My Personal Account on Life and Educational Experiences in China, 2017-2019
LEARNING EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL TRAVELS IN CHINA
ByMr. Bek Dhuorjang Chol
Masters of Art Student in Comparative Education 2017/2019, Institute of International and Comparative Education, Zhejiang Normal University – Jinhua, People’s Republic of China
Table of Contents
1. Introduction – Learning Experience in China. 1
1.1. A visit to Shanghai city. 1
1.2. A visit to Shanxi Province and Jingangshan District 2
1.3. A visit to Beijing and Lesson Learnt 3
1.4. Chinese Food and Cuisines. 3
2. Educational Travels in China. 5
2.1. Academic Trip within Zhejiang Province. 6
2.2. Academic Trip to Hubei Province. 7
2.3. Academic Trip to Yunnan Province. 8
2.4. Academic Trip to Beijing. 9
3. Obstacles and Subjective Impressions. 10
3.1. Teaching and Classroom Management 11
3.1.1. The Dimension of Rational Class: 11
3.1.2. Helpful Classroom Situation: 12
3.2. Advanced Technology and Apps. 13
4. Conclusion and Recommendations. 14
Sunday, April 28, 2019 (PW) —- My postgraduate learning experience as a foreign international studying away from home and loves ones has been most remarkable, and interesting in terms of having adopted the life one couldn’t imagine before. I consider this paper as an opportunity of brainstorming to pen down such wonderful memories which have a positive impact in one’s life and learning resulting in the development of academic knowledge and skills.
This paper presents personal account on life and educational experience in China since 2017-2019 as a refreshing up memories and highlights some social, historical and cultural aspects of my learning experience and educational travels in China while paying close attention to the progress of technological advancement made by the Chinese higher learning institutions and mechanism to continue improving and maintain contacts with concern authorities as envisaged in the academic code of conduct and principles of shared future for the benefit of the educators, learners and leadership. In addition, it identifies some shortcomings on the relativity of the areas visited; topics presented for discussions and the major being undertaken by the students.
Overall, most of the field trips made to various places and institutions and some of the topics presented were relatively in line with socio-cultural comparative education. However, some topics were merely archaeological and anthropological ones which can be seen as irrelevant as some lack scope alignment towards the field of comparative education. Though each society makes certain demands on education yet, the development of modern technology is forcing the re-evaluation of the teaching contents with the rapid environmental, social and cultural changes which might make the knowledge more obsolescent.
Similarly, the paper shed lights on the prevailing scientific and technological advancement in the field of knowledge and the Chinese experience which enables the students to acquire the necessary training theories, building their intellectual capacity, and enhancing their analytical skills, knowledge, and abilities to carry out development, reforms programs back in their home countries at leadership, policy-making process and decision-making with regard to improving education systems.
Finally, the paper presents
some key observations and recommendations aimed at setting better strategies
for choosing appropriate research and investigation topics in the field of
comparative education.
1. Introduction – Learning Experience in China
Since learning is a process of acquiring or transforming new knowledge, skills and experience, I have had interactive, reflective pedagogy, andragogy and technological experience in an admirable environment as explained below:
I have had a chance of having visited the People’s Republic of China in June 2017 as a member of SPLM delegation through an invitation from Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership to Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) a revolutionary governing party in South Sudan the newest nation in the world. I have visited Pu Dong New Area Exhibitions Centre and was astonished to hear that the area was a village in 1995 and in less than 30 years turned into an amazing charming city. I learned the possibility of how fast development can kick off, continues innovation, overall infrastructure, opening up and reform that led to the development of the area through Chinese Technology.
I have visited the Oriental TV Tower and acquainted myself about the level of China development in regards to technology. The lower part of the tower building symbolizes the Chinese traditions, while the upper part of the building reflects how the Chinese people emerged from tradition to moderns. I wouldn’t conclude without mentioning the nice dinner we had at the Revolving Restaurant on top of the tower and photos taken at the glassy floor side, it was a very wonderful moment to mention.
Of course, we couldn’t go back without having visited the Lin Fen Community in Shanghai to find out how Chinese cultural traditions connect the leadership and its people. Lin Fen Community is a neighbourhood generally made up of wage earners to provide better service for the citizens and to bring forth a stronger sense of happiness, the community established community affairs settlement centre and community service centre for cultural activities in combination with the specific conditions. The tour within the centre premises about four different cultural activities presented by the community members which portrayed the community cohesion from age 3 through age ’90s were performing various activities such as tea making, dancing, sports exercise, cinema watching, videos, and music.
I had a night cruise at Huangpu River and was amazed about how China has exerted efforts to develop tourism sector in which it becomes the most sector in regards to revenues collections and build both eastern and western bank of Huangpu River in Shanghai. Thus far, it made Shanghai to be the most attractive city.
1.2. A visit to Shanxi Province and Jingangshan District
I left Shanghai to China Executive Leadership Academy in Jingangshan (CELAJ) in Jingangshan district.Attending the education and training of cadres, mainly the leaders and the cores at different levels, was mainly aimed at building a consensus and enhancing the capability to promote the development of the party work. It was an important category of adult continuing education, the main way of strengthening the ranks of Party officials, and an essential part of Party Building, playing a vital role in the development of the cause of the Party and the country.
We went on a site visit to the Octagon-roof building of Maoping town which demonstrates about the then underground planning of Chinese revolution movement led by Chairman Mao Zedong. The social practice site visit of Shengshan village of Maoping town illustrate how its community was organized in term of households, agrarian farming, culturally and social pattern setting. Huangyangjie guarding point visit was to see the battle-field where the RedArmy fought the enemy and defeated them with small rifles and one bullet. History tells who the Chinese are, where they came from and how they manage to reach the current level. Here it was my first time seeing a very tall bamboo and have tried traditional grinding of bamboo and ate some provided by the community. I learned from the narrative how the Red Army during the brutal war observed the Party discipline, rigorously guarding secrets, sacrificed individual, class struggle, and endeavours for revolution and never betray the Party. I was very excited to have visited and learned such a dedication to the course one will never enjoy but for the future generations.
The visit to Jingangshan ended by another trip to Shanxi province in the northern part of China. A beautiful beloved city surrounded by mountains and rivers with a huge population. Shanxi has all the historic sites, legendary stories, ancient buildings, oriental arts, and cultural heritage. I learned that Shanxi was a revolutionary base during the brutal war and that it has created and cemented the revolutionary spirit. In modern time, I have seen Shanxi very well connected with all communication and transport facilities.
1.3. A visit to Beijing and Lesson Learnt
Beijing was the other fantastic place for me to have been to before going back to my country. At night we went watching KUNG-Fushow at the theatre. I learned that Chinese Kung Fu was not mainly used for violence as we presumed but traditional believes of self-actualization and wellbeing of inner peace through physical exercise. It was wonderful paying a visit to the Forbidden City in Beijing before visiting the Great Wall of China, all of them are historic sites that show the old age Chinese capabilities and ability to build a great wall which is the strongest and the longest ever built. The great wall is not only the magnum opus of the human being but also the soul of China! As one of the wonders of the world, it is the pride of human being and one of the most famous symbols of Chinese culture. After having attended the thematic meeting of Shanxi CPC Central Committee in Beijing on the 30th June, I went back to my country very excited with all the places I have visited, lessons learned and the wonders I have seen, hence I concluded that indeed China’s environment, history, culture, and technology are great.
I have learned how the CPC transform itself from a revolutionary movement into a governing party and how they maintain power and get connects with the people. The procedures and measures taken by the party leadership were effective and how they have overcome their challenges was remarkable. People are bound to rely on learning for the future. The development aims and national strategic plans were the main keys toward the achievements and global sharing of knowledge, consultative ideas and innovative initiative which speed up the developmental goal. Similarly, hiring of expertise outside China contributed toward the progression and growth as well as peoples’ commitment, transparency and accountability contribute to the vision and mission of CPC.
I have realized that most of the Chinese food at Jinhua and other cities visited is rice which I think is a major staple food for people. I usually eat steamed rice, particularly the white one. In my country, traditionally most people largely rely on sorghum or flour-based foods such as Asida, paper food locally known as Kisra, Walwal (Akop) and others served with either dry fish, greens, beans or milk compared to the Chinese noodles e.g. bing, jiaozi, and mantou. Chinese noodles dry or fresh are served in a variety of size, shapes, and textures and are most served with soups or fried as toppings hot or cold with broth.
I have seen some unique vegetables used in Chinese cuisines that include snow pea pods, baby corn, eggplant, and straw mushrooms. Other vegetables I am accustomed to include but not limited to pea vine tips, watercress, and lotus roots Chinese sausage varies from province to province. The most common sausage is made of pork and pork fat and its tangs are generally salty-sweet. I was surprised to see some soups being served between the cold dishes and the staple foods, before fruit salad. In my country, soups are served hot and after the fruit salad.
I have seen many Chinese drinking their tea with snacks such as nuts, plums, dried fruit, small sweets, and melon seeds. This means Tea plays an important role in Chinese dining culture. I have taken note of various Chinese teas such as green tea, oolong tea, black tea, and white tea. In my country, most tea is yellow, green and black tea taken with sugar always in addition to Coffee.
Finally, I have found that Chinese dishes stress appearance, smell, and taste.
Chinese Food and cuisines were another part of the Chinese culture I like particularly experiencing noddle and sticks. Only that some foods are spiciest to my test.
2. Educational Travels in China
I came back to China in September 2017 from Addis Ababa Ethiopia via Guangzhou through Yiw-Yiwu. We were received and picked at the airport by a staff from the Teacher Education College of Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua city and immediately taken to the international students’ dormitory on-campus accommodation.
I found myself once again in a new environment, culture and time zone. I was surprised in the morning seeing the sun rising from the northern direction. That was my first loss of compass. Some African brothers particularly those from Rwanda who were volunteers helped us and all the newly admitted students. The university organized an official welcoming ceremony to all the newcomers including undergraduates. Though it was a very nice and colourful occasion, yet all communications and cultural dances were in the Chinese language. I continue enjoying the new environment though the temperature that day was 41°c for me that was not too bad for I came from a tropical equatorial rainforest environment in which sometimes the temperature reached 39-40c. Generally speaking, Zhejiang Normal University has a green environment conducive for studies. Though my height is 1.91M, yet was regarded as the tallest man on campus as compared to other nationalities and Chinese.
Most Chinese both male and female are friendly each would wish to take photos with me and of course I have never hesitated to do so. I continue enjoying living here. I like the Chinese people, culture, and language, hence would conclude that loving your own language is part of promoting one’s culture. I appreciate the Chinese people on that matter. The way of communication everybody tells you (你好 ni hao). Chinese boys and girls are moving in twos among those engaged in social relations indicating real love and romantic way of displaying care towards each. Of course, one of my hobbies is traveling and find out new places. Upon my arrival in Jinhua city, the first month I have visited places such as Yiw-Yiwu international market, Ningbo and Taizhou cities within Zhejiang province. It was a wonderful environment in which I have seen and passed through some tunnels in the mountains and rivers. The Chinese environment is actually commendable, appreciable and suitable for all types of tourism.
The Institute of international and comparative education of Zhejiang Normal University organized some academic field trips for the Master students of comparative education during the first and second years of academic study. These comprise of the following:
2.1. Academic Trip within Zhejiang Province
On the 11th – 14th December 2017, we visited Hangzhou the capital city of Zhejiang province (a charming city nicked named as heaven on earth), areas and institutions such as Hangzhou Wanxiang Polytechnic, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Xixi National Wetland Park, West Lake, Jing-hang Canal Museum, China National Silk Museum, the Venue of Hangzhou G20 Submit, and Alibaba Business Centre were visited.
The purpose was to acquaint ourselves and explore the level of technical and vocational education, leadership skills and responsibility, complete development of the students and teachers’ innovativeness, quality and polarization of technology and entrepreneurship education, management of talent and factors of production which were designed to enhance the academic levels of the students and to produce preferred graduates with positive attitudes, strong application skills, good communication abilities and teamwork spirits. Those various museums and cultural sites with landscape were beautiful sceneries.
The Alibaba College of Hangzhou Normal University developed the spirit of passion, pursuing dream and sense of responsibility toward the development of E-commerce, economy, management, accounting, and trade, etc. The venue of Hangzhou G20 Submit was one of the largest expo-centre with multi-functional complex catering for conferences, exhibition, tourism, etc. all these shows the great power of China.
On 27th to 29th December 2017, we did visit Huaihai Junior High School and attended a very interactive English language class with both the students and English language teachers. It was observed that children were willing and able to learn the English language and this was shown by them being genius to this foreign language. Considering education as a social institution is intimately inevitable with the culture in which it operates. Since Comparative Education is an emerging field of study, the elements and features for comparison of educational systems such as social, cultural, and political aspects weren’t adequately explored as the disparity of global educational development and scientific-technological advancement are swift of significant margin. As scholars seeking to understand the inter-relationships between these factors and society, both the educational systems and society should have clear paths for achieving the set goal for social service delivery.
The need for educational reforms, adhering to the scientific concept of development and building of a harmonious safe teaching and learning institutions, endeavour for the development and refinement of high – quality technology was inevitable changes found out in the process of self-acquaintance and exploration.
2.2. Academic Trip to Hubei Province
The visit to Hubei province was on the first week of June 2018 particularly on the 2nd and continued for a period of one week. Areas such as the East Lake, Wuhan Huazhong Laser Engineering Co., Ltd, Huazhong Technology Industry Co., Ltd, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Press Co., Ltd, Central China Normal University, National Engineering Research Centre for E-Learning, Hubei University, Jingzhou City, Guanzhuang and Xujiachong Villages were visited.
The purpose was to ascertain the level of high technology industries and electronic development in central China besides the socio-cultural anthropological and archaeological sites. It was a good experience to have used the fast train from Jinhua to Wuhan.
We have attended interactive lectures one at Huazhong University of Science and Technology particularly the two High-Tech companies on the Publication Mission and Cultural Responsibility, the second on The Development of Publishing Industry in China and the third was at Hubei University on The Path and Experience of China’s Network Culture. Hubei Science and Technology College and Hubei Museum were visited to get accustomed to the level of Technical Vocational Training and the socio-cultural practices during the earlier days.
We went to Jingzhou an old historical city and visited two rural villages in Tonglinga and Hujiachong were the models of rural villages and familiarized ourselves with successful village projects designed by village development committee supported by the central and provincial governments. The journey from Jiling district of Yichang city came to an end by having passed through Guanzhuang village in which we have visited the largest dam in the world known as The Three Gorges Projects which was started in 1992 and inaugurated in 2013. We spent the night at Yichang city accommodated at Golden Lion a standardized hotel with satisfactory services. High learning institutions in Wuhan were competitive with regards to ICT development and its integration into the education system would last long. Such technologies resulted in good network connections and transport facilities.
2.3. Academic Trip to Yunnan Province
The visit to Yunnan province commenced from 9th to 17th June 2018. Most of the activities carried out include the following: visits to some ethnic minority groups and their villages in Kunming, ethnic minority museums, the stone forest and then attended lectures at Yunnan University on the Chinese Ethnic Policy and Development of Ethnic Minorities and the other one at Yunnan Normal University on the Reform and Development of Preschool Education in Yunnan. Yuantong Kindergarten was visited by having inspected its pedagogical method of teaching children particularly the ideology of quality education featured by Montessori, theories which emphasize on mixed-age teaching, child-centred complete personality development, learning how to live, study, innovation, etc. All these lay a quality foundation for the child’s life. I was impressed with the way the children were managed and taught.
Ethnicity and State Policy was one of the lectures attended as well at Yunnan University which was focusing on ethnic minorities in China and the need to manage them with equality and respect. Take good care of minority groups because they are the strengths of majority groups. Different cultures, religious practices, languages, areas, historical backgrounds, social interactions, number of population, etc. all these are just tools for national unity for the establishment of a strong nation. It was one of the most out-of-class informative lectures. In fact, it has answered some questions which one was wondering at the place of religion, and autonomy of the people. The post-Revolution enduring legacy of the People’s Republic of China has sorted out one of the most pressing difficult issues which are tearing some countries apart on the oppression of minorities by the majorities. I had perceived that such policies had contributed to limiting the majority of ethnic groups from abusing their power of number.
The other activity was a lecture on Theory and Practice on Sustainable Development of Early Childhood Education in Rural Areas. The Professor who presented the lecture was an expert in this field which focused on three main areas: Rural areas, ethnic minorities, and less developed areas and this has proved beyond doubt the way kids were doing their classwork, creativity, and discovery of their talents at the early age, this was of great amusement, and I was made speechless by those genius kids.
On the investigation on the Tuanjie Township of Ethnic Minority of Yi and Bai, Prof. Rong Xiang of Yunnan University presented an amazing experienced lecture at Yunnan Ethnic Village in Xishan district on social workers and village guardians in China’s new era. I was convinced on how voluntary work on social work can help to address the poverty problem and what people good at can result in the development of communities. Countries are underdeveloped because most of their people are underdeveloped, having no opportunity of expanding their potential capabilities in the service of society.
The trip to Beijing began on early morning 14th April 2019 and lasted for six days. While in Beijing, we have attended two lectures, one on ‘China’s Higher Education Development and Reform’ at the Capital Normal University and the other on ‘The Peking University and the pursuit of Academic excellence in China’ which answered the question of Why ‘Beida’ Peking University has been able to maintain its excellence in China for such a long time? Of course, the analyses were in place and that has witnessed the continuous development of Higher education in China until some universities reached World Class and other Great universities. Reforming Higher Education is one of the factors that contribute to the rapid social and economic development of any nation.
The other activities include an amazing experience of adventurers the visit to the Great Wall of China as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was one of the points of pride in Chinese culture and history. The Capital Museum presented a study on Chinese society, culture and development and that of history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. Archaeologists and anthropologists who study Chinese people’s political, social and cultural background would have benefited a lot from the historical and cultural show of the Capital Museum in Beijing.
The Military Museums with all military offensive and defensive machines such as propellers, anti-aircraft, missiles, tanks, rockets and warplanes, jet fighters, Etc. presented various Chinese defensive mechanisms for protecting its sovereignty, national integrity and pride as it continues to maintain its peace and stability. It revealed the intelligence and strength of Chinese society in the military build-up and the pursued of modernized techniques, warfare, and capabilities. Our voyage continued to reach the historic Imperial Palace well known as Forbidden City within Beijing. Along with The Great Wall and other significance, historic sites demonstrates the old age Chinese capabilities and ability to build the strongest and the longest ever buildings. Eye can’t get satisfied with beautiful scenery.
Another great adventurous amazing experience was getting up as early as at 3:00 a.m. from the hotel moving to Tiananmen Square in Beijing at the centre of the city to witness the flag-raising ceremony attended by hundreds of thousands Chinese and non-Chinese people. The Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership should be credited for having led and continue leading the people to real-world prosperous life that the citizens themselves didn’t expect. Services delivery and nation-building aren’t a slogan but reality on the ground. Inculcating patriotism and principle values aren’t easy things but this leadership has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that they were and are the people’s servants with determination to serve. It was a nice experience to be among those people who cut their sleep to come to witness the flag-raising ceremony and then go back to sleep. I learned that the Chinese made it their habit to witness this ceremony every day. It is not an easy thing to do if you are not a patriotic citizen who loves your country, party, and government. It was great seeing the main entrance of Imperial Palace, Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Zedong’s Memorial Hall and the Chinese National Museum buildings.
3. Obstacles and Subjective Impressions
Reference to the trips carried out, one can come up with various story-telling ranging from highly developed physical infrastructure, beautiful landscape, new acquired skills, knowledge and rich cultural values to Chinese new experiences of tall and black colour skin people. Probably, Chinese are said to have only seen black people on TVs and Videos and perhaps not even one-third of the country huge population that might watch black race thereof. Despite this, some people conceptions about black movies are rather acting than real and those that take it really are quite skewed believing that all coloured people are performers and basketball players as many of them associated with tall height. Many Chinese were starring and busily snapping at us everywhere we go. It was like none of these people have ever seen a black person before. My common sense informed me that there was nothing strange in us apart from being black, and tall. You can be suddenly be rushed by a group of Chinese all attempting to take photos of you on their phones without permission. Nonetheless, they could also ask their friends or relatives to take pictures of them or their kids with you.
My first conception about this situation was that Chinese people treat us like zoo animals but again there was a mixed feeling about this, when you look at the gestures of their behaviour toward us, you will again think that they are only curious by our unique nature of being black, being tall was not a paramount reason because they also have tall people though rare to easily find any. Some ladies and gentlemen respectfully and politely approached me asking to have a photo with, and after that, they gently hold my hand and ask me that “what do we eat that makes us black and tall?” I usually smile! And asked them back the same question, though the adjectives changed this time, what do you eat that make you yellow and short? And their answers were to smile. We ended up with smiles being our answers to curious questions as I am a friendly person to all and socially active member of the community with good communication skills. I approach people with a positive mind and attitude and always helpful with honest efforts and true dedication. I always feel joyous and fortunate to meet and interact with various people from different cultures and background.
3.1. Teaching and Classroom Management
When people’s ideas about teaching and learning are different, the ways people design their learning environments will be quite different. I have acquired many useful skills, many of which came directly from the class. In working to develop the teaching abilities I have learned much about good and bad ways to present material, and techniques to help combat common teaching problems.
I have taken notes on the presence of pedagogical differences or dimensions:
3.1.1. The Dimension of Rational Class:
We were divided into group discussions and each group contributes to the topic of discussion given by the facilitators. Here the interaction takes place between and among the students in one group and other groups as well all the group members came from different educational background systems and experiences. In this way, it becomes a collective contributions and sharing of similarities or differences experiences. It was obvious by the expressions expressed by the groups indicates that they concentrated and thought critically to come up with the relevant solutions or suggestions to a given problem.
This group work indicates a form of the high order of thinking that produced extremely interesting and smart work, deep understandings and knowledge sharing. it demonstrates an understanding of various classroom environments we had been to and the concept of tasks given that we were able to make use of our various knowledge in solving the problem and hence, established mutual relationships between and among ourselves and become interactive with one another in cross-checking our various answers to come up with a more correct answer.
3.1.2. Helpful Classroom Situation:
We were very much engaged in doing academic works such as assignments individually and group work (discussion) given by various tutors. Every time we were busy the tutors had high expectations from us, so they were supportive and cooperative with us throughout without any favour. This acted as one of the motivators that led to a high level of academic engagement. Personally, I admired this way of teaching for it appears to be working more than the traditional ways of teaching back home because we as students may efficiently and effectively work to have something to share or gaining new knowledge for future use.
There was a sense of low implicit control during the lectures as some of us were leaving their cellphones open and used to go out and come in anytime without permission from the lecture. This was different from the real situation back home. There was no time devoted to a discipline such behaviors and controlling but I thought it might be because most of us are mature students and were doing higher studies that was why movements were not much controlled.
I came across a wonderful quote that sums up the relevance of this reflective writing “Let Plato be your friend and Aristotle, but more let your friend be the truth”.
This impressive statement when linking the need for all productive pedagogies works in a learning environment. Most of our lecturers have planned and presented relevant courses to further our knowledge and teaching skills and tasks established to help us. Sound teaching philosophies. The interactive situation in which students asks questions and the mode in which they are answered by the lecturers. Though I was worried about education as a major yet the techniques, skills, and knowledge I have acquired made me feel more comfortable with education as a field of study.
I like two analects of Confucius which say:
“He who learns but does not think is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger” and “I only instruct and enlighten the fervent. If I hold one corner and a student cannot come to me with the other three, I do not go on with the lesson”
All classes I have been too in Zhejiang Normal University were all equipped with the necessary learning modern materials such as Internet wireless network connection 24 hours, projectors, microphones speakers, etc. in addition to electricity which when reflecting all these back home where the few concrete schools lack electric power, lighting and so on. Most schools in my country are under trees or open space and no good learning environment. I learned that students learn by their own through the above narration, and using teaching audio and whiteboards.
3.2. Advanced Technology and Apps
Science and Technology are developed in China and I believe this has contributed to the socio-economic development of the country. Apart from fast advances in areas such as education, infrastructure, and commercial activities, China has made a lot of progress among the developed world countries by its indigenous innovation and reform and opening up policies which are the key national achievements. I thought WeChat is a social messaging application, like Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp but it turned out to be a very important bank in moving where almost everyone uses. This has promoted E-commerce as China is going cashless since consumers spent their money buying via mobile payment platforms i.e. QR code-scanning mobile payment platforms led by WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
The development of technology makes Chinese life and living more accessible. E.g. one can just order food, taxi, etc. or buying items online using the above-mentioned apps. I rarely see people counting cash money in hands. I have realized senior citizens (old aged people) are the ones using cash money. Socialism is really progressing with Chinese characteristics where things are commonly used e.g. public transports, bicycles, and e-bikes, etc. China has fast high-speed trains and railways, motor vehicles of different types and sizes.
- Most of the discussions and explanations in the trips were in Chinese which made the understanding difficult since many Chinese don’t speak English.
- Time changing zone affected me to put up with schedules but I have managed.
- Most visits to Museums were inappropriate for comparative education student. It would have been beneficial to archaeologist and anthropologist scholars.
- Some lectures were contently shallow and others were outdated information and irrelevant.
- Some school assistants employed to guide the trips were inexperience in team management and handling of student’s attitudes.
- The research and investigation weren’t clear to what students were to investigate during the trip and this might question the international of the institution. It shouldn’t all be about the narration of high tall buildings, gorgeous scenery and seeing some socio-cultural museums antiquities but rather should be oriented towards acquisition of new skills and knowledge in the field of comparative education.
- Most trips vigorously promote tourism.
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
The development of globalization and knowledge economy led to the change of the educational teaching methods and materials. The changes in educational teaching methods may also affect global education reform. Experience of education reform can be applied to solve the problems to a certain extent. I was impressed by the way Chinese people have proved themselves as individuals dedicated to their work with true efforts exerted to develop their country. All what I have learned, seen, watch and read through various means motivated me to conclude that China is on the right track as a successful example of a fast-growing economy, and advanced technology country with global ranking education institutions with high reputation that aspire all the knowledge seekers to apply for the development of their professional career perspectives.
When people’s ideas about teaching and learning are different, the ways people design their learning environments will be quite different.
All areas and institutions visited were with a wonderful environment in which I have seen and passed through some tunnels in the mountains and rivers. The Chinese environment is actually commendable, appreciable and suitable for all types of tourism. China Governance system is very good particularly socialism with Chinese Characteristics. Indeed the Chinese history is featured by loyalty, honesty and uprightness with openness to the world particularly African countries people have a lot to learn from China.
The school should design specific areas to be investigated in relation to comparative education that might help students get up-to-date relevant research information on global, social, economic, methods and methodology of comparative education. Students should get familiar with new classroom situation equipped with all modern learning Information and Communication Technology (ICT) materials which facilitate learning and encouraged the learners to discover or know more about what they are doing. Research strategies in Comparative education, post-war plans for the development and valuation of comparative education, principles, and aspects of national and international comparative education, and higher education in comparative perspectives should be some areas of focus in order to improve the educational systems in our home countries.
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