Explainer | China vs the West: what are the differences in their teaching styles? Post examines control and critical thinking in education
- In China, regimentation, respect for teachers, strict discipline are to fore
- Individuality, critical thinking, student participation mark Western classroom
Recent revelations about a teacher in China abusing one of her students in the classroom for unsatisfactory academic performance shocked mainland social media.
The news also prompted people to reflect on China’s teacher-centred approach to education.
Here, the Post examines teaching styles in mainland Chinese schools, their origins, and how they contrast with those in the West.
East and West
A typical Chinese classroom has dozens of students in school uniform, sitting quietly at lines of individual desks. Their interaction with the teacher in front of them is strictly one-way.
Teachers are given unparalleled authority and respect in the classroom.
Asking questions during the lecture is frowned upon and students usually expect their teacher to be correct about any given subject.
In comparison, Western schools encourage individual identity and creativity, critical thinking and participation.