China is one of the biggest countries with a growing population. Education in China is changing and developing while remaining strict. I sat down with Chinese exchange student, Mark Ma, and asked him questions about his education over in China compared to his experience here in the US.
How big was your school in China compared to PDS?
"Well in sorts, it was a lot bigger. We have many students in each classroom and there is not much one to one interaction with teachers and students".
What was a classroom environment like?
"A typical classroom environment is plain and not like over here. As opposed to PDS with about 20 students in each classroom it can range from 50 to 60. The government recommendation is about 45 per classroom".
Did you ever feel the workload was too much?
"Eh sorta kinda. We will have homework in some classes but having a 3 hour break in the middle of day helps to get it all done. The amount of work is about the same as here just a little less. I was never stressed out and I feel the same way over here. As opposed to China, there is less time to get work done".
What were/are you goals in a secondary education?
"I want to go to a good college, preferably duke. I could go to a college over in China, but I like the US a lot more than over there. As of right now, I do not have an idea of what I want to do but I plan to get a good education first".
Do you like PDS or your school back in China?
"I like PDS way more than I do my school back in China. China is tests, tests, and more tests whether than over here it is much more than that. PDS provides me with good opportunities for the future and focus on more than just tests. I also like the smaller class sizes, they help out with learning the material better than in a class with 50 people".
How did you get to school in China?
I walk to school, as its only a 10 min walk to school everyday. Most people I know will walk, bike or either take the bus. Its nice to have a school that is close to you so you can run home during the 3 hour break and do homework or take a nap.
A 1-on-1 Interview with
Chinese Exchange
Student Mark Ma
Image courtesy of Lun Liu
Image courtesy of C. Thomas
By Connor Thomas
FEATURES
In conclusion, Mark Ma gives us a picture of what it is like to be a student in China. Hearing from a student who lives there really brings you in closer to the Chinese schooling system to see how alike and different PDS is to China's schooling system.
The Charger, December 2017
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