A worldwide perspective on BC education
Things happen quickly over here in Beijing, and after being here for a mere 4 weeks; I was asked to speak at a symposium on International Education. Specifically, my topic was ”A cooperative approach to international education: opportunities and challenges”.My goal was to outline the parameters of our program and share insights into how (others who are perhaps looking to expand their operations), could avoid some of the bumps along the way. During the preparation for this speech, of course I had access to very little Internet, my computer crashed etc., however, I did manage to pull it off. (If all else fails, wear red heels and a dress, and just do the bloody best you can).Here is what I have learned though: British Columbia’s Educations system is highly sought after, as it is seen all throughout the world, as a top notch education system, one that is student centered, creative and innovative, and one that works hard to meet the needs of each individual student, while providing solid, smart education for all.Now, I knew that. I am very aware of the well-educated, dynamic teachers that work hard every day to meet the needs of kids. I know the hours teachers put in; the weekend trips, the late night marking, the planning and more that goes into teaching. What brought it so close to the fore was the realization of why so many learners from abroad are flocking to BC to gain an education. People simply do not have access to a system like ours in many other places.Education is China demands access to money and opportunity. The wealthy have better education than the less wealthy. Urban dwellers have better access than their rural counterparts. Families in China spend more on education than anything else. Parents and families hold teachers in high regard, and with great respect. Teaching is a calling. Teachers in rural areas often go unpaid, as the local government simply does not have the money to pay them. Yet, they go on teaching classes with 40, 50 or 60 students.And they do this with few, if any, resources. About 10% of the student population in Beijing attends International schools (like mine). And these numbers are growing.Don’t underestimate the kids though. Chinese students still surpass other students in the world on tests such as the PISA etc. It’s the rote learning that builds the strong foundation skills at a young age. It’s the student-focused approach to teaching and learning, as well as the creativity and innovation that is missing in the delivery of the education system here.The most recent trend is for families to send their children abroad before they leave High School. Kids are leaving home at younger and younger ages. So this is where we come in. The resounding feeling on this trend, is that families in China would rather their children stay here and study, but they realize that they need to send their children abroad if they hope to have opportunities later in life.The University acceptance test that all children here must write “gaokow” is a stringent test that filters the students. Children here work hard. They study long hours and on weekends. All in the hope of gaining access to a good University, and then getting out, getting a good job, and having a good life. In a nutsehll , that’s it. But competition is fierce, and opportunities are few. So, abroad they go.
