宁波书法家协会官网:现在的应试教育需要改变吗？依你看来，我们应该怎么实行素质教育？

I think the exam system could use changing. I was teaching in China for one year and heard students complaining about three exams. The "national" exam, the "provincial" exam and the "school" exam. Well they told me the "provincial" exam was very difficult because in that exam THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO COPY. Also some questions in the English exams at school were confusing and even difficult sometimes for native speakers to know the correct answer. If it was difficult for us how difficult for high school students who can barely speak English?

Also teachers must "finish the book", that is a large part of how their performance is judged. On "finishing" the text book...NOT on making sure the students understand. I taught 2,500 different high school students and almost all of them could not read for me a story from their textbooks. It was too difficult for them. Why? Several reasons:

1. Chinese English teachers often have explanations in Chinese without FIRST trying to explain in English. I think using the native language (Chinese) should be tried last, after pictures and expressions, simpler words fail in explaining.

2. Students are not motivated to study in my experience of the Chinese High School System. (This may not apply to all high schools as I only worked in one) This is partly to long class times starting at 7.30 am - 9.30/10.30 pm 6 days a week and sometimes on Sunday as well.
Another reason for lack of motivation is the teachers do not care for their job (maybe partly because of low pay and large classes). This lack of interest passes onto the students (Not all Chinese teachers are like this of course! I meet many great ones! But uncaring feeling towards the students was a common attitude where I worked) Also students were often criticized for small grammar/spelling mistakes and became afraid to speak anything, thus slowing their learning. When people are so afraid to make mistakes they withdraw and say nothing.

There are many things that can be done to improve education everywhere, including China. The first step though is to admit change is needed, look at countries that have successful/quality education and see what ideas could be implemented in China.

I think if the students can LOVE to LEARN then the education is much better. That doesn't mean learning is just a party, but if teachers and parents together can instill a passion for learning then the education will improve greatly.

Ultimately it is the students responsibility to learn. If they don't want to learn they won't. I feel the primary role of teachers is to encourage and lead the students.

Also alternative options could be looked at, on trial in the United States, where they have a few schools being set up without exams, and students choosing the curriculum. Early reports have shown this system to be a great success, especially with students who could not study well in the traditional school environment.

Any questions?

需要。。。