Current Event #5: A New School of Thought in China
Due: Friday, October 12th
This week we are taking a
look at the current state of schools and learning in China. Education is constantly
changing as we speak to benefit students of today toward being productive 21st
Century citizens. The United States continues to raise its concerns to better
prepare our students to achieve academic success in order to compete globally
with other countries around the world. As you read the Time Magazine article by Austin
Ramzy, be sure to make any comparisons or differences between yourself as a
current American student to the Chinese students mentioned.
What You Will Do:
Read the Time Magazine article discussing the first class of students at Xing Wei, a
liberal-arts college in Shanghai, China. http://www.xingwei.edu.cn/En/SubNews/6a200559db8b7bdd.shtmlAnswer the following questions in complete details to express your opinions based on the information presented in the article.
1. Students in China have to undergo the gaokao, which is an all-important multi-day examination that determines where all Chinese students go to college and even what subjects they can study. Should there be such an enormous emphasis placed on students to pass high stakes tests in order to decide their future learning and training?
2. How does the educational system in China differ from education
reform in the United States? (Ex.: PSAT/SAT/ACT
testing, new common core standards, teaching critical thinking skills, etc.)
L 3. Lu Fang, Vice President of Fudan
University in Shanghai stated that, "Highly
specialized education often ignores ethical, cultural and moral values.....Along
with a lack of humanity, some students are missing a sense of social
responsibility." Explain
how each of these components (ethical,
cultural, and moral values) have been or are evident in your current/past
school curriculum to ensure that you will have a sense of social
responsibility.
Avery Acierno
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
10/8/12
1. I don’t think that the test that Chinese high school students must take, the gaokao, should be as immensely important as it is. I don’t think it is fair for students to have so much pressure on this one test, which basically determine s your future. Some really smart people aren’t good test takers, and it is sad their dreams could be ruined by this one monster assessment. The test should count for something, but it shouldn’t have the power to ruin a good student. I definitely believe the stakes of this gaokao should be lowered so people can recover from a lower score, and still go to a good university.
2. In China, the educational system seems stricter and hard working. However, it also has a more straightforward approach with less creativity. Students in China are drilled hard on given information, but are very rarely asked to give insight, problem solve, or think creatively. These can actually be important skills in the future. In the U.S., students are asked to think outside of the box more often. Also, China seems to focus greatly on standardized testing. Universities only care about your timed math and science skills, and your test scores. This is different here. In the U.S. test (SAT, ACT) are important, but schools also look at your grades, creativity, problem solving, and extra curriculum activities; which lets you make up for a poor test.
3. Here, at Chapel Hill schools as well as throughout the U.S., education tries to teach ethics, culture, and social responsibility along with standard education. In elementary school and middle school we were taught ethics and morals, doing the right thing. We learned this through bullying and friendship programs, as well as through teachers installing these values to us when we were young. Culture has always been incorporated in education. When we learn history of certain people, we are taught their culture too. Also, we have been taught about one another’s cultures through projects and celebrations. Finally, we have always been taught social responsibility. We are taught to do the work we are responsible for through individual and group collaboration. We are also taught to help others and our communities through different programs. I believe ethics, culture, and social responsibility should be a part of education to make student better people.
Very fine job turning this in first. I appreciate your enthusiam.
DeleteCurrent event # 5
Delete1. There should not be a method of determining where students go to college except the college’s determination.
2. Our college’s determine where students go but China’s government determines where their students go.
3. It doesn’t matter what your religion or race or anything of that sort is, you are still commited to your education.
Abby Kameny
ReplyDelete5th period
10/9/2012
I was surprised at how intense the education system is in China while reading “A New School of Thought in China.” I believe gaokao is much too extreme. To be honest, I originally thought our testing was extreme before I read this article. End-of-grade testing is a great way to assess students; however the system for gaokao only stresses out students. It would throw off their test scores, and I don’t think it’s very efficient. Although I agree with the fact that pupils should be successful and get a career, preparing them to the extreme only hurts them. If I had to go to such a competitive school, it would be very nerve-racking for me. Putting so much pressure on students to do well on such a difficult exam only makes them more stressed out.
The testing curriculum in China is very different from ours. Although we both have standardized testing such as the SAT, ACT, or EOC’s, I believe they’re graded differently. According to “A New School of Thought in China,” the testing in China is extremely difficult and determines whether you will get a ‘good’ career or not. On the contrary, our standardized tests are graded on a curve and usually do not necessarily determine your future. Of course, it has a major impact on what college you will go to and what occupation you will have, but I believe China’s testing organization is excessive and unnecessary. Even during class, the students must remain silent and not ask questions. Preventing the students’ ability to ask their teacher questions must affect their test scores as well.
Education systems with such an extreme style of learning definitely limit students’ social interactions. If they’re constantly hard at work, there is usually little or no time for them to socialize with their friends. Studies have shown that talking to peers even for a few minutes before working improves test scores. Socializing has been proven to simulate brain activity and improve memory. If pupils are discouraged from that, I believe it will eventually affect how they learn. I am currently happy with our school. We have the opportunity to eat lunch with our friends for fifty minutes, and seniors can even go off campus or have free periods. I’m not saying that Chinese schools should completely change their curriculum or get rid of the gaokao, but allowing the students to socialize or ask questions would definitely improve their education.
Anna Grace Kelley
ReplyDelete10/09/12
Period 7
In this article, it talked about the many ways in which Chinese schools can improve. In my opinion, one of the ways they can improve their schooling system is to not put so much emphasis on the gaokao test. You cannot determine the intelligence of a student by a single test, and I think there needs to be a change in that method. They can keep the test, but to judge someone’s intellect on just one task is not a good idea. Their previous grades, and assignments should also be viewed to make a decision on what this student should be as an adult.
In both America and China, education determines how well you’re going to do in life. There are a few differences though. In America you take a test called the SAT, which is a big deal. Your score on the SAT can help colleges decide if they want to accept you, but it isn’t everything. You can get an average score on a SAT but have amazing grades, and get into a great college. In China, everything is decided by your gaokao test. The score you earn on this test decides whether you are successful or just another manufacturer. Besides that, American schools tend to focus on life skills and problem solving as well as knowing the facts, but in China schools, its strictly information. So like I said before, education is very important in both countries, but they differ in many ways.
Education is a loosely used term. Many people believe that education is strictly knowing the facts, but others would argue that it is knowing how to problem solve and make good decisions. In my opinion, school is so much more than just memorizing information. In school, you should develop social skills and learn how to be successful when you are grown up. If school doesn’t teach you those things, knowing your facts isn’t going to do you any good. This is one of the main things that separates the Chinese schooling system from the American, and on this topic, I agree with the Americans.
Jackson Cabell
ReplyDelete7th Period
1) I think that there should not be a test that students have to take like the gaokao test. The reason that I feel this way is because a student’s future shouldn’t be decided on one test. The student may have a bad day and he/she might’ve done terrible on that test, but he/she might have been a straight A student he/she’s whole life. It’s not a reliable source for the schools to decide what students they take by looking at their scores of the gaokao test.
2) The educational system in China is different than the U.S educational system because China relies on the gaokao test for the children’s educational future whereas U.S looks at grades, tests scores, and extracurricular activities. U.S also has a big test, which is called the SAT. If you were to get a good grade on this test then it would increase your chances of getting into a more advanced college, but if you do bad on it and you have great grades, then you can still get into a good college. But in China, if you did badly on the gaokao test, then it would be hard to get into an excellent school.
3) Schools like Chapel Hill High School have been teaching ethical, cultural, and moral values to ensure that we will have a sense of social responsibility. They do this by doing certain activities like: tests, group class work, homework, projects. This way we are interacting with people when doing work and also doing some work outside of school at our house. This ensures that we are being educated in these areas.
Nathan Guskiewicz
ReplyDelete10-9-12
period 5
1. I think that it is wrong that students have to take these tests to tell them what college to go to and what to study. People should know what they want to do they shouldn’t need a test to tell them. Even if students don’t know they should be the ones to figure it out. Also the fact that it choses what college they go to doesn’t make sense to me. One part of going to college is picking a college and getting accepted into one and these totally takes that away.
2. China and The US are different when it comes to school because in the US it’s more common for people to go to college. Also in the US colleges are more liberal arts focused where as in China its specific. In China you take a test to tell you what school to go to and what to study, but in the US you chose where to apply and what to study.
3. School has really taught me a sense of social responsibility. Elementary school is all about getting along with different kids with different cultures and races. You really learn how to respect other people. A lot of school is learning about history which teaches you a lot about right and wrong towards cultures.
Sam Bauers
ReplyDeleteOctober 9
waters 3rd
1) I don't believe that there should be so much emphasis on one test. The girl in the article is supposedly a really good student but that wont matter now that she only did average on the Gaokoa final exam. A final test that colleges look at are often needed, however it shouldn't be the only thing that they look at or even decide where you get to apply or go to school. Also because it is such a big deal and important test there is so much stress on the kids what you learn about their abilities from the test probably are not how good they would regularly do on a standard test.
2) In China since they are communist they get to decide where you go to college or what you need to go to college. In America you can go to college for other things than knowledge. There are plenty of athletes that get huge scholarships because they play a sport. Also even if you dont do good on one test that wont decide your entire education. We have the SAT or ACT that are huge tests that every highschooler uses to get into college. However colleges dont just look at those to decide your fate. Also in school their is more than just learning. You go to school to enhance your social skills and to interact with one another.
3) In America morals, culture, and your ethical backround are huge. These things are very important to who you are and what you believe in. Its what separates you from everyone else. This is where we defer from China. In China they dont care as much if at all. Also they just care about how smart you are or what you can bring to the table. In America we want to know who you are and what unique thing separates you from everyone else in the world.
McKenna Willoughby
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
10/9/12
1.) I do not think that there should be a huge test like the gaokao. To put that much pressure on a student to do well on just one test is too much. Everyone has bad test days. What if they are having one of those days during this test? Even really good students do bad on a test once in awhile. I believe that they should at least have many separate tests.
2.) There are many ways that the educational system in China differs from education system in the United States. In China, where you go to college and what your career will be is decided for you. If you get a good score at the end of the year test, then you will get into a good college. If you do badly on it, then you are out of luck. In the United States, you can choose where you go to college and what you want to do in the job industry. You can take many separate tests over again so that you get the score you want.
3.) Throughout the years, school has taught me a lot about social responsibility. I have learned how to organize and respecting my teachers. It has also taught me a lot about different cultures and races. I go to school with a lot of different types of kids, and have learned to accept that through school.
Tommy Mozier
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
1. No. you should be able to choose what you want to do and where you want to go. Your life is in your own hands and you alone will become successful. Choosing where or what people study is crazy because people should do what they want and what their good at and where they want to go.
2. For one thing, its not so hard, people in China go to school for 10 hours a day and have little physical activity based on the story. I think that the only problem with our system is that we need better teachers and that we need to enforce the rules and testing.
3. We are more social. Most of school is very social and in tons of jobs you need to be socially smart. Also you can be as smart as can be, but if you don’t have morals than you can’t land a good job.
Paige Jones
ReplyDelete2nd period
1. I don't think there should be the gaokao test. I know a lot of people who don't do well on tests, but they're actually really smart. I don't think someone's knowledge should ever be judged by one test. I don;t think it's fair to look at a certain test and bade a students knowledge completely off of that one test. I also think this puts a lot of pressure on the students to do well, which could make them more nervous and do worse on the test.
2. I think our education system is different and similar ti China's education system. I think both of our education systems some what base our knowledge off of certain tests, but in China it's more strict and you only get one chance to do well, and the rest of your career depends on it. Also in China, they just look at the gaokao test scores, while in the US they look at other things like grades in school and extracurricular activities.
3.Through out the years in school, we've been taught responsibility as well as getting an education. We have to be organized, plan out our time for homework, and we've been taught to work in groups on things like projects and class work. Even though we might not like when teachers are being strict or give us a lot of homework, it's helping us learn the subject and responsibility.
Albert Yam
ReplyDelete10/10/12
Period 2
I think that the gaokao is not that terrible a system to get into college. One good thing is that if you didn’t do the best in high school, then you can always do well on the gaokao and still get into a good college. Another good thing, in my opinion, is that you do not have to do service hours, your entire college admission is almost all based on your gaokao scores. So instead of wasting your time with service hours or extracurricular activities you could be studying for the gaokao and preparing for college. So yes, overall I think there should be a gaokao.
The educational system in China is similar to the one in the U.S. In China, one of the only ways to get into an elite college is to have top gaokao scores. In the U.S., they also look at a test score as well, the SAT or the ACT. If you get good score in these tests then, similar to China, you can get into an Ivy League school. One difference between the systems is that the U.S. places more emphasis on extracurricular and service hours. If you do average on a test, but you had lots of extracurricular activities, you can still go to an average college, whereas, in China, if you fail the gaokao then it will be hard to get into an elite school.
Schools in the U.S. usually do not have an extremely elite highly specialized way of education. This gives students time to understand more social and moral issues instead of spending their entire education memorizing facts and taking tests. I think that if I went to school in China, I would ignore ethical, moral, and cultural values in order to be top of the class. In the U.S. the education is less rigorous; therefore students do not devote their entire time to studying and will understand some ethical, cultural, or moral values.
Danielle Reviere
ReplyDelete5th period
I do not think that there should be a test that determines what field of study you go into. But I do think that there should be a test like our SATs and ACTs to determine if you comprehended the material. I do not think that the test should be the deciding factor to what collage you can go to. Some of the similarities between the US and China is we both have a test that has a little bit of an effect on where you will go to college. The difference though is China’s gaokao is what determines where you go to college and what field you will go into. Where in the US the collages not only look at your scores on the test but they look at your grades and your extra-curricular activities. One of the ways that I was taught culture was by going to the global connections night at Smith. This is basically when parents from different cultures and other people that Smith invites come and share their culture through foods, games, and even dances. Ethical and moral values have been taught throughout school by teachers teaching us to not bully people and to do the right thing. We are taught social responsibility by working in groups for projects and different assignments, and with class discussions.
Joy Stouffer
ReplyDelete7th Period
1) I don’t think that it is fair that a student’s career is based on a test. Some people just don’t test well. Also, a student might be having a bad day. One test just isn’t a sufficient way of knowing how knowledgeable someone is.
2) The educational system in China is different than the American education system. One way that they are different is the testing system. In America, colleges do look at testing scores, but they also look at other things, like school grades. In China, if you have a bad gaokao score, you might as well forget about getting a good job.
3) Ethical, cultural and moral values are important because a student could be very smart, but could also be a horrible person. In school, moral values are important because they are what keep a student from cheating. I think that a person should be accepted or denied by a college based on the student’s intelligence and values.
Carly LeMoine
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
There should not be such an enormous emphasis places on students to pass high stakes tests in order to decide their future learning and training. The gaokao test takes away all the freedom of choosing your future. If someone is amazing at math that does not mean that they want to have a profession in math. You could go into this test with your heart set on what you want to be and that you find out that you have to go be something that’s not even close to what you wanted. In China, you are put into a school and are assigned a profession, but in America, you get to decide what you want you future to be. In America, you don’t even have to go to collage if you don’t want to. In America’s curriculums, you learn a sense of social responsibility in many ways. You get to decide how to do projects, as long as you have the required material; and you have the option of joining many clubs, being in plays or singing. In America, you have many opportunities to learn social responsibility.
Claire Kern Pd.7
ReplyDeleteA huge test that will decide your future comes with a lot of stress, and when you’re stressed out, you might not do as well as you could have. That’s why I think the Chinese test (the gaokao) should not be an emphasized as it is. Putting lots of stress on students just makes them do worse on tests and it makes them seem like they aren’t as smart as they really are. A test like the gaokao should not even be a requirement at all in my opinion. Test can’t show exactly what you really know anyway; they just show how well you can take a test, and how well you deal with stress.
The Chinese educational system and the American educational system are different in many ways. In china, the gaokao test basically decides the student’s future. If you do poorly on the test, it will be very hard for you to get into a good college. In America we have something similar which is the SAT, except there is a lot less pressure on American students for the test, though there is lots of pressure. Also in America, we look at more than just one test. We look at overall grades, extracurricular activities,
In schools across America, they make sure students have a good responsibility as well as good grades. Schools like Chapel Hill, Carrboro and East high school do this by enforcing homework, projects, group work and more. By assigning things to complete outside of school, it ensures we have responsibility skills to help us throughout our lives.
Morgan Durant
ReplyDelete3rd period
Goakoa a test that can determine your entire future is a bad Idea its not just that it decides what classes you take rather that you only get one chance to show your skills as apposed to several example of your work
A big difference between the educational systems are that in Chinas educational system the people try to focus on science in tech while American wants you to do what ever you want to and will help you in your studies
Most classes mainly English and history have current events or political and social studies that span entire units. Most of them tell you to think and gave you an idea of the world problems
To me, the gaokao seems quite unfair. If a student is a member to numerous clubs, sports, and gets perfect grades all throughout their hard years of school, they should be a prime contender for colleges. It just doesn't seem fair to the kids to have their entire future depending on a test. Primarily, it is way too much stress for students. And that stress can lead to lower test scores. What seems the most unjust is that someone can get into a better college opposed to someone who is a bad test taker even if the bad test taker is on a higher intellectual level. And in real life, your success does not come from written tests.
ReplyDeleteI guess you could compare the gaokao with the SATs taken in highschool but only to a certain extent. They are both written tests that colleges look at, but from the way they talked about the gakaos they seemed a lot harder. The colleges in America don't just look at your SAT score. They look at your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, overall grades, classes taken and so on. But the gakaos are the one and only thing that colleges look at. One thing thats a lot different in china schools is that they don't encourage asking questions, or creativity. Liberal Arts is encouraged here as well, but they do not like it in China.
Like I have stated before, the schools here like if you have a social responsibility.Having social responsibility means being in clubs, volunteering, and doing any extra curricular activities. These activities shapes your overall school experience, and teaches you how to multitask like you do in the real world. Being a student who is engaged in many extracurricular activities, I know that they have also helped me learn to manage my time much better.
- MIMI kramer
Nick Agusta
ReplyDelete1st period
1- I think that there should not be a test that students have to take like the gaokao test. The reason that I feel this way is because a student’s future shouldn’t be decided on one test. The student may have a bad day and he/she might’ve done terrible on that test, but he/she might have been a straight A student he/she’s whole life. It’s not a reliable source for the schools to decide what students they take by looking at their scores of the gaokao test.
2- China and The US are different when it comes to school because in the US it’s more common for people to go to college. Also in the US colleges are more liberal arts focused where as in China its specific. In China you take a test to tell you what school to go to and what to study, but in the US you chose where to apply and what to study.
3- We are more social. Most of school is very social and in tons of jobs you need to be socially smart. Also you can be as smart as can be, but if you don’t have morals than you can’t land a good job.
Francis Wemmenhove, Period 2
ReplyDeleteThere should never be an enormous amount of emphasis placed on one test. Therefore, I believe that the gaokao is not a good way of determining someone’s future. There are many factors that can cause someone not to do well on a test. For example, if the student taking the gaokao is sick on the day of the test, they probably will not do well on it. Also, since a huge emphasis is placed on that test, students will probably be very stressed out during and before the test. These factors could all lower the students scores. However, that does not mean that they are not smart because they did not do well on one test. So, I think that there should not be a huge emphasis on the gaokao.
The educational systems in China and the United States differ in may ways. In China the gaokao decides what university you go to, and the grades you got before the test do not really matter. In the U.S. there is also a test that helps determine which college you go to, the SAT’s. However, in the U.S. the SAT’s are not as important as the gaokao is in China. What college you go to also depends on the grades you get through out high school and the amount of service hours you have. All in all, both China and the U.S. have a test you take before college, but the amount of emphasis placed on the tests are very different.
Ethical, cultural, and moral values have definitely been a part of my school curriculum. In order to graduate, you need to have a certain amount of service hours. Also, if you cheat on a test and get caught you will be punished. These values are important to make sure that students know how to behave and don’t act disrespectful to people.
Connor Korfas
ReplyDeleteHonors World History
Period 1
I think to some extent the gaokao could be beneficial. It lets universities and student get an understanding for where they are ranked on an academic level. This also could be used as a resume booster if necessary. With this being said I don’t feel that this test should be the one deciding factor that determines whether or not a student gets into a good collage. I feel that it could be maybe one the criteria for getting into a good school but not the one deciding factor.
I feel that the Chinese educational system is very different United States system. In China the educational system is all based around the idea of becoming job prepared not so much real world prepared. The system is very rigid and structured. The system is more based on the idea of just finding the answer to a question not so much thinking about the question itself. This then causes the chinese students to be unable to be creative and not be able to use real world thinking. This also makes the student unable to function in real life scenarios. The U.S. system is now more based on being able to function in the real world not so much the classroom. In the U.S. we now focus on not so much knowing the answer of the question but how you got the answer. We in the U.S. are encouraged to be more creative in our thinking. More lessons I feel present the opportunity to accomplish them in multiple ways.
I think think in my throughout my educational experience there has always been and emphasis on moral and ethical values. In kindergarten you have the green, yellow, and red card which reflected your behavior. And the teachers are always stressing respect of others, and kindness. In middle school you were sent to the break room if you did something that broke the rules. As far as having a cultural aspect in our education the teacher have always shown us current event involving other countries. We also learn about the history of other countries.
Katherine Yang
ReplyDelete5th Period H World History
1) I do not believe that there should be such an enormous emphasis placed on students for this one gaokao test. It should be taken into deep consideration that many students find their calling after higher education, in the middle of it, or by traveling on their own for a year before they go on to college or other education. Some students may love a certain area of study, and simply have been badly or wrongly taught in that area during high school. Other students may have been sick, or had some other complication on the day(s) of the gaokao.
2) The educational system in the US is much more suited to the kind of society we have here than China’s educational system is to its own society. The US is very diverse, with possibly more areas of acceptable and/or available occupations than many other countries. We also have one of the world’s most diverse national populations (so much so that the government found it necessary to try to level high education rates for all ethnicities by rather biasedly imposing ethnicity ‘quotas’ upon universities as well as companies when hiring workers) Our system allows any child, or any adult, who wishes to learn more, to attend a college provided they have motivation. The students that wish to go even further can elect to take standardized tests, which, as of now, are still optional, and can use these scores along with their achievement in all areas in K-12 education to help them go to a better center of learning. In addition, no matter how far you wish to extend your student life, in order to receive a high school diploma, which is required for many jobs nowadays, one must be able to reach a certain level of skill in all common core areas, Common Language (English), Maths, Social Studies, and Sciences. Schools, unlike in China, encourage children to branch out into areas of study they may not major in, but may end up loving nonetheless.
3) I can clearly remember having breaks in our history units in 6-8th grade, talking about some aspect of American history, such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, or Veteran’s Day, that was rather irrelevant to the content we had learned the day before. All throughout middle school and in elementary school, children are taught from the beginning about our nation’s past. Though we do not go into detail, we all know, at least vaguely, about the wars and treaties and assassinations that lead the United States to be the country it is today. When we reach an age where we are supposedly considered socially mature and trustable, at 14, we can and are required to help the community through Service Learning Hours. In addition, all throughout the US, there are clubs, associations, scout groups, and centers run by, made for, or helping Americans of all backgrounds to appreciate the world they live in by providing education and information. We are lucky enough to be in a country where education is free for all who seek it, and we should all feel obliged to try and give back to this nation that made our lives possible.
Sydney Jones-Period 9
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, no. There are all kinds of variables that could contribute to a lower score on the gaokao other than the student’s knowledge, for example the student could be sick, nervous, or tired and not do their best. Personally I don’t think that this is fair to the students who have to potential to excel but aren’t allowed to because of one test. I think that students should have an unlimited future without restriction of this test telling them what they can and can’t be.
In the US we had unlimited options in terms of education and careers, although we have many important tests that can determine what colleges we get into, and a variety of degrees that can lead to a higher or lower paying job. Though we don’t have any huge tests that determine our future lack education and testing definitely can restrict us from some jobs or careers, but americans always have options to go back to school and to retake tests where in China education is not at all as relaxed and lenient.
In the US we are taught using a variety of methods of education to provide an interesting and fun learning experience for american students but while also involving various activities and assignments that promote teamwork and responsibility. We are also taught how to treat others interact with our community and environment respectfully through projects and labs. For example keeping classroom pets and animals for students to interact with and take care of
teaches responsibility and respect for animals and other living creatures, and doing group projects and assignments teaches students how work with others and teaches them to be responsible as a group. Whereas China’s strict style of learning does not include these projects and assignments that teach these moral values.
Autumn West
ReplyDeleteWorld History
10-11-12
7th Period
1. I don’t think it is fair for students to have so much pressure on this one test, which basically determine s your future. Some really smart people aren’t good test takers, and it is sad their dreams could be ruined by this one monster assessment. The test should count for something, but it shouldn’t have the power to ruin a good student. I definitely believe the stakes of this gaokao should be lowered so people can recover from a lower score, and still go to a good university.
2.China and The US are different when it comes to school because in the US it’s more common for people to go to college. Also in the US colleges are more liberal arts focused where as in China its specific. In China you take a test to tell you what school to go to and what to study, but in the US you chose where to apply and what to study.
3.Most classes mainly English and history have current events or political and social studies that span entire units. Most of them tell you to think and gave you an idea of the world problems.
Shamim Zarei
ReplyDelete2nd period
I think the gaokoa is bad idea because the students know what they want to be when they grow up and the test might give them another job and they didn’t want it. Students taking test can become nervous and mess up and get put into a job they would never want or not even get a job. A test should not decide your job, you should.
In China, the educational system is much more strict then the one in America. China looks at a test to decide your job/college while in American they look at grades and other things and you get to decide what you want to study or what college you want to go to. In American it’s easier to get into college because there not super strict and don’t make you take a test to choose your college. If you do badly on a test in America, you can still get into a good college.
The schools I have attended in America have taught me how to maintain my education as well have social responsibility. When we were kids, we were taught to not bully and be friends with everyone and in middle school we learned about the countries of the world and what happened in them. Throughout my school career, I have learned how to plan my time and do school work as well as enjoying my free time.
Nikki Thai
ReplyDelete1st Period
1.) I don’t think the test, the gaokao, should be emphasised as much as it is. Students shouldn’t have their entire future basically decided for them, based on one test. A test doesn’t determine how smart you actually are, a student might’ve been have a bad day or two, and the result of it was his “seeming low” or “average” test score. The test should be an optional assessment, that voices their opinion on the students future. It should not be stressed to the point where the results influence the students career choices.
2.) Schools seem stricter on their education, and emphasize the importance of being a good, smart student. China seems to only “want certain occupations”. Art occupations weren’t as well respected as others, at least not before. Whereas, in the United States, all jobs typically have their own important roles within society.
3.) I believe that growing up in Chapel Hill and attending the local schools, we are each being taught the same morals and ethics we should be. During elementary school you are primarily being taught morals, right from wrong, and ethics. During middle school, you learn the same concepts as you have been learning, with the exception of social responsibility. Middle preps you with all three of those “basic principles”. High school is where you begin taking your “test”. What middle school and elementary had prepared you for, is for you to understand life by yourself. For you to understand the difference from right and wrong, and choose the right choices; and also for you to be able to work and balance things out. That’s what I believe I’ve experienced here.
Anna Zurliene
ReplyDeleteOctober 10th 2012
7th period Honors World History
I think that students should be encouraged and motivated to pass high stake tests so that they can get into good colleges and choose the career path that they want and what’s good for them but I definitely do not think that students should be put under pressure and stress to take a whole bunch of significant tests just so that they can achieve something that they don’t even want to do. If those were the circumstances, why would you bother at all?
In china they are clearly very strict and harsh about education and what is expected from you. In America, we still have standards but most people are raised to believe that they can choose any path they want. We don’t take the SAT’s hoping that we do well enough that someone else will choose the career path that we wanted; we aren’t forced into anything with them, unlike China. We take the SAT’s so that we can do well and plan our career path like we want it. By getting into a good college and eventually proceeding on to get a job that we are actually interested in. Our own high school is centered around artistic and open thinking, where in China they are very practical and all about the facts.
You could be very smart but that is not all there is in life. The point of getting a job is to support your family and be able to live a good life with them, but if your work comes before your family, then there is no point in any of it. That is where morals and ethics come in. You need to understand that as a person you have a social responsibility to get out and meet people and experience culture and try new things or else how are you ever going to learn anything anyway? Text books and labs report don’t give you all the answers. In my previous schools, I have always been encouraged to do a sport or an after school activity because those provided us with basic learning and knowledge that we would need in life. They told us that social skills were important because in order to experience and learn you had to interact with others. Culture was a focal point at my old school because it was an International School in Germany. I have learned about so many different people and been to so many different places that I know a textbook isn’t the only way to learn and there are plenty of ways to succeed using ethics and morals and not with strict, highly specialized education all of the time.
Lillian Menkens-Weiler
ReplyDelete10/11/12
Honors World History
Waters Period 5
I do not think that this is a valid way to determine a student’s future. First of all, these tests will reflect them as high school students, not as adults who know what it is they would like to pursue in life. In addition, I think it is unfair to students that their future depends upon these tests. Here in the United States, students take SAT’s that they then submit to colleges with their applications. Colleges can use this information as they please-they review scores, student letters, grades, and recommendations. But in no way does this determine, when they’re eighteen, what they’re going to be doing for the rest of their lives. Some colleges give at least a year for students to choose their major, and others give more time. Students are able to apply to any college they wish. I don’t think that eighteen-year-olds should have the responsibility of determining what they will be doing for the rest of their lives.
The Chinese education system differs greatly from the curriculum that we have here in the U.S. Our curriculum involves SAT’s and other such tests, which are very important but do not automatically determine where you go to college. Throughout our years of education we also experience lessons in critical thinking and creativity. We also are often taught to memorize and take standardized tests, but it is not emphasized quite as much as it is in China. School inn the United States does seem very academic, but there is much more of a mix of critical thinking and standardization, whereas in China it is much more straightforward.
One example of how these topics have surfaced in my education is the current event assignment that we have every week. We are asked to interpret an article and give our opinions, viewing the topic critically and with much thought. By doing this, we are strengthening our critical thinking skills by interpreting events that are going on in the world now. We are often asked to discuss moral values as well as ethical values in our responses, and occasionally we must also describe our own cultural values.
Throughout the years I’ve had many teachers assign current events, many of which included an opinion section. Expressing our own opinions can be difficult, but it is very important, and it is emphasized in our curriculum. It is also important that we become more comfortable with expressing our views, because it will become more and more crucial. Learning about these current events also gives us a glimpse of the rest of the world, and gives us a good sense of our social responsibility and what we are capable of achieving.
Avery Scope-Crafts
ReplyDeleteP.1
The gaokao could help, but in most cases I don’t think so. The students would then know what universities they could get into, and they would have a better understanding on how smart they are. However, in my opinion this should not be the one reason as to whether or not you get into college. I think that this could be a part of how you get into universities, but certainly not the only one.
The Chinese educational system is greatly differs from schools in our nation. When China students get out of college, I think that they are unprepared in some ways for the real world. They would be really book smart, but hot as much street smart. In China schools, there is one answer and any other answer is wrong. How you think of the question or how you get the answer does not matter. This is very different that our education system. An American student is more prepared for the real world when they get out of college.
In my experiences as a student, I have been taught social responsibilities. We learn these when we are out of school, such as clubs or sports. The things you do out of school are the things that shape who you are today. Whether or not you got a math question right 20 years from now won’t mean a thing. A sport that you played or a club that you were it potentially could. Having social responsibility will help out later in life, when it is important.
simon dunson
ReplyDelete7th period
1)Personally i think the gaokao is a bad idea. There should not be so much emphasis on just one test. If you do bad on the test then you are screwed for the rest of your life. I feel that your future shouldn't be completely based off of one test.
2)In the United States i personally feel that we have lower standards. We also have a worse work ethic. the Chinese just have more motivation than us Americans.
3) I feel that throughout school we are taught ethics that we should know. In elementary school we are taught whats right right from wrong and how we should act in life. In middle school we start to focus more on academics. Finally in high school things start to matter more and its almost like everything we do is a test.
Abby Thomas
ReplyDelete10-11-12
5th period
I think that students in China shouldn’t have that much pressure put on them with one test. It adds stress to their daily lives, with all the studying that goes on for that, but also makes them focus on one thing rather than a variety of things that they could be doing. They are pretty much cut out for a certain job at this point in education and don’t have nearly as much of a choice as we do in our education.
We get to choose whatever we want to do in the future. We don’t have our school systems cut out our work for us. The only people that we have that influence what we do in the future is our parents. School systems in China have one main focus while people who go to Chapel Hill High get to focus on anything they want. They can choose from music, to science, to math or anything they can possibly think of. We have such a wide variety of things we could do when we grow up, that we don’t even decide until late high school. They work in school all of their lives just to get to that one main focus in college.
Our culture puts a ton of responsibility on people our age especially in schools. We are expected to get good grades, get jobs, do homework etc. Our moral values show what kind of person we are in school because it shows if we are motivated to do our work or just completely disregard the fact that we are there to learn.
Alexis Ramirez
ReplyDelete10/11/12
Honors World History
1st period
1) I disagree with the gaokao test. There shouldn't be a test that depends on your future. Not many people do well in tests. Sometimes a test can be for decision for the last grade on a class, so you can pass it. But in this case its not fair who those fail and lost their dreams for they wanted to work for. This mean that the students taking the test can have lots of pressure.
2) In our education in the United States have some similarities to the education in China.
One thing can be that in China's education, students focus more in sciences and technology. Another thing is that in the U.S we have more students go to college, and there is more chance to go wherever you want to study. Such as a vet. Another thing is that in China schools are more strict.
3) Schools in America have taught us to be responsible. Such as we have to not be disorganized, or not to be bully, be a buddy. Social responsibility, we have learned that using our planners, and keeping track of time and do work. We have learned this though out our school life.
CISEM KARACA
ReplyDelete10/11/12
5th period
Testing is a big deal for students; it can determine whether or not you get into school or what jobs you get in the future. Tests should be taken seriously but the level of importance in Chinese school systems is not as strong here in the US. I feel that the stakes at risk in China are much higher than here. The tests described in the article show that one test can determine whether or not you can study a field in College. Here if you don’t do so well on your test you can still study in that field but not at high standards. I feel that some emphasis is important because tests these days determine your future.
Standards in China are defiantly higher than here in the US. Their children are expected to do more in schools. They prefer hard-core memorization while our school system runs on a more hands on type learning plan. Our school systems are more social and teach in many areas. While on the Chinese side they focus more on the information and personal achievement.
Our school systems teach in many different situations like group work and labs this helps students learn how to work with other people and express their feelings normally. They do not teach this way in Chinese school systems so it may cause a lack of social and cultural experience. Our school system has taught us to be responsible and social we have been taught more cultural and social aspects of the world.
Claire Lancaster
ReplyDelete1st period
Mr. Waters
1) I completely disagree with the Gaokao test, because it puts way to much pressure on the student. Personally for me, I think that I would be so nervous about doing well on the test that I wouldn’t do well at all. One test shouldn’t decide what they get to do with their life. As a matter of fact, nobody should have a say on what they do. If they want to be a scientist or a doctor or whatever, they should be able to at least have that opportunity
2) I think that China and America are extremely different, education wise. I think that china puts allot more pressure on their students to do well. America gives multiple tests, that are all taken into account for college so that even if you don’t do well on your SATS you can still get into college if you get really goods grades, you can still get into the college that you want to, and have your dream job. Also, I think that America encourages the Arts more so then China does.
3) Ethical, cultural, and moral values are taught throughout the school day to me, as well as other students. Chapel hill especially, encourages getting evolved in the arts and being I diverse person, who is not afraid to be different. We don’t just go to school to learn math, and science. We go to school to become our own individual.
Takoda Ren
ReplyDelete2nd
5th current event
I think that a general knowledge test should be given such as the S.A.T., but I don’t think that an ok score should be weighted heavily. In China the colleges should look at how well the students are doing in the school as well as their regular grades. If you bombed on the gaokao, doing that probably wouldn’t make you toast, you would probably just have a lower chance for getting into a better school. I think this type of system is good, and that a similar system is used in America.
When I went to school in china, you would never do projects or creative thinking, they would just teach you stuff which you were expected to regurgitate the next day on the test. So unlike Ms. Lindekugel, who expects you to critical think to the max, very little deep thinking is involved in Chinese schools. They did give us grades in elementary school, but I am not sure if they recorded the scores for future reference. They probably just used it as a marker to see how much you learned, and if you got a low score you got a tongue lashing about “oh you’re so lazy, study more you lazy slob.” I also don’t recall there being any common end of grade tests or tests similar to the S.A.T. (but I wasn’t in high school, so I wouldn’t know).
Teachers always teach us history about cultural evolutions or civil rights movements or battles for freedom from an unjust government. They teach us this stuff to have us learn important events, but they also teach it to give us moral values that will influence the jobs you might apply for. They also teach us about individuals standing up for themselves and for the greater good; we will probably remember these lessons when older and might turn to working for an environmental cause or what not.
Markale Cordova
ReplyDelete10/11/12
Period 5th
1. Honestly what they are trying to do with Gaokao situation is pretty bad. I mean you only get one test and if you fail then it screw’s your whole life up; also future as well. I just feel that they shouldn’t be pressured so much for only one test; which calls for humongous amount of studying everyday so they can be successful and prepared. I mean I know their wants them to be very successful on everything they do and honestly that’s the right thing to do then go for it; keep it up. I just think its pushing it a tab bit far.
2. Not to put harsh on the United States, but after reading this article, it shows that us Americans have lower standards when it comes to education. I want the United States to become better where they can build on that low standard and make it higher. I believe they can do it; ask the Chinese they are motivated to do work harder then us when it comes anything (work, education, etc.). Us Americans are slacking and we need to get up and work harder!!
3. Here in the United States we go to school to be taught the things we should know later (work ethic). When you are in elementary school your taught to do what’s right from wrong with a little work (academics) on the side. In middle school your focusing on academics more then ever and starting to get to the phase where you start planning on your future. In high school a huge transition happens, you start to focusing on academics a lot because every single grade you get counts. You also towards the part where you plan out your future as in: what college’s would you like to attend? What do you want to do when your older? And tons of stuff like that. A lot of things your going to get into, but its all part of working hard and doing what your suppose to do so can get better.
Anna Castellano
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
10/11/12
The students in China have to take a gaokao, which is an important multi-day exam that determines where all Chinese students go to college and what subjects they study. I don’t think that there should be such an enormous emphasis placed on students to pass high stakes tests in order to decide their future learning and training. You could be a great student but just bomb the test because you are under pressure and stressed since the test is such a big deal. It is unfair to the students to put so much pressure on them for just this one test that can affect all of their hopes, dreams, and their future.
The education system in China differs from the education reform in the United States because rather than taking the gaokao like Chinese students, we take the PSAT, SAT, and the ACT. The difference between the gaokao and the PSAT, SAT, and the ACT is that students in the United States can take the tests more than once to try and improve their score and they are only a day long. Also, the United States tests aren’t as stressful because you have more than one chance and the tests are not the only things colleges look at when considering a student for their school. They also look at the students transcripts. Therefore, the tests that we take aren’t as important as the gaokao tests because our future doesn’t solely depend on them.
When you have specialized education you can often miss out on the opportunity for social responsibility as stated by Lu Fang, a University president in Shanghai. In middle school we did a unit called “Learning Without Borders” every year that would deal with a current world problem. One year we did a theme about Water and we read a book that dealt with the issue of water shortage and clean water in Sudan. Another year we did the topic of child labor. These types of activities and learning opportunities helped us have a sense of social responsibility because instead of just learning about math and science, we expanded our horizons to learn about other cultures and barriers we might not directly be exposed to.
Ari Horwitz
ReplyDelete7th Period
This article talks about China’s many ways they chose to educate there youth and many ways it can be improved. In my opinion China is focusing way too much about memorizing information and not thinking about the social part of learning. By determining students successfulness in one single test at the end of high school is terrible. The point of multiple years of education is too absorb information, learn from your mistakes and peers, and to translate your improvements for Colleges and yourself to see. I think China needs to start looking at the student’s progress while in school and not just at a test so that the learning process has a say in how well you do in the long run.
In the United States there is many factors that affect students admission to college. First of all we do take a test like the SAT that does reflect to colleges. But, it certainly doesn’t reflect completely like the gaokao. The US is much different from china because colleges look at student’s grades from past years and they also look at out of school activities and leadership activities that the student took a role in. I really like that because even if a student doesn’t show much potential in school they can still get into a decent college for there contribution to the community. Also in China high school and college really focuses on teaching students the written information and how to be successful in only a certain number of fields. In the US when you are in college you have several years to decide what you really enjoy doing and pick your career path from that point.
Education is viewed in many ways. First of all some people like to teach just the facts that are in the curriculum but other people like to teach problem solving which goes beyond school work and teaches you responsibility and social skills. In school you shouldn’t be just memorizing facts you should be using those facts to interact and use in your life. Developing skills to being a more mature and social person has a big impact in your learning skills. In schools in the US you learn about several cultures and ethnicity’s. I like that because it gives you a understanding of other peoples values and it also connects with social skills because you can talk with people in those religions or ethnicities and learn from them and make friends with them. I’ve been thought to make a difference in like and have a responsibility to be what I want to be and I think that is a great way to teach and I think teaching practices need to be changed in China because it is posing a bad example.
Rebecca Harless
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
October 11, 2012
I do not think that there should be such an enormous emphasis placed on students to pass the high-stakes gaokao in order to decide their future and training. First of all, although it is a multi-day examination, which is better than having testing all in a day, (I know because having two tests in one day makes my head hurt), the amount of information to be memorized must be huge, which would leave you even more tired the next day than the former. Also, as the article said, it’s just a bunch of memorization and not analyzing. If you try really hard, you can memorize a lot, but for subjects like science and technology, I think that analyzing is just as necessary. Besides that, the stress, so much stress, which would most likely affect your test scores. I do not approve of the emphasis placed.
There are many differences and several similarities between the United States’ educational system and China’s. I would say that the American equivalent for the Chinese gaokao is the PSATs, SATs, ACTs. Yet these are not equal. The SATs, for as much as I know, are not the huge, everybody study a billion things and repeat in a timeline of days thing that the gaokao is. They both place a large amount of stress on students, but not as much, I think, for the Americans as the Chinese because the Americans can retake the tests and are prepared for them earlier with PSATs, while, for the Chinese, what’s done is decided. Also, the SATS probably don’t have as large an influence on college acceptance. The U.S. also prepares its students with common core things, where everybody has to learn math and science and English and history. Right now, we are also being taught to think critically and solve problems on our own to get us ready for college. I, myself, have also taken annual core curriculum state tests, which, I think, prepare us better for SATs.
I have also been ensured a sense of social responsibility with my schools’ curriculum. For most of my school career, I have had to take history/social studies, which gives me a wide sense of what has/is going on in the world, the past mistakes we’ve made, and the ties between countries, events, and times. I think that fills in for the cultural component. From kindergarten, certain morals have been drilled into my head, like walking in line and being quiet in the hall, not calling names, not lying, not being racist or judgmental, accepting everyone. Also, ethics, like not stealing, being kind, and NOT plagiarizing (this one especially for writing in English, history, etc.), and friendship have assimilated into my thought process from early on. Cultural components can also be fieldtrips, some fun, other horrible, and two years in middle school of “Study Skills,” which is basically learning a bunch of morals/philosophy of human nature. I now, because of my schooling, have a sense of social responsibility.
David Cho
ReplyDeleteWorld History
10/11/12
1. i think it is unfair for the gaokao test to be putting you in a specific university just for doing bad. I think they should change it to be more like the SAT. Because it just is not fair to put so much pressure onto students, and they should give like some kind of retake or at least choose what kind of college they want to go to.
2. it differs from the sat because the Gaokao it chooses what college you can go to and what you study even if you do not want to study it. but the SAT no matter what score you get you can choose what college you want to go to or what you want to study, well if you get a good score.
3.throughout my life in schools and elders i have been taught ethics and culture like manners and to do the right thing. and it did ensure that i had a sense of responsibility because the way teachers teach is that as you grow up they trust you to be more responsible and do the right thing by doing homework and projects
Sarah Taekman
ReplyDelete10-11-12
Period 5
Most American students know what it’s like to be nervous for an important test. Especially when it comes to huge, end-of-year tests that can make or break your good grades. Chinese students must deal with the same stress, but possibly with even more stress. Students in China’s high schools must take the gaokoa, which is a test that takes multiple days to complete, and determines what colleges and even what subjects you can study. You could be a model student throughout high school, bomb this single test, and ruin the rest of your life. I personally do not agree with the huge emphasis placed on this test, and how it can destroy your future. According to the article, much of the test was memorizing facts and then regurgitating them onto the test. That is not learning. Just because a student memorizes the facts and manages to get a good grade on the gaokoa does not mean they actually learned it and will remember it later. Not to mention, everybody has his or her bad days. What if someone is having a bad day the week of the test, and is usually a brilliant student? This test is biased towards people with better memories as opposed to students that can actually think.
“In traditional school, students don’t ask questions. They just keep silent.” A student named Tina Lin went through China’s educational system, and is unable to go to the school of her choice due to a not-so-great test score. China’s educational system is based on success, and not necessarily the students learning the subject matter. There is also a heavy emphasis on engineering and science degrees, seeing as those help the most in manufacturing, which is one of China’s main jobs. They also devote less time to teaching social duties and values. America has just had students memorize facts in the past, but we’re starting to take a step towards actually thinking again. Big tests such as the SATs require writing prompts and other sections which require the student to do more than repeat facts, but to actually think for themselves as well. America is also trying to connect the students together by having basic curriculums for students in states to learn. China is slowly edging toward doing more than just echoing data, but it will get there eventually.
Over the course of my school years, good deeds, lessons about community, values, and more have been weaved into the lesson plan. When learning about things such as our planet Earth, facts about pollution, and facts about recycling and how it can help our pollution issue was snuck in the lesson plan. We learned about Africa, and why the situation can be so terrible in certain parts of it, then were provided with details about organizations we could donate to. The school constantly held fundraisers for local issues and worldwide ones. Even fun activities involved helping others. For instance my fifth grade chorus group visited a nursing home to sing for the elderly. Moral values and social duties have not been spoken directly as to what should be done, but they’ve been mixed into the curriculums and implied as the right thing to do. The early years of life are the ones where your opinions and actions as an adult begin to form, so the schools have gently pushed the students into doing the right thing. One such example is community volunteer hours, of which a student must obtain a certain number of volunteer hours before graduating. Due to the examples set by the school in the past, I feel as though my fellow students and I have a strong sense of social responsibility.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that they should put so much pressure onto passing one test because it can be too stressful on students. If the student had a bad day, they might not do well on the subject that they really wanted to pursue as a career in the future or they might do really well in something that they don't care that much about.
ReplyDeleteThe Chinese tests decides what career you can have in your life. In America you could retake the test or look for other opportunities. The American tests are designed to ensure a certain quality of education throughout the country but the Chinese test system is designed to put people into certain roles.
In my English class we are reading famous speeches by civil rights leaders and presidents about equal opportunities and how you choose your own lifestyle which is different from China where the government looks at your test scores and tells you what you get to do in your life. In my history class, we did a project about our family history and culture and we have looked at a number of other world cultures. Learning about other cultures helps us to develop a greater sense of social awareness and responsibility.
Gabi Brenman
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
I believe that the gaokao should count as a large decision of a student’s future and training. However, it should not count as all of it. If a student does well on the test, it proves that they are dedicated to learning. They spent a fair amount of time studying and received high test scores. Even so, memorizing test questions should not determine your whole life. Some people are very smart and do well on tests, but others are equally smart and simply aren’t great test takers. When people are deciding where students can go to college and what they should study, they need to factor in the student’s performance in school as well.
Most of China relies on manufacturing and frowns upon liberal arts schools. Schools in China are strict compared to those of the United State of America. One is not allowed to ask questions at a typical school in China. You would be told exactly what you can and cannot study. Some parts of China are starting to give liberal arts colleges a chance. The liberal arts schools seem very similar to the common core. They both teach a wide range of subjects. They teach the idea of something versus the hard facts. This makes it so someone must understand something and be able to apply it to something else. This is much more useful than memorizing data you will forget. In the USA, tests similar to the SAT are important, but they are not the only important thing when applying to college. The gaokao is nearly the only thing that matters when going to college.
In school, my teachers constantly are making me look at writing from different points of views. We have had debates pretending to be the British or the Americans during the Revolutionary War. I learn my place in my nation and my moral values from learning about the beliefs of others. From there I can make my own decision on moral values. I think ethical, cultural, and moral values are a vital part of learning.
Jeff Richardson
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
10-11-12
1. After reading the article I almost feel bad for all the students who are subject to this system. I strongly disagree with the gaokao. End of course/grade tests are logical, but it's insane to let the scores mold your future. The fact that it doesn't just decide what college you go to, but also what you end up studying comes off as very controlling. In conclusion, I think it's absurd to place that much emphasis on this ONE test.
2. I realize just how lucky I am to have to educational opportunities I do. I love how colleges in the US will not just look at your GPA (you don't even need a high GPA to get into good schools, like UNC), but also the sports, clubs, and events you participate in. They are not looking for geniuses, they want to accept active students who want to learn. In China it seems the bar is set high for everyone, and those who fall short won't be successful.
3. One thing that I have noticed during the course of this school year is that teachers are focused on critical thinking. More than ever the students are required to use logical thought and develop problem-solving skills. Rather than receiving information and later regurgitating it on a test (like the Chinese do), many classes require thinking (opposed to memorizing). This better prepares us for the future and all the obstacles it will bring.
Blake Johnson
ReplyDelete10/12/2012
2nd period
1. I don’t think that should be such an enormous emphasis on high stake tests to determine student’s futures. These tests like the gaokao are not accurate measures of a student’s future learning ability. This is true because not every student is good at taking tests, but that doesn’t mean they can be effective in the real world. If you just memorize information for a test, regurgitate it, get a good grade, it doesn’t show that you could apply it to a real world situation. This shows that these tests can’t be depended on to indicate a student’s future learning and training.
2. The educational system in China seems to put more importance on standardized tests. It seems that are strictly taught information to learn and know and pass for the test. In America with the SAT and ACT test takers are asked to use critical thinking skills, think outside the box, and know information as well.
3. Ethical, cultural, and moral values have been taught to me in my past school curriculum. Ethically I have been taught what is ethically acceptable in the US and other countries. I have also been taught how other cultures function and how they are important to their regions. Morally, lessons have been taught to me that help me function in everyday situations. These three things being taught to me have help me see my social responsibility in my life.
good job.
DeleteFrancisco Coch
ReplyDelete7
I do not believe there should be such high amounts of pressure on students to perform on such tests. If the students should not do well on any given part of the tests, or may be better in certain subjects rather than others, this may lead to other problems that the student may face later on in life. What they are concentrated on learning during the testing could be different from what they’d want to do at a higher level in their education.
The education system in China is very different to ours here in the United States, in the sense that we have more freedom to choose what schools we attend or what we study. For instance, in China, where certain things are looked down upon, the students there are limited to their studies while in America, people are much more free too choose.
In the past, we have been taught in schools moral values and ethics, such as being kind to others, and the golden rule that we learned early on in elementary school “treat others the way you want to be treated”. Because I am from South America, my cultural values are unlike to those hear in some ways, and similar in others. Some important values from my heritage include respecting those older than you, being polite, and religion.
Julie Park
ReplyDelete1st Period
I don’t think one big test should decide everything your educational future. Obviously, Tina Lin’s history showed she was model high school student yet the gaokao prevented her from getting into her dream school. Though it is important for colleges and universities to look at test scores so they know you can perform well under pressure, they should also look at your background. I don’t think such a big emphasis should be placed on the students. The educational system in China is more harsh, more rigorous, and so competitive. Yes, America’s students are highly competitive and very ambitious, except in America there aren’t as many restraints as there are in China. In China, liberal arts colleges are looked down upon! Obviously there is some kind of social acceptance or standard you must meet, determined by your gaokao test score and college.
I think that a highly specialized education is great, it will prepare you for higher learning when you want a more specialized occupation or job. But you also need a taste of basic learning or standard everyone-else learning so you can think and work with other people, or else when you are thrown into a situation where you need to work with people who didn’t have a high education, you can communicate and cooperate. Being too competitive in academics can lead to loss of friendships and then you become a hermit, only studying and always waiting to get a higher score than other high achievers.
Paige Haskins
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
10/11/12
1. I don't think it's fair to put so much pressure on all of these students for one test. I don't agree with the gaokao at all. It's completely ridiculous how this one exam will shape not only where you will be studying but also what you will be studying. It seems exetremly comtrolling. I feel bad for the students who are looped into this whole system. Also, these kinds of test don't show anything about a students learning abilty. Some students arn't amazing at test taking, especially with the pressure put on this test. These tests are not accurate on how intelligent a student is, and even if the test were to be revived, it wouldn't help students with real life situations.
2. China's education system seems to focus on and only on the standarized tests that students are required to take. Here, colleges look at more than just GPA's and SAT scores. They also look at sports and clubs. It seems that in China, they're only looking for intelligent people who already know everything, not the people who want to learn and that will get involoved.
3. All teachers have a different way of teaching, but I've noticed that they all are very key on the critical and logical thinking to the problems. We have standarized test but, the information on it has more logical and common sense criteria, rather than specific information that we would be tested on( similar to the Chinese) later. In education, you would have to have ethical, cultural, and a common sense point of view on all topics. That's how you can see an even level of the material without judgement. These three things have taught me how to deal with everyday problems,with direct and indirect information.
Hanna Siekierski
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
Honors World History
In China, students must take the gaokao, which is an important multiday examination that determines where Chinese students will go to college and possibly what subjects they will study. I don't think that there should be such a big emphasis on just one test. I don't think it is a good way to determine someone's future. There could be many factors preventing someone from passing the test or showcasing their actual knowledge. For example, someone could be sick on the day that they take the gaokao which could probably impact their test scores. Also they could have been sick the days before the test is administered so they would not have been able to focus on studying or preparing for it. Since there is a huge emphasis placed on these tests, this could cause students to become very stressed before and during the test. These factors plus others could lower a students test score. So these scores may not accurately portray a student's academic ability and would therefore be inaccurate. So I think that there should not be a huge emphasis placed on the gaokao.
The educational systems in the United States and China differ in many ways. In China, the determining factor of what college you go to, and even what subjects you will study are all based off of the gaokao. This means that the grades you've earned previously are relatively unimportant. In the United States there are also tests that help determine which college you will go to. These are the SAT's and sometimes the ACT's. However the scores you get on these are only influential to what college you will go to. The grades you get throughout high school and the amount of service hours you get and the types of extracurricular activities that you do are also influencing factors. In the United States you can also choose what subject you will study. All in all, China and the United States both require certain tests before you go to college, but the importance of these tests is very different.
Throughout my educational experience there has always been an emphasis on ethical and moral values. There has also always been talk of important dates in American history, such as Independence Day, 9/11, or Veteran’s Day. In a cultural aspect, we are not only taught the history of the United States, but also the history of other countries around the world. All throughout school, children are taught about our nation’s past. Though sometimes we don't go into extensive detail on the subject, we all know a vague description of the event at least. These events could include wars, treaties, or assassinations that shaped the United States into what it is today. Later we are taught the importance of giving back to the community. In addition, throughout the United States there are clubs, organizations, etc. that have been formed to help Americans appreciate the world they live in, with all of its available information and education.
Kelly Zhang
ReplyDelete2nd Period
I do not believe that there should be an enormous emphasis on one test (the gaokao), but it still should be taken in to consideration. The student’s achievements, grades and skills should also be taken in to thought. This one test should not determine the student’s future learning and training. The student should be able to choose what they want to do and where they want to pursue their dreams, and no test should decide this. Students should get the freedom to decide what they want and this one test should not make be the only deciding factor. There needs to be standardized tests like the gaokao so that students can be compared to other students, but I do not believe the gaokao should have that big of an influence on the student’s future.
The educational system in China is very vigorous. In China, education is a highly important key value and concept. The Chinese way of learning is very informative with teacher led readings and math lectures, and the U.S. way of learning slower paced including fun activities, and projects. The SAT is very similar to the gaokao, but the gaokao has a bigger influence on a student’s future. The Chinese education system teaches facts at a fast pace while the U.S. education system teaches more of creative thinking and thinking outside of the box. U.S. schools teach students important skills like responsibility, communication, social skills, and honesty. In China, schools rapidly teach students and they develop independence. Chinese students are very studious, and as a result of that, they do not have much time to develop good social skills. This reduces their sense of social responsibility causing them to ignore ethical, cultural and moral values and seem to lack humanity. The U.S. is very socially aware and up to date with current events.
I have gotten a mix of both because my parents teach me the Chinese way, and I am taught the American way in school. My ethical, cultural and moral values are shown in how I behave at school. My ethical values are shown in how I portray myself and talk about my family, which are very important. My cultural values are shown in my beliefs and how I was brought up to be the person I am today. My moral values are that I am honest and always try my best. At school, I have used these values to think and analyze current events and events that have occurred all around the world. I believe that I have a good sense of social responsibility.
Veronica Kim
ReplyDelete1st period Honors World History
10/11/12
1) I think the gaokao is a good way to encourage studying and aspirations to be successful, but, speaking as a student, I can only imagine the amount of stress it would put on kids. I mean, taking a huge test that decides not only the college you can attend but the subjects you can study... well, that's big. There are both pros and cons. It really motivates work ethic, but at the same time, it is so competitive that getting into the school of your choice is probably a lot harder, just because everyone else wants in as well.
2) The educational system is China is, I think, a lot stricter. Although American schools promote higher thinking and stress the importance of working hard and being successful, in China, working hard and being successful are the norm. It's about going beyond that which makes a student stand out in China. This makes the atmosphere a lot more competitive.
3) Social responsibility has to be learned; you're not just born with it, and if it's not encouraged, then it won't be upheld. Speaking from experience, kids who know they are smarter than others and have been told this all their lives will think more highly of themselves. But the key thing is: if they know how to conduct themselves outside, they will be able to act modest and humble despite their opinions. If they haven't been taught how to behave, they will be more likely to brag, simply because they don't know any better. I think that, in this case, specialization can go to people's heads, and although it is not a bad thing, one should learn how to act.
Gavin Rothwell
ReplyDelete5th period World History
1. I don't believe there should be as much emphasis on the gaokao, as I think it's unfair to determine which subjects the students are allowed to study and which school they can go to. The SATs are sort of like the gaokao, but they aren't the only thing that colleges look at when they accept or decline applications. They look at community service, clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities. I believe that is a more balanced system. A student may not have the absolute best SAT scores, but if they are doing sports, lots of community service, and some clubs, that can really help. I think that's a better system, and the amount of pressure placed on a single exam, the gaokao, is ridiculous.
2. As the article mentions, much of Chinese schooling doesn't provide students with adequate problem-solving or analytical techniques. That's why so many are coming over to the US to receive education. And as I mentioned in my previous answer, I believe the system of SAT scores is much more useful than the gaokao exam in China.
3. I can go back as far as preschool to see how morality has played a role in my education. That's all preschool is about, is preparing you for what's socially acceptable in the classroom, as well as other situations outside of the classroom. Each level of education is designed to prepare you academically and socially for the next level of education, and also to teach you what is morally right in the outside world.
Harish Prasad
ReplyDelete5th period
10-11-12
Gaokao is a multi-day test taken by the Chinese students which determines whether or not the student will go to college. I think that the Gaokao is an unfair and unbalanced way to judge a student’s ability to perform in college, because this method of assessment measures only one aspect, but not the all round strengths of the student. Secondly, it is not completely senseless that a student’s career should be based on a single test. A person should be able to choose their own career, and not have someone else choose it for them on the basis of a single test based exclusively on academics. The career that is chosen for you could be a job that you are not good at. Next, I think that someone who is very intelligent may not be a very good test taker and if they get a bad score on the test, they could end up with a job in which they dislike or worse still, not be able to go to college at all. Furthermore, this system of education does not take into account other qualities that a student might possess, like leadership qualities, athletic strengths, community service, musical abilities or additional jobs the person might have done. Hence, the main problem with this system in China is that it does not make an overall assessment of a student to see if he or she will be successful in college, but rather judges them and decides their future learning based on a single test.
There are stark differences between the education systems in China and the U.S. In China, the education system is very tough and strict, and testing is the most important aspect of it, without consideration about any other aspect of the student’s life achievements and other abilities. The standardized tests that are taken in China, called the Gaokao, will determine if they go to college at all, and also what career they will pursue. However, the big question is whether this kind of inflexible education system will be able to produce innovators that are needed for a country to succeed in future. In the U.S, you have to take the SATs and the ACTs. The colleges you apply to will look at these test scores along with your Grade Point Average (GPA) in high school. If you get high scores on these standardized tests, than you have a better chance of getting in to better colleges. Here we can make our own decisions as to where we want to go to college, and other aspects of the student’s character are also taken into account. Here, along with the scores importance is also given to all-round personality of the person and the colleges are looking to see what the student will bring to the college.
The teaching of ethical, cultural and moral values is an integral part of our school curriculum. Our schools stress the importance of knowledge, skills and character from the very beginning. We have a very diverse population of students in our schools. Our educational system makes sure that all the cultures and religions are respected by incorporating these topics in classes and having cultural programs in schools. A lot of the ethical and moral values are discussed in the health classes, where issues like anti-bullying, making good decisions and good choices are discussed at length, at all grade levels.
Having your entire future based on a single test is not rational. To have one test that will determine what you will be studying and going to college for cannot effect accurate results. Also, many factors can affect the ability of a student to take the test. The gaokao is an unforgiving test, in which you cannot make mistakes or else your whole future is gone. I think that having multiple opportunities to showcase your abilities to colleges would be more fair and instead of just studying for a test, you could make resumés, which you actually need to apply your own opinions and intelligence.
ReplyDeleteComparing the sorts of education offered in both countries, you'll find a lot of differences. The United States in general has more freedom and choices, versus China who is more strict. In the US, you learn how to apply lessons learned in school to the real world. In high school, we choose classes which we will best learn in, and classes that will help us advance into the next grade. We can also make resumes when we are older, which colleges will look at. And then when we go to college, we will choose a major which we are proficient in, and study that until we can get a job relating to our major. In China, they have one single test that basically dictates what you will do for the rest of your life.
Since elementary school, teachers stressed the values of ethicalness, culture, and morality. Therefore, I've grown up with important values that help shape my life. They serve as a sort of barrier as to what you should and shouldn't be doing. These values have always been a part of my life so they're important to me.
Julianna Turner
ReplyDeleteOctober 12, 2012
World History
Current Event
I think that test scores should not determine the intelligence of a student or exclude them from a certain educational path. A student’s will and determination to learn will generally show through their test scores, but not for everyone. A high-stress environment can lead to a number of health issues. An exceedingly important test which determines what you will study for the rest of your life is a much too high pressure situation. It could cause many people to not perform as well as they would normally, and some people are simply not good test takers. Also, what about the children who have recently gone through the death of a loved one, or have family troubles? The children who do not have a safe home, or are snagged in the thorns of poverty? There are many situations which could cause a student to perform worse than normally; and if these situations overlap with an extremely important test, then they could end up without a bright future. If America based its college acceptance primarily on one test, then there would be discrimination in our education; between the rich and poor, and throughout different races.
A Chinese education seems much more rigorous and much more demanding academically than in America. The Chinese system relies much more heavily on test scores, whilst here in America colleges are looking for a well rounded person. They acknowledge students who participate in clubs, sports, instruments and how much they get involved with the community as well as their academics. American colleges also check through social sites such as Facebook to see how responsible a student is. In America it is also acceptable for students to ask questions to promote their learning.
American schools are very diverse, rich with different races, languages, and cultures. Teachers instill a sense of respect and knowledge in students for others’ religion and backgrounds. We learn about a multitude of cultures, from thousands of years in the past or practices still used today. Our very first teachers introduced fairness and responsibility for oneself’s education. In middle school we worked through morals and doing the right thing. Our current teachers have built from those basic ideas, leading to a very accepting classroom with students ready to learn. Having these aspects in our education makes us a better student and enhances our learning experience.
Lily Elnaccash
ReplyDeleteH. World History 7
I don’t think that students should take one huge assessment and use it to determine their future. They’ve spent years studying in school; how could they possibly demonstrate their intelligence and knowledge in one day? I think that it would be better if the colleges a student could go to looked at their grades over the years in addition to the gaokao. The gaokao shouldn’t be the only thing that they look at. Colleges in the United States don’t only look at SAT scores. They examine extracurricular activities, public service, grades, and more.
There seems to be a greater emphasis on memorization than here in the United States. In our notes the other day, we saw that to become proficient in Chinese one must learn 10,000 unique characters. In comparison, English mixes and matches 26 letters. Reading and writing are two of the first things students learn in school, so if Chinese students begin their education with a huge emphasis on memorization, it makes sense that it would continue as they grow older.
A student’s intelligence and morals are very different. We learn information at school to expand the former, but we also learn not to cheat or plagiarize, to volunteer our time and effort, and to respect all people and cultures. For example, we are learning about the significant contributions of Hispanics to the world in Spanish class (September 15 - October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month).
Kunal Lodaya
ReplyDelete1st period
The gaokao, as one major test that basically determines the course of the rest of your life, seems extreme to me. There are similarities between the gaokao and the SATs, but colleges won't look at just your SAT score-they'll look at extracurriculars and other important factors. One bad testing day, and you could look back on it for the rest of your life.
The Chinese schools seem to have a much more rigorous curriculum, one that requires much more work out of their students. On the other hand, all of that studying leads up to one big test, whereas here, colleges will look at grades, important test scores, as well as activities outside of school. The American system definitely prepares students for less academic parts of their lives.
Morals are, in my opinion, as high in importance as intelligence and other academic skills. Without social skills and the ability to distinguish from right or wrong, you cannot use the knowledge you gain in school for the right things. Learning about morals not only helps the individual, but society as a whole.
Great job! I am wondering where your cultural part of Q #3 is.
Delete1. I think that too much importance is placed on the gaokao. Students should really be able to choose what they want to do, not rely on the scores of a single exam. The main problem with this method, is you can mess up on a test. If a student messes up, then their entire life is changed by that test score.
ReplyDelete2. In the United States, you are supposed to learn what you want to learn. There is no responsibilty for every student to want to go into engineering. Also, you really get to shape your own education. Unlike in China, you are encouraged to ask questions, and learn more than just test answers.
3. Those three values have been present in my past education. Where my family comes from, it is really a culturally influenced idea that students should always be present for school. From the moral point of view, I have to do my work because it is good.
I believe a testing system such as the Gaokao is very much flawed. This is because it forces students to take certain career paths that they might not necessarily want. Also it causes students to become very specialized in one thing. This is a problem because lets say one is forced to leave China what is he going to do then? Also many of Earth’s famous scientists haven’t been particularly good students. Such as Albert Einstein. Say he doesn’t do well on this test than we are much farther back in physics than we are now. That is why I believe these strict extremely important standardized tests are bad for students and cut off their possible career paths.
ReplyDeleteChina’s Gaokao is in some ways similar to our SATs. The Gaokao though is a more important test because it can almost purely make or break a student's education. While here in the United States of America you could still go to a good college despite bad scores on the ACT or SAT. I believe our system is much better personally, but then again I’ve never been in China’s system.
Ethical, cultural and moral values have been a strong part of my education. For example we are often encouraged to make a decision on what we would have done if put in someone else’s position. This helps insure that we have a strong sense of social responsibility because it encourages us to think of others and what will be good for a group versus what is good for us.
Emily Ball
ReplyDelete10/12/12
Period 1
Corey Waters
1) I think the test; the Goakao, is taken to harshly, one test should not determine someones whole future. Yes, this test is somewhat similar to the SATs that we take here in the US. But other things help us determine things such as where we go to college, or where we work; so everything wont have to be determined on one test.
2) If you were to compare the studies in the United States and China, you would be able to find lots of differences. China seems to put alot more stress on more of the standardized tests than we do.
3) Peronally, I think that moral values are themost important out of those three. Yes, ethnicity and culture are inportant and influence your actions in life, but morals will always "keep you on track" and help you always think of the right things to do.
I believe that a testing system like Gaokao is a highly flawed system and it should probably not even exist. The fact that a students fate is determined by how well they do on one huge test is absurd, and students shouldn't even have to have this much pressure in the first place. Tests are as stressful as is, but if just one determines whether you'll be a CEO or a manual worker, that would put a lot of pressure on the student.
ReplyDeleteOne way that this differs from the testing system in America is that the testing system in America is much less rigorous, and also Americans have much more of a choice in what they want to do for a living. Another different is that all the time the Chinese spend in school they are studying for this one big test, while American colleges will not only look at tests, but also at grades.
Ethical, Cultural, and Moral values have been a very large part of my education. Right from the very start in Kindergarten we're taught to be nice to each other, and help one another. This helps us to think of others, and it makes me have a strong sense of security.
Isabelle Alzona
ReplyDeletePeriod 5
I think the fact that Chinese students have to go through a test like the gaokao is unreasonable. People, especially ones that are at the age when they want to find themselves, should be free to make their own choices. What if the night before you didn’t get a good sleep and you were stressed out about a recent death in the family? The next day would be tough. One bad test would destroy a lifetime's worth of hard work. A single test shouldn’t decide everything. The gaokao is something that determines your life; nothing should do that but you.
The Chinese educational system is very different form ours. Yes you have standardized testing like the SATs, but they’re not everything. The gaokao determines where you go and what you study. America’s tests are basically recommendations. If you do really well on your SATs then your get a higher recommendation than if you did badly. And what you did well on might give you a hint of what field to go into, but you are still free to choose whatever line of work you want. China is reforming their educational system and so are we. China is moving toward a more liberal way of learning. We’re also leaning toward the “critical thinking skills” and “problem solving techniques” but china has a little more work to do. They’re very standardized and if they’re going to move to liberal, it will take more than a couple colleges.
We have ethical, cultural, and moral values worked into our everyday curriculum. An example would be group projects, presentations, and the responsibility of doing well in class. For instance, in a group project you work on communication skills, social skills, efficiency, ect. Our curriculum allows us to learn academics as well as our everyday skills. We might not have to use all our math skills, biology skills, or art skills, but we will always use our ethical, cultural, and moral values.
1. No, because one test shouldn’t decide your future. If you’re a bad at taking tests or just have a bad day that shouldn’t decide what college you go to or what you can learn about. One test doesn’t decide how smart you are or what you should be able to learn about. Since it’s such a high stakes test that counts for the rest of your life there is a lot of pressure involved.
ReplyDelete2. It’s a lot more important and high stakes in china than it is here in America. Also you can still get in to a pretty good college here even if your test scores aren’t perfect. Your grades can sometimes make your test scores count a little less.
3. Every grade is preparing you for what is socially and academically correct and that you will need next year. That’s the reason for cirriculums, they teach you what you are expected to know in the next grade.
Casey Patterson
10/12/12
Period 2
Linda Martinez
ReplyDeletePeriod: 2
10/12/12
In my opinion I don’t believe that just one gaokao test should determine your future. I believe that they should be given options and or opportunity so they can choose what college they want to attend. I do believe that there should be recommendation that student should follow for there future college but it shouldn’t be based just in one test.
In china one test determines what university you go to but in the USA there are many thing that students have to accomplish to get accepted in there future University. For example in the U.S many colleges look at SAT scored, high school grade and the amount of service you complete your high school year.
Through out school we learn that everything you do either has a good consequence or a bad one. When I was small we had a time out section if you have bad behavior though out middle school there’s calling parents or get lunch detentions. As we grow up we learn that for everything we do we will be either awarded or punished and as we go through school we learn about different cultures beliefs and about there dailies life in there countries.
Blake Rasnake
ReplyDelete2nd
I think that he idea of have that kind of test to determine the rest of some one’s life is really bad for the people and for everyone around. Everyone has a bad day and if someone is really smart and they do bad on the test that person’s life and working id really over, so I do not think that it is a good idea!
The Educational system in the United States is much different from China in many different ways. The tests are much different in China because they have only one test that determines what your life is like and if you do to collage and have a good job. In the United States collages look at things like the SAT PSAT and also the ACT to see if you can get into collage or not, they also look at other grades. I think that the way the United States does it is much better.
Going to school here in Chapel Hill has really thought me the since of social responsibly. I have learned to be respectful to everyone throughout my time in school and I am very happy that I have. One of the most important things is what you believe in and you need to respect everyone and what they believe in.
1. I believe that there is too much emphasis on grades, even within the United States. However, this test is much more extreme, because the students have no choice of school or career path. Standardized testing is not an accurate representation of intellect. Many kids struggle with tests, but are smart in other subjects.
ReplyDelete2. In the US, several modes and methods of teaching are used, like lectures, note-taking, hands-on activities, etc. This allows kids to do activities that they are good at, as well as ones they might have more trouble with. Here, getting in college is not solely based off testing, but also grades in school, extracurricular activities, and other factors. Many students apply to multiple schools, and get accepted into a few. They can then choose where they attend, and what they study. In China, the students’ college and subjects are based solely off this test.
3. At CHHS, each student is required to perform and document at least 25 service learning hours. This teaches the students morals, values, and ethics, as well as responsibility. Primarily in English class, we discuss speeches and issues from history, which deepens our understanding of moral dilemmas and their solutions.
Sydney B.
ReplyDelete5th period
10/12/12
I don't think that there should be so much emphasis on the gaokao because it's only one test. In America, we can retake our SAT's if we fail or aren't satisfied with our grade.. And there are several tests in America, not just one like the gaokao. There should be a couple tests in China because if you're sick or tired the day you take it, you might do badly. But that's only one day. And your score dtermines your whole life.
In China, there is only one test that determines your whole life. In America, we have numerous tests, for example the SAT's and the ACT. We also have PSAT's that prepare us even more. With the gaokao, it's just one test that you have to get a good score on, no retakes. Plus, our students are encouraged to ask questions, unlike in China. In China, liberal arts are frowned upon, unlike the USA.
In America, culture and moral values are encouraged. There is a very diverse ethnicity in CHHS and SMS, where I went last year. We worked with numerous different people and became friends with different ethnicities, which enhances our view of culture and moral values. We learn about black history month and hispanic month and all of the different ethical diversities.
Erica Johnson
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
1) I think the gaokao is a stupid test that no student should ever be forced to take. You can’t make a child go into a specific career or college just based on one test grade that would ruin their chances to going to their dream school! Such as what happened to Tina Lin-she was a model student and had high chances of going to an elite college, before she got a only a [decent] grade on the gaokao.
2) Currently in China, many students are looking towards reform from traditional Chinese schools and colleges, and displaying their desire for freedom by attending U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges. While in America, we are struggling to create an educated society, and constantly trying to raise the bar of education to meet the world standards. While I think that reform in China is good, and Chinese adolescents are getting more freedom of speaking their opinions and involving in discussion, the education predicament in America is actually a very serious problem that needs to be solved by stricter teaching rules.
3) Well, for example, we study culture in World History, and in many other classes we are encouraged to share our culture and embrace others. Also, We are also encouraged to voice our opinions and share our ethical views, which is a freedom that many Chinese adolescent s have not been allowed to express in their schools. Overall, freedom and communization in schools in America have given American children cultural, ethical, as well as moral values).
Today’s current event is on “A New School of Thought in china”. Tina Lina was a Chinese high school
Deletewith a high education. But there is something called Gaokao and this is a test that all Chinese people
have to take. I think this is a bad thing because I think people should have a choice were they want to
apply for collage and not just be forced to go to a collage because of a test. Everybody should go to
Collage but not forced in a collage they don’t want to be in. I think that the educational system is pretty
much the same. I think that in united states we have the right to express our cultural and in china you
can’t. In US they even encourage us to tell our culture and our opinion’s.
Jeffrey He
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
World History
1) I personally think that the gaokao is very similar test to the American counterparts like the ACT, or SAT, just a lot harder and more intense. Some countries might just take it differently than what we have here and our opinion may be biased because of our surroundings. Stupid people make fun of "try hards" here and over there smarter people make fun of stupid people. We might view the gaokao as bad or too hard, but over there, they have been on a harder, more rigorous course level since day 1. Of course, I don't think that the future of students should rely so much on the test results, but instead on the student's integral values and social lives; what will, can, and have they contributed to society? Rather than a written test or just pages and pages of work, some students need to express their ways differently such as through hands on, or just real life applications.
2. Even with the past reforms in the United States, the education system here is poor compared with China, that is why all of our top scientists are from Asia. The tests I would assume are much harder there and like I said before, the course curriculum is much more rigorous and challenging but in turn, forfeiting a lot of the social responsibilities leading to the next question.
3. An example of us studying social responsibility is in World History, and in many other classes too. Like to not laugh at others falling behind, or to look our for yourself because you control your own life, and to share our opinions and values with others without scrutiny. We are all encouraged to voice our opinions in class and share ethical views, and they may not be able to do it in China.
Kaitlin Hill
ReplyDeleteHonors World History
2nd Period
1. I believe that one test shouldn’t decide your whole future. Students don’t all do well on tests and I don’t think it is fair for something as important as what college you can go to or what profession you can have should be decided by just one big test. That is a lot of pressure to put on children and there is a very good chance that some students might not do well and then their future is affected negatively because of this.
2. The United States and China’s education system is very different. One difference is the amount of pressure put on the student by the government. Although, we both have tests I think the Chinese students have to take bigger tests and it is more important that they do well. For us, if you do badly on a test it is not that big of a deal. I feel like that is not the case for Chinese kids. For example, we do not have a big test like the gaokao which our future depends on. This is just one way that the Chinese education is more strict than American.
3. Schools across the nation work hard to ensure that their students get a good education and are taught ethnic, cultural, and moral values. For me personally, school is so much more than just learning facts. It’s about gaining social skills and learning new things that can help you succeed in life. By things such as projects and group work, it helps students like me to improve their social skills and to learn to work well with others. Both are important things that you will need later in life.
Robert Fernald
ReplyDelete10/12/2012
1st
I think that standardized testing is not a good way of judging students because some smart students are not good at taking tests. I also believe that with the gaokao China puts way too much emphasis of testing. The gaokao is literally a test that determines the rest of someone’s life. If they do well they will have many opportunities but if they do bad they will be stuck with minimum wage jobs. Also the gaokao is much more extreme than American tests because you can only take it once.
The education in China differs slightly from the US because in China there is one test that you cannot retake. This is different from the US because here you can take the SAT multiple times and you just send your best score. Even though both countries put too much importance in tests China has gone too far with the gaokao. I think that it is unfair to judge students based on only one test and make it impact the rest of their life.
I have been taught many values besides education at school. In health class you are taught about health, good relationships and bullying. I think that information added to my social responsibility. Also in History you are taught about human rights laws and problems, that definitely influences your moral and ethical values.
Sam Nielsen
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
1. In my opinion, a huge final test like the gaokao is absurd. It basically puts all the pressure of getting into a good college, being successful, and (in some people's minds) happy into one huge test. I mean, people aren't perfect. Even someone who had passed through high school with flying colors, someone who had won academic contests, someone who was respected by teachers and peers, could completely fail this test. That would be it. All their hopes and dreams wiped away due to one or two bad days of testing. Now, I don't think that their lives would really be that terrible if they didn't get into a great college, but a lot of them might. Having something you've worked over half of your life for be ruined seems like it would be an absolutely horrible experience.
2. While things like the SAT and ACT are very important here, they don't seem to be quite as important to us as the gaokao is there. Obviously, in order to get into a good college, a decent SAT or ACT score is important. The difference between those tests and the gaokao though, is that there's more than one here and you can retake them several times (which I don't believe you can do for the gaokao). Though we do have a certain amount of pressure put on us here for big tests like that, it's no where near the amount of pressure students in China must be dealing with.
3. Honestly, I don't think that most teenagers really care about values like that, and for some people, the presence of any humanity itself is questionable. Despite that, we have been taught from an early age to know about and acknowledge these values. I do agree with this simply because they are qualities everyone should have. There really shouldn't be any question on what's more important. Someone could have focused in math from an early age, resulting in being able to perform at a level much superior to those around them. But, even with all this mathematical ability, they could be a horrible person with no values. That's why learning these things is quite important.
Mary Louise Callaghan
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
10/12/12
I honestly think a huge test like the gaokao is a terrible idea. The idea of being a good student (like Tina Lin) and not getting into the best college because of one test score is terrible! I mean some of the smartest students could be very bad testers and only one test deciding your future is very overwhelming and stressful. There are so many different possibilities that could allow a student to test badly, family problems or even just something as simple as a cold could throw you off and result in a bad grade. And with all these possibilities out there one big test deciding your educational as well as future in a career is to much.
In America from your first day in 9th grade one thing is made quite clear: From her on out its real, it counts. Every grade you make in high school in some way or another affects your future. In China it seems that everything up to the gaokao isn't truly worth anything. That one huge test decides your future and nothing else. I thought that the SAT's and ACT's were putting to much pressure one one test, but compared to the gaokao they are nothing. Colleges in the US seem to look for a more "well rounded" person, extra curricular activities, arts, etc. Where as in China test scores amount to everything.
Most schools in the US are very strict when when it comes to teaching ethnic, cultural and moral values. we are taught to be accepting to everyone regardless to their beliefs and history. we learn about rich cultures throughout history, as well as the practices and religions of today that are most likely being taught by families in our school. Since we were younger we have always been told to be fair and understanding to everyone, probably making us better students and people today
McKenzie Matherly
ReplyDeletePeriod: 2
1. I think that it is wrong that students have to take the GaoKao test to tell them what college to go to and what to study. People should know what they want to do they shouldn't need a test to tell them what to do with their own life. Even if students don’t know what they want to do they should have the opportunity to figure it out on their own.
2. The United States and China’s education system is very different. One major difference is the amount of pressure put on the students by the schools. even though both school systems have tests I think the Chinese students have to take bigger tests with a much bigger impact. And it is more important from them to do well. in our school system if you do poorly on a test it is not that big of a deal. But in the Chinese school systems it is much more important to do well. For example our school systems don't have big tests like the GaoKao which our future depends on.
3. Schools throughout America work hard to make sure that their students get a good education and are taught ethnic, cultural, and moral values. But me school is much more than just learning and gaining knowledge. To me it’s more about gaining social skills and learning new and interesting things that can help get though school and home life.
Annelise ter Horst
ReplyDelete7th
The gaokao is unfair in that students do not get wholly evaluated when registering for college. Here in america, there are many different variables that are in the college application and accepting process, while big test scores make an impact on whether or not you will be accepted, but you could get accepted on other values too. I think something like the gaokao is almost predictable in the chinese education. There are endless stereotypes that the people of china are smarter than the rest, but it is a fact that the chinese culture today, has a big press on education. And while the gaokao is unfair, it does not surprise me that china has enforced that.
The United States standards to get into high colleges seem almost impossible to some people living in America, but in comparison to China it is regular. The school system of Chapel Hill is very competitive, being right on an okay college, and and 20 minutes near an outstanding one. While I think some of the skills needed to be accepted into a great college are outrageous, it is a bigger competition in china.
Teachers have always taught us history about cultural evolutions, civil rights movements or even battles for freedom from an unjust government. They teach us this this to have us learn important events, but they also teach it to give us moral values. Also, they taught us about individuals standing up for themselves and for the greater good; we will probably remember these lessons in our studies as a college student so we will be less cut-throat about education than in China.
Rachel Danner
ReplyDelete7th period
It is my belief that one test, one shot, one day, should not be what determines someone’s future. This test that they take in China, seems like something out of a dystopian novel, where you are grouped and categorized based on one thing and one thing only. There are many aspects to a human being. Not everything can be measured in a test, and not everyone is a good test taker. A test can not measure things like social responsibility or empathy or other qualities that are important in life. Also, if you were having a bad day, a test taken that day should not carry so much weight. I know that I work better under pressure, but not everyone is that way. This enormous responsibility and pressure is a lot to put on a teenager. One of the things that I like about the approximate US equivalent, the SAT, is that you do have a chance to retake it if you mess up. I think that education is stressed more in China than in the United States, which has both pros and cons. The positive side being that children are well educated and prepared for the future, and career opportunities. However there are serious negatives, including increased stress on students, and the possibility that some kids could be left behind, and denied a future that they are ready for. I think we do need to raise education standards here in the United States. I realize that I am lucky to be a part of one of the best school districts in North Carolina, but not everyone has that chance. Many schools are not as focused on success as Chapel Hill High. I think that it is not hard to teach responsibility in school, because if you are not responsible with your homework and studying, your grades will reflect it. Some students do not want to learn, but I don’t think that the questionable decisions we make as teenagers should have such a drastic impact on our lives. Yes it is important to try in school and to be the best you can be, but we are hormonal and random and do not always do what is best for us. I think that students who need extra help in these areas should be provided with the resources they need to accomplish that.
Jessi Szymczak
ReplyDeleteper. 2
I personally don't think that the gaokao is a very good test that should determine these types of things for students. I think that students should be able to chose which ever career path they want to follow or have an interest in and not be told what to take based on scores of a test. What if someone was having a bad day and didn't do so well on the test but had really high grades all year, then would they be sent to a school that doesn't fit there academic capability? That to me does not seem fair at all. I don't think that such high stakes should be placed on students for things like this because some students just aren't very good at test taking and if their future depends on this test than they probably will not have the future they imagined for themselves.
To me, the educational system in China seems different from the educational system here in the U.S. I think that this is because in China you have to take the gaokao that basically decides your future where as the SATs, PSATs, and ACTs go into what colleges look at as well as a lot of other things. So the educational opportunities are more open and not just based on one thing.
At schools all around the U.S. and especially Chapel Hill high school teach their students about ethical, moral, and cultural values. The school districts all teach kids a lot of responsibility, especially Chapel Hill High School. The work demand is high and being able to manage your work and manage your classes gives a lot of responsibility to the students that some high schools don't offer. School systems in the U.S. teach a lot of the types of values to help students evolve throughout high school and into what they want to do in their life. I think this school district has helped me gain more responsibility with my work and what I do besides school.
1. Yes. In a country with a large population like China, they need a system for sorting out people into categories. They have too many people so it needs to be as efficient as possible. Any other way and they would quickly fall behind in the global competition market. This way they are rising. The test may be merciless, but the strong survive. And if not...well, every country needs farmers.
ReplyDelete2. China focuses more on results than us. We try to with out tests, but China is much stronger. There is opportunity in the US if you fail the educational system. Not in China. They cant afford it otherwise.
L 3. America's school system is based around moral obligations as well as education. They teach how to do things and how you should act in public. They teach responsability and orginization. They practice morals to teach morals. The problem is that America cannot afford this. It bleeds thousands of dollars every year. Meanwhile China is doing without, and getting better results. Then again, they are using our money to do it, so they arent too concerned.
Hope Davison
ReplyDelete1st Period
Tests are important, but a single major test such as the gaokao is unfair in many ways. If you think about it in a larger perspective, the next ten or twenty years are crucial and important to a student towards the end of high school. One test determining prime years for a student is actually quite unfair. Multi-day means the students will have to continue to come back to take different material back to back, they will not be as sharp, and even people who actually a not as equipt taking tests as others will be extremely stressful for them. The top universities in China will look at your gaokao score and either accept you, or deny you based on how high it is. However in the U.S., colleges examine your year-by-year scores from your transcript, your extracurriculars, they hold interviews with the students to meet them, they look at your service learning (seeing what you did around your community), and resumé. Similar to China, most U.S. schools require juniors and/or seniors to take the SAT, Standard Achievement Test, which is important to their educational record. Unlike China, U.S. schools also provide the PSAT, which is a practice version of the main thing, so students will have a great understanding of what they will have to do. American schools really help students to bright futures in this way. The teachers I have had in my current school experience have introduced me to a more or less broader understanding of my surroundings in society. It helps to understand this so that you know how to act and how you can contribute positively in the world. If your knowledge is so narrow that you do not have a firm sense of stark cultural varieties, ethical actions, and moral values right now, it will be hard to get a grasp of social responsibility.
Emily Molina
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
I do not think that there should be such a large emphasis on a huge test like that. People should have the freedom to study what they want to in college and make a living the way they want to. I think that people would get nervous on such a determining test that they may not do as well in certain areas as they would like to. This would mean that they could not pursue the career they want. Later in life, they may carry regrets and resent the fact that their employed life was decided completely for them.
In China, they have the gaokao, which basically determines what you will do in life. It also makes all of your previous grades in school unimportant and irrelevant. In the US, we have the SATs and the ACTs, but these only influence where you go to college. There are other factors as well that influence where you are accepted, but in China it is all based on one big test.
Ethical and moral values have always been emphasized in my education. It teaches us respect for others and their beliefs or ideas. We are also taught cultural values like what is polite and impolite or socially accepted or not accepted. This is to help us in the future so we know how to properly interact with others. It also gives us a sense of responsibility because no one likes it when someone is rude to them, so we teach them how to be socially respectful.
Emma Baldwin
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
1. I do not think that a student’s future should be based on a single test. The key phrase in this sentence, however, is not “single test” but “based”. Standardized tests have their fair share of cons, but they do show one’s relation to one’s peers. Reading this article reminded me of the overbearing adults and parents, in the sense that ideals do not always work out. While Tina Lin, the student described, was disappointed with her results, she was still able to find a school and potential career that were possibly even better for her. These tests should be provided by the school system as a favor to the students, and kept confidential.
2. One of the main differences between China and the United States is the deciding factor in one’s future. In the United States, the ACT/SAT is part of many aspects of a college transcript. In China, however, the test score is the deciding factor.
3. While it is easy for me to think of examples of cultural and moral values exhibited in my education--academic honesty, of course, as well as the humanities--it is much more difficult to come up with an example of ethical value. Honestly, I think that this is because ethical values vary so greatly that teaching even the most basic values could be argued as being intrusive. It could thus be argued that schools promote the preservation of personal ethical value, but that too is not true. I have been told many times in a school setting that money and “written success”, such as a degree, are more important than whatever it is that I want to do with my life. Without straightforward suggesting or preserving of values, schools have turned to another method: rejecting the concept of ethical values entirely.
Noah Miller Johnson
ReplyDeleteHonors World History
First Period
1. I do not think that students should have a test to determine what/how they will pursue their professions. My smart people do very poorly on tests (including me). Tests are not very good at judging creative potential. To advance you must have people that are willing to think out of the box and consider new ideas. Tests are very useful but they also limit students’ academic potential. They are like bad grades if a student does poorly they have no reason to try for a better grade. Standardized testing is one of the most poorly conceived ideas in school behind grades. It pressures students learn to the test and they does not help them learn how to use the things that they learn.
2. The education system in the U.S. is like a toned down version of the Chinese system. We have large tests that determine what we will do but we also have a lot of flexibility in what we do. Having the flexibility gives people the opportunity to do what they like doing and improve the field rather than being a person that works in a field and just fixes problems related to that field.
3. Ethical moral and social values have been a part of my schooling since kindergarten. The problem is that when students get to middle and high school they start to develop their own beliefs and those may differ from what is being said at school. As students gain maturity they will have many ideas that are contradictory to what their parents and the schools teach them. The values can be forgotten while in school but they are a very hard topic to discuses because there are many different views and people may not want to talk about the other views.
A New School of Thought in China
ReplyDelete10/12/12
2nd period
1. The education system in China values different aspects found in students than those required in other countries. Schools raise their academics expectations higher than other alternative choices in learning, such as service learning, physical education, and other preferred choices in the learning curriculum in certain countries. Using the gaokao as the determinant of one’s future path in career is slightly overwhelming for a competitive student, as well as a non-competitive student. This is because in adherence to the article, a student’s past achievements in school and competitions are not put into consideration when looking for a college. With no safety net, confidence is limited within a student who depends on a series of tests to determine their future career and college. I believe that a student’s future career should not be heavily dependent on a few days of testing, or the gaokao.
2. With students heavily devoted to study for the gaokao, other forms of education might become less depended upon. As shown in the article, “some students are missing a sense of social responsibility.” In the United States, education reforms have supported a student’s creative thinking, and social responsibility as well as the importance of education. PSAT, SAT, and ACTs are the different forms of academic testing instead of one large test as used in China. Common core standards insure a wide range of academic topics for one to learn, and the encouragement of critical thinking allows one to contribute to society in a creative, unique matter of thinking. Service learning is a requirement for high school students, giving students a sense of importance and responsibility for their community. These methods of education provide opportunities other than solely a test for a student to be successful in their future; a system that China does not directly provide through schools. These forms of education in the United States broaden the scope of learning for students, compared to the strictly academic education of the Chinese society.
3. With understanding towards Lu Fang’s statement, highly specialized education does decrease one’s understanding of the importance on the other aspects of the human culture. In the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools district, the aspects of one’s ethical, cultural, and moral values are valued and encouraged towards students to express and study with a positive method. In elementary school, report cards detailing one’s behavior at school were attached to the academic report card, in the support of one’s ethics. School rules enforced by the high school community also supports one’s ethics. By providing many class choices, which range from languages to mathematics in high schools, the school system support one’s personal moral and cultural values on life and their future goals. Clubs established in high school enforces a student’s cultural values as well as moral values. By attending sports and other competitions, a student will not only receive academic education in school, but also the importance of one’s personal and community values; a system that private supporters in China, such as Claire Du, are currently trying to achieve.
Olivia Wander
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
10/12/12
I agree with the idea expressed in the article, that there should be multiple paths for education, and that education can and should encourage creative thinking, not just memorization of facts. While it is too often possible for one bad day, or one bad event, to change a life, there is no need to build in such a condition into the structure of education. Bombing one test should not affect the college you get into. A longer, lower stress method to help match students to the best programs and curriculums should be the goal. I also agree with the American philosophy of "it is never too late to be educated." If you don't get into the college you want, try again. You can take your SATs again and reapply the next year. A test should not be a make it or break your future kind of deal.
Compared with the US, China's education system has emphasized technical skill over a broader liberal arts or philosophical education. In opposition, at a U.S. college you can choose to be anything from an engineer to an art history major. This might be changing. The Xing Wei College in Shanghai demonstrates that they are now changing and trying to develop a better balance between technical training and critical thinking as the goal for the Curriculum. Xing Wei goes further than most US institutions, in that it makes study abroad mandatory, as a means to broaden the education experience. One point that needs clarifying is the one that American students are NOT less college-driven that Chinese students. It is just that in the U.S. there is not the same kind of stress to get into an Ivy League school. We can afford to not always put school first.
While there are plenty of classes that focus on technical training, history, and language arts, other classes help us learn about the world at large. Understanding our own history and the history and experiences of others helps provide a way for us to understand how other people feel and think. We also learn values by talking with guidance councilors. The guidance councilors also come and talk to us about issues like bullying, and drugs and alcohol. Learning about issues like this helps us to understand society, not just out schoolwork.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. I think that too much importance is placed on the Gaokao. Students should be able to choose what they want to do, not rely on the scores of a single exam. The main problem with this method, is you can mess up on a test. If a student messes up, then their entire life is changed by that test score. everybody has a bad day now ant then, so what if you fail the test from a couple mistakes, which you would normally have caught.
ReplyDelete2. In the United States, you are supposed to learn what you want to learn. There is no responsibility for every student to want to go into engineering. Also, you really get to shape your own education. Unlike in China, you are encouraged to ask questions, and learn more than just test answers. For example, I want to go into quantum physics, but i am not obliged to study medicine just because i am told to.
3. Those three values have been present in my past education. Where my family comes from, it is really a culturally influenced idea that students should always be present for school. From the moral point of view, I have to do my work because it is good.
Period 2
ReplyDelete10-12-12
Keith Segars
Current Event #5
A New School of Thought in China
As mentioned in the article, Chinese students take a multi-day examination that determines where they go to college and what they are able to study. This is similar to the SAT examine in the United States but the stakes are much higher. This puts enormous pressure on many Chinese students. If they do not perform well then they may not be able to get engineering or science jobs in China. These jobs are much better paying and are sought after by the Chinese. In America, there are many jobs that are prestigious so a student can have a chance of success even if they are not strong in one particular subject. The Chinese system seems different from the United States because so much emphasis is placed on engineering, math, and science. There seems to be very little emphasis on language, history, literature, or the arts. As mentioned in the article, this may lead some Chinese to be narrow in viewing some problems or thinking about ethical situations. They may not be able to face situations where there is no right or wrong answer. In the United States, there seems to be a trend towards incorporating more math and science. So, in a way, American is moving towards the Chinese model and Chia is moving towards the U.S. model. To me, the study of U.S. and World history has given me the most sense of social responsibility. By studying the success and failures of governments and its leaders, we can learn about the impact of decisions on people and places. English and literature also give me some sense of values and culture. For example, we recently studied the “I have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King. By looking at his arguments and methods of persuasion, I learned a lot about creating change, communication, and social responsibility. It seems that these types of exercises are driving new forms of education in China.
Sanjana Vasudevan
ReplyDelete1st Pd.
1. I don't think a test should decide your future. This creates such a big burden and so much pressure on the students. The students would learn the information by memorizing and cramming, so not much of it would stay in their head after a couple years. Students would be too busy studying and being competitive to form meaningful relationships with one another. Also, if they study to do well in one particular subject they will not gain a complete understanding of the world. Students should need to have a hands on experience like what is required by Xing Wei.
2.In China, your future is based on the Gaokao. In the US, if you do relatively badly on the SAT or other testing you would still have a chance to go to a good college with high involvement in extracurriculars and high grades. The Chinese students learn the facts to pass the test, but here we have to answer deeper, critical thinking questions.
3.Ethical, cultural and moral values are taught every day at school. During testing, we are constantly reminded not to cheat or share answers. We are constantly learning about other cultures, especially in our World History class. We are taught to be well- rounded and to try our best at all subjects.
Alex Parks
ReplyDelete10/12/2012
1st
I think that standardized testing is not a good way of judging students because some smart students are not good at taking tests. I also believe that with the gaokao China puts way too much emphasis of testing. The gaokao is literally a test that determines the rest of someone’s life. If they do well they will have many opportunities but if they do bad they will be stuck with minimum wage jobs. Also the gaokao is much more extreme than American tests because you can only take it once.
The education in China differs slightly from the US because in China there is one test that you cannot retake. This is different from the US because here you can take the SAT multiple times and you just send your best score. Even though both countries put too much importance in tests China has gone too far with the gaokao. I think that it is unfair to judge students based on only one test and make it impact the rest of their life.
I have been taught many values besides education at school. In health class you are taught about health, good relationships and bullying. I think that information added to my social responsibility. Also in History you are taught about human rights laws and problems, that definitely influences your moral and ethical values.
Ashley Yang
ReplyDeleteHonors world history 2nd
1) I think there is too much emphasis put on the gaokao test. It’s not fair that one test should basically determine the rest of your life. It’s possible that a very good student doesn’t do as well on this test, but this basically means none of the good grades of the past would matter. For example, one person could be very good at engineering, but just didn’t do so well on this test. This one test shouldn’t replace all the tests and grades of the past. This test would be very stressful for the students because this day decides the rest of their lives for them. There is such a heavy weight on this test and I do not think one test should be so big and important. I don’t think this is very effective in the sense that one could have a talent for something like art, but just because of this test they might not be able to major in art, so China would be losing an amazing artist.
2) The schools in China are much stricter and they focus more on the education aspect. They also have a different view of what jobs are most important. As mentioned in the article, China is working on increasing the number of liberal arts schools and trying to prove that engineering and math aren’t always the most important. In the U.S., we take many different tests and quizzes and colleges look at all of that. We also take the PSAT and SAT, which are big tests, but just because you don’t do well on it, doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot get into a good college. We also average our grades and colleges look at your overall grades and scores so that one bad grade won’t ruin your life.
3) In the U.S. a lot of schools teach moral and ethical values. We learn to do the right thing and one example of that is learning that this is a no bullying zone. It’s very important that we respect others and their feelings. Culturally, it’s more important here to be diverse. We have a very diverse school with people from all over the world. Also, in school we have group projects and often do partner activities. This is where socializing comes in, in the U.S., we aren’t always so caught up in school work that we don’t have time for friends.
Shreyas Pyati
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
1) The gaokao reminds me of the SAT. In my opinion, the gaokao is too oppressing, but then I think of the SAT and its basically the same idea, a hard test designed to get you into colleges. However, here there are more things than JUST the SAT that is taken into consideration so I think that they should implement such things as well as the gaokao.
2) As I said before, there is the SAT, which is just like the gaokao, but colleges here do not only take into consideration the score one got on the SAT, but also the extracurricular activities and the GPA of an individual's high school career.
3) All three of these are strongly reinforced throughout one's schooling life. First of all, there is a large mix of ethnicity in the classes, something that is not seen in all countries. That alone puts us on a whole new level, and the other programs such as anti-bullying and friendship activities really contribute towards making one's morals and ethics better.
Jacob Engel
ReplyDelete7th
1) I don't think that the gaokao test should have so much influence. This one test will determine your entire life. I don't think that that is fair, and I also don't think that there should be enough pressure put on 17 and eighteen year olds. It isn't right to have people who still aren't legal adults. Also, say someone is sick the day they have to take it and don't do well, even though you are smarter than others who might have scored higher than you. I think it is sort of like the saying "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket".
2) I think that the education system in china is much more strict than in the USA. Also, USA most likely has more ethical things than China. In kindergarden, I think that I learned more about how to share, than actually learning how to read and add. Also, the gaokao test is like the PSAT and the SAT combined into one times 5. It seems like how you do in high school is more important in china than the USA
3) In the past, I have learned a lot of ethics and moral lessons in social studies. Also, in middle school, there were positive behavior messages all over the place, and moral and ethical rules got drilled into your head. Also, in kindergarden and 1st grade, we learned about sharing and playing nice together. I think that the USA school system is more focused on social behavior than the chinese one.
Kurt griarte
ReplyDeleteMr. Waters
World history
10/12/12
1) should there be tests in order to go into one of a school, yes because the school has to know how well you are in certain activities and how smart you are, so I think yes.2) in china the schools are much more different in the US, it's more stricter and more hard work. In China they have a very good education they always at the top. In China when you take a test they tell you where to go not like in the US you choose where to go.3) In the United States these topics play a big role, they are very important because that is what makes us, it's what w believe in. In China they mostly care how smart you are, so it's very different.
Edward Zhuang
ReplyDelete5th Period
10/12
I do not think that the GaoKao should be as important as it currently is. It is too important, and the risk of failing is too high. There are many intelligent people out there, and not everyone takes tests well. People have different ways of learning, different ways of showing what they learned. Also, the pressure is immense, and some students might not be able to handle all that stress.
The Chinese method of teaching is simply drilling ideas. While it lacks creativity, it does prove to be quite effective. I remember all while back, students in Shanghai scored number one in some test internationally. But if we look at the American teaching methods, it shows that creativity does yield make innovative minds. Steve Jobs had iconoclastic ways, and that led to the creation of Apple. Though both ideas are radically different, they do produce success.
We have learned about civil rights and the native Americans throughout our school years. We learn of racism and hate, why they are bad and should be frowned upon. Another thing that we learned was how to stop bullying. The USA tries to combat problems like such by letting us know at a young age what is right and what is wrong. In this aspect, I believe that the US does a better job than China at giving a more full education.
1) I think that the gaokao, if it were more like the SATs, would be ethical to determine the level of school or job you go to. The gaokao taking multiple days is a bit extreme, and if it were 5-6 hours long like the SATs, it would be bearable and not as stressful as a huge test that determines your futures.
ReplyDelete2) The educational system in China is very strict and does not promote as much creativity and intuitive thinking as American/Western schools do. The tests that we take better assess the level of creativity and the amount of extreme thinking that we can do under lesser amounts of stress.
3) My school curriculum has been ethical compared to the chinese schools. I don't think that China is very similar to America education wise.
1. I think that taking a test like the gaokao isn't a good way to tell where a student is allowed to go study, and even decide what subjects the student is allowed to take. Although there still should be a test that influences where a student can study, it shouldn't be the only thing that decides what college a student is allowed to attend, and also the test taking several days is a bit extreme.
ReplyDelete2.In America the educational system is much more relaxed than in china, in china the educational system is much stricter, and students have to much more work and spend more time at school.
3. I think that most of my ethical, moral, cultural, and moral responsibility came from the teaching of my parents, although in health classes I learned about some of these things.
Max Weintraub
ReplyDelete2
Gaokao puts too much pressure on the students when they know their whole future depends on this one test. The pressure might cause them to do worse than if the test was less important, or if there were multiple tests.
I think that the education system of a country reflects the countries goals. China wants to be very strong in science and math and their schools reflect that, but America values independence and being able to think for yourself so we teach morla values such as repect for others Ideas.
To me it seems that in school you learn information as well as concepts like honesty, caring, and teamwork. These are principals you carry on with you in life past school and into the future.
Bobby Russell
ReplyDelete5th period
1) I think there should be an emphasis on high stakes test, but they should not determine where you go to college. I think the SATs that we take our junior year are a good example of a high stakes test because every 4-year college you are trying to get into will look at your SATs and if you don not get a high enough score then they wont let you attend their school. But the SATs do not determine what courses you can or can’t study, which is good because you should be able to study whatever you want.
2) Schools in the United States try and teach you to think independently but also they teach you the information you are required to know. The Chinese schools just teach you the information they don’t teach you how to look at a problem with different points of view. The tests in the US and China are different also because in China you take the gaokao and it determines what you are “smart” enough to study and if you don’t do well on the gaokao then you aren’t allowed to study certain things.
3) Through out school we have been taught to be kind to others, understand other cultures, and that we have a responsibility to our community. In Chinese schools they do not teach that and since it is not taught there is a lot of greed and people take advantage of others. We have always been taught to follow the golden rule treat others the way you want to be treated and if everyone follows that it takes away the greed and people getting taken advantage of.
Current event
ReplyDeleteIan Hufford
Period 1
I think that a test should not be the only basis to determine where students go to college. I think that things like community service and behavior should take part in a person’s educational feature. I do think that a test is necessary, but maybe with over stakes.
One thing that differs from education here is that students have to study abroad in both a rick and poor country, but also this major test that the article speaks of. We have tests that we have to take to, but we are not required to study abroad.
I do think that specialized education is helpful for learning about the ‘real world’ but I know that with our education system here, we are expected to take responsibility for our actions, we experience and learn about other cultures, and learn how to make the right choices in a situation. This gives us a great since of social responsibility.
I think that that is a horrible idea and I think that our society needs to lighten up on this whole grading thing because it puts WAY too much stress on children in teens, that is unnecessary to put this much pressure on students. I don't think anyone should be judged by a number on how well they perform a task compared to how another person performs the same task.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a horrible idea to make students take a test that determines what college they go to because I think that students should get to choose the college they want to go to. I think that is a very important part of growing up and going to college is to learn to make your own personal decisions.
Julia Perkins
ReplyDelete1st pd. History
I think that having one big test determine your future is a bad idea. There are too many ways that outside circumstances could disrupt an individual’s ability to do well on those particular days. Also, having one long test be so important puts a ton of stress onto the student, which could impair their ability to do well on the test. Not to mention that some students don’t do as well on standardized tests as others, and having just one test be taken into account when planning the student’s entire future doesn’t always represent how capable the student could be in a certain field. I think that having more, smaller assignments and assessments evaluated to determine whether or not you get into a certain school would be better than having it all be based on one huge test.
In general, American colleges look at more things when you apply to them than Chinese colleges and universities. Extra-curricular activities, volunteer hours and sports are all also taken into account when colleges look at your applications, not just one test score. Also, in America, you apply to whichever colleges you think you might want to go to, and then they tell you if you can go, and it sounds like it’s the opposite in China, as in they tell you which kind of school you can go to and then you can pick from those. Also, Chinese education puts more emphasis on knowing the facts, while American education focuses on problem-solving abilities and creativity.
Our school system makes sure that we have a sense of social responsibility, most notably by the requirement of Service Learning Hours. In the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System, it is required that you volunteer (and document) 20 hours of work in the community. This is very important because the communities that are the strongest in our society are the ones where everyone pitches in to reach a common goal. This is also taught in our schools when we do things in class together, such as group projects.
George McBurney 5th period
ReplyDelete1. Personally a huge test that decides where you go to college is wrong, it puts to much pressure on students to do well, but at the same time we as Americans are doing the same thing such as the SAT or ACT. I do not think we should criticize another country with a better education as whole.
2. I believe that Chinese education is more of a “make or break” sort of education where there are few educational paths. Chinese education is based on one whole test and from my understanding you can not retake the test. I believe that that is unfair to students and is too much pressure.
3. I think that he is one hundred percent right. The traditional chinese way of learning is unethical for students and is an insane amount of pressure, but at the same time China produces some of the most engineers and doctors in the world.
Emily Chang
ReplyDelete1st period
1. I don't think that someone's future should rely so heavily on a single test. When you have something like the gaokao, it's like having one shot to determine how your life is going to go, which puts extreme pressure on students to do well on that one test. As a person who is not a good test-taker, I think that is a very extreme way to determine success. Though we have the SAT and ACT, they are not the only thing that people will look at when you apply for things in the future.
2. The educational system is extremely different in China. I lived in Taiwan for one year, so I speak from experience. Testing is much more heavily emphasized as is doing well in school. I remember that we had 4 major tests each year and that they were heavily weighted. Maybe this is not what education is like in the whole of China and Taiwan, but I attended a bilingual school, so I can't imagine that it would be much easier. In general, education in that part of the world emphasizes academics far more than we do here.
3. I think that morals a woven into education throughout the years, though more so in elementary school. We were taught to share and help others, and school wasn't quite as competitive because there was less work and what you did wouldn't directly impact your path into the future. Now in high school, I feel people are a bit more aggressive in a classroom setting, but we still do recognize morals.
Sophie Heins
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
I believe it's a terrible concept to have one test determine the rest of your life. What if you want to be an artist or poet or actor, but the only thing this test will allow you to do is to be a mathematician? You would be stuck in a miserable job that you never even wanted in the first place! That just isn't right.
The school systems are completely different from what I can infer. Much more education based, lacking in much of the creativity that we have in ours.
I believe that morals are important to a well balanced education. Without any morals we would all just be large mindless corporations so not really a point to living if you are soulless.
Harrison Young
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
For the students of China taking a test over many days that tells them where they can go to school and what they can study, definitely has too much emphasis on what their future will be. But I also think that it is not that much different than the U.S. taking the SATs and other tests that take hours and are used a lot in determining where someone is able to go to school and even what they can study. If you don’t do well on the reading or have an overall low grade, it will determine a lot, where you can and cannot go to school. So, I think that there is too much emphasis put on both the Chinese test and U.S. tests.
The education in China does not allow really students to learn critical thinking skills. Their education is too highly specialized and that does not let the student develop critical thinking skills or how to solve problems in other areas of education when they are so specialized. I guess taking the PSAT/SAT/ACT is much different than the Gaokao because instead of taking them only once over several days and that determining your future, at least you can take the PSAT in 10th grade and test you what you know at that point, then learn more the next year and take the SAT and ACT and if you don’t like your grade, you get to take it again many times if you want. This allows you to learn and get better and use critical thinking skills to figure out how you can do better on these tests each time you take it. China doesn’t give their students the chance to learn, take a test, figure out what you need to work on more and get a better grade the next time.
In our school courses, we are taught to learn about other cultures and to respect them. We are very diverse and we are taught early to learn other cultures and respect them. This is something I’ve experienced from P.E. to math class. I think being ethical is taught in our classes even in elementary school. You are taught to not take someone’s things, not to cheat on tests or homework, not to lie and many other things that help us to learn that this is the right way to act or there will be consequences. I think that our schools current and past, teach kids to be ethical in every class they take. We also learn from each other and if they did something unethical, it teaches us that that is not something we would want to do. We are also taught to help others in need and how to treat the environment in classes like history and science. This teaches us to be socially responsible.