#105 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China ("Superior" Evaluations for TTC by the Education Department of Jiangsu)

Evaluations
Hans, you write a good travel blog, I grant you that, but you have mainly given us the brochure version of China, with a glossy, sugary coating…………………………………………………. My college also has just had its 5-year evaluation, which it too was given top marks, though little has changed in some of the more important, academic aspects of the college. Many of the improvements or changes were superficial or decorative – including some incredibly gaudy lights. After the inspection I still see students using text books that have stories about buying gramophone records, or celebrating Christmas in a manner befitting the 1950s. More desks are being put into already overcrowded classrooms to cater for the ever increasing intake of students. I still see students endlessly sleeping or playing with their mobile ‘phones at the back of most classes. We still have teachers who receive little in the way of any kind of professional teacher training. I still see outdated teaching methods, with little innovation employed or understood in classrooms………………………………………………………………………………………… During the inspection, students were forbidden to hold hands or put their arms around each other while on campus. Teachers, including overseas teachers, had to be prepared for snap lesson inspections – though it was doubtful if an overseas’ lessons would be inspected. At my wife’s university, my wife had to teach some extra oral lessons, so some students could rehearse what they might say if asked questions by an inspector……………………………………………….. Though, to be fair at an ethical high-street bank I used to work at in England, they too received an award of some kind for ‘investing in people’, but the reality was quite different.

Dear teacher Hans I'm pleased to read this entry. Your descriptions and photos have refleted the reality of students' life today in China from various aspects. Indeed, great needs of improvements not only for education, but also for everything in the country will last a long period. We shouldn't forget, China may have become much stronger now, however, it's regarded just as an emerging-market by the western powers. That's the reason, that many students are keen to search for opportuinities of sudying abroad, and you've brought exactly what they desire for. Isn't it great? You deserve our love! To stay for teaching over a long period is kind of major committment or even some sacrifice. Best regards, and enjoy your days there! June