Western teaching methods expand young minds
Updated: 2013-04-11 15:55
By Wang Yuke (China Daily)
|
||||||||
She used the outdoor tree observation class as an example of how this can be changed. Because spring, a season of transformation is under way, the gradual changes to the area will be obvious to the children when they are next exposed to the same place. Hands-on experience leads them to reflect on the palpable changes.
Bailey says the program is adjusted to Chinese teaching methods. Reaching a common ground between Western and Chinese styles is the ultimate goal, she says.
The new teaching method is a breath of fresh air for the students, and has also won approval from their parents.
Parent Liu Xiuguo, a teacher at Tianjin University, applauded the new methods. "The new curriculum is to my son's taste. He genuinely takes to it and immerses himself in it," he says.
Liu says he recently read a survey of 21 nations that revealed that Chinese children ranked number one in calculating ability, but ranked near the bottom of the list in innovation. "The figure mirrors the problems in Chinese education where children are fed with formulas and cocooned in disciplines which stifle their enterprising flair."
Chinese teachers, led by the kindergarten's vice-director Niu Zhonghui and teacher Liu Shuang, routinely work with the two foreign teachers, discussing issues and exchanging ideas.
Tianjin University Kindergarten is not the only place using Western education programs.
Beijing's bilingual Windsor Kindergarten places much emphasis on children's individuality, striving to allow students to reveal their true talents.
Little Eton Bilingual Kindergarten in Shanghai was jointly founded by US and China educators who hope a combination of Eastern and Western culture will shape a flexible, receptive and eclectic mind in their students. It prioritizes building self-respect and self-confidence, and maximizing children's potential learning capacity and creativity through games and play.
Homemade submarine, deep pockets
Developing Hainan as int'l resort island: Xi
President pays visit to Hainan fishermen
Super rice keeps China's supply self-sufficient
Expats prefer Beijing, Shanghai
At least 15 people stabbed at Texas college
US to intercept DPRK missile if threatened
2012 a peak year for archaeologists
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today's Top News
New loans, social financing rise
China calls for turnaround in Korean situation
Xi calls for strengthened navy
China reports 5 new H7N9 cases
Beijing officials explain new visa rules
Obama makes concession amid budget war
DPRK raises missile launch pad: Japan
8 more detained for spreading H7N9 rumors
US Weekly
|
|
















