5 steps to better education in China

4. Focus on quality rather than quantity. This is very similar to the first step I shared. I've taught in classrooms here in China that had resources for teaching that were seriously needed, but, they didn't work. When I went to the administrators and asked about getting them working, they were clueless and seemed offended that I expected things like multimedia to actually work. The resistance that I met with was really quite unbelievable. The schools would invest in expensive resources, but, there was no plan on how to maintain those resources and keep them in good working order. Smart Boards that didn't work. School computers with viruses. Bulbs in video projectors that need to be replaced. Speakers in the classroom used for listening to exercises in English Speaking classes that didn't work. No Internet access due to the fear that the students would try to use the Internet (This is easily controllable; just give permissions such as usernames and passwords to the teachers. The teachers can easily control this.) 

5. Train Teachers. Teachers need to be trained in teaching styles and methods. When you get your focus off of 'hard is better' and 10+ hours in the classroom everyday, you can create innovative ways of teaching students. This is something that is taken for granted in the West. We expect teachers to be innovative and creative. When teachers can be this way, they will also teach the students to be creative and innovative. However, when a teacher spends time dealing with all of the logistical problems in the classroom, there is no time left for creativity and innovation.

Teachers need to trained or retrained. The goal is not making it easier. The goal is making it the most effective. How can we teach students better? Most teachers I've met here blame the shortcomings (low scores) on students. I've heard them say on several occasions, "This school just has poor students." I've taught in two middle schools, three primary schools, two high schools and two universities. In all of them I've heard about how bad the students are. The students are generally not at all the problem. It is the lack of teachers who are skilled in teaching them.

I'm in China to try to make at least a small difference. I care about my students and I care about China. I've grown to love China. I will continue to do what I can to give my students my best and what they deserve. I believe that most teachers, administrators and faculty want to give their students the best. But, we can make it better.

The original blog is: http://blog.chinadaily.com.cn/blog-787069-22292.html