Something is wrong with education model

Slides
Photos

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-06 08:36

Many children present a virtuous image of their mothers in their compositions, which shows they are hiding their emotions behind the clumsy application of social norms. The real problem behind this is the "tell-right-from-wrong" education model, says an article in Changjiang Times. Excerpts:

Tao Xiping, a famous educator , has said in his recent report: "Nothing can be more illogical than to see every child in the country make up a virtuous and lovable image of his or her mother in a composition."

Tao is not alone to raise the question. Many foreign teachers have done the same after reading Chinese children's essays. They are curious to know how can all Chinese mothers be responsible and selfless persons.

Why does every child look at his/her mother from the same perspective? Is it because of the children's formal way of writing?

The question does not have a straight answer. Instead, it shows that children are hiding their emotions and thoughts behind clumsy application of social standards.

Tao has said the introduction of values in education can solve the problem. "In a modern society that has all kinds of conflicts, education should play the guiding role.

"And teaching students to make a clear distinction between right and wrong should be part of education," he has written.

But the "tell-right-from-wrong" model is at the root of the problem. A modern society should embrace pluralism. By introducing dualism in values, educators can explain the complex social condition to their students.

But in the long run, it will ruin students' ability to seek the truth of real life. They will only be able to cite the "right" formulas, write down the "right" words and will ultimately get lost in their imaginary "right" world.

Instead of waiting, it's better our teachers start to change now.

(China Daily 11/06/2009 page9)