one "standard" answer to a question. We need to listen to our professor carefully and write down our note quickly. That is how we show our great respect to our professors and their hard work. The relationship between students and professors are not so close.
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