#103 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (To Respect Teachers and Value Education, A Traditional Virtue of China.)

Asia » China » Jiangsu » Taizhou » Taizhou University
September 27th 2008

Published: September 27th 2008

Over 5,000 years of history, the Chinese have created a brilliant and vibrant culture, and at the same time they have formed their own "moral code", that has played an important role in Chinese social development and progress. The "moral code' is based what are called "Traditional Virtues", which still have great significance today. Their values to the development of human civilization have also... Read Full Entry

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Hans J. Schneider

Hans

After 38 years as a Foreign Language Teacher and Foreign Language Dept. Chair at Coral Gables Sr. H.S., and A.J. Professor of German at the University of Miami, I have left Florida in June of 2006, where my home is in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. I have just signed another year's teaching-contract (my 8th year now) with Taizhou University in the city of Taizhou, located about 3hrs north of Shanghai, in Jiangsu Province, CHINA. I thought it would be informative for others and rewarding for me personally, to log the progress of my efforts from beginning to end, as a Travel and Photo Jo... full info

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The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #3

A visit to the Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou gives wonderful insight into this all important examination.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #4

The entrance of the academy leads us to the shrine of Kong Fuzi or Master Kong. His white marble statue can be seen in the temple beyond. This would be the path, the examinees would have to walk to their small boths, in which they would spend the next 3 days and nights.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #5

In the center of the stone courtyard stand six imposing pillars, each topped by a golden dragon. The temple, honoring Master Confucius comes into view.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #6

On both sides of the courtyard are the entrances to the examination booths. Those who take the Imperial Examination will spend the next three days and nights in their isolated booth.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #7

Wax figures of students now occupy a number of the examination booths, simulating their three days of testing, mostly on the works of Confucius.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #8

The booths are small and securely isolated, and were carfully monitored for any cheating. Here, the examinees would eat and sleep, until time was called.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #9

For the examinees, this was the first step towards their future success. For the examiners, it was here that they brought up and selected talents with genuine ability and learning, and led them to new success.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #10

With a deep tradition of respecting knowledge and advocating study, the Examination Academy of Taizhou fostered many famous cultural figures.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #11

The Civil Service Examination System in China was a major hurdle to a career in "officialdom" right until the 20th Century.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #13

In the Ming and Qing dynasty, it was in Taizhou that the "Education Chancellor" of Jiangsu presided and rewarded the success of the examination. From here, successful students would then begin their official career.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #14

One of the rewards for a successful student was a new robe, displayed here at Taizhou's academy.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #15

The second of the Academy's courtyard leads to the home of the Education Chancellor of Taizhou. It is a place I hope to explore more often. On either side are several large, natural stones of outstanding beauty.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #16

One of the stones, located on either side of the inner courtyard, is huge and has an amazing shape.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #17

What may escape many visitors is, that this huge stone is carried by a carved tortoise at its base. Stone and tortoise are the same rock.

The Imperial Exam Academy of Taizhou, Photo #18

The teachings and philosophy of Confucius are still honored today and his ideas continue to support much of China's culture and traditions on education and the value of family.

GREETINGS AND GOOD BYE FROM THE BEAUTIFUL LITTLE CAMPUS FROM TAIZHOU TEACHER COLLEGE.

From the green garden-campus of Taizhou Teachers College, let me say good bye to you. The days are becoming cooler, and the sky is more blue than I have seen it. It may be a sign, that our city is beginning to win in its efforts to help curb the much discussed air pollution of China.

27th September 2008

Sue
non-member comment

Memories!
Hi from Salzburg, Austria! Great to see you finally got the opportunity to ride in one of the boats in our park! Everything looks so much greener now! It also looks a lot warmer than it is in Europe at the moment! Thanks also for the details as I accidentally sent my notes home , so have had to "ad-lib" with some of my blogs!

27th September 2008

Susan Goodman
non-member comment

Following your blogs
Hi Hans, I realized I've been reading your blogs for a long time now; all the time you've been in Taizhou. For this entry I liked being reminded of the first days of school at a Chinese university. Also the pix of the Imperial Exam Academy is similar to Fuzi Miao in Nanjing where the exams were held. Nanjing also has the wax figures, but none sleeping! Thanks for continuing to blog. I enjoy it.

28th September 2008

Bishal
non-member comment

Nice travel blog
Hey hans.I read almost all of your blogs and I really like to thank you and appreciateyour work,Keep on going like this.

28th September 2008

June
non-member comment

Dear Mr Schneider, I've just read through this 103th entry. What I all want to say is thank you from my heart. Though I haven't managed to read all your blogs, I'm intended to download and store all your writings and photos, possibly on a disc, just in case that one day these precious pieces would become suddenly no more available. You've connected my hometown to the western world much nearer, for the still unabled to face and experience a real outside world, in such a gorgeous way at such a high standard. While having been bridging a life between the west and east, I understand every bit of feelings in your detailed descriptions. Also the benefit of helping to improving my English by reading your blogs is huge. Only if I could bring you a bunch of flowers!

29th September 2008

Patt Barrington
non-member comment

Chine teachers' information
Sir, as I was about to log on to travelblog, I noticed the wording of the education remarks below the picture on the home page. I am not a teacher, but feel they are so under valued here in the United States. I so enjoyed your blog and wanted you to know that. My work and play experiences last year in the Yucatan (and US hurricanes now that I am back in Texas) are nothing compared to your information. Thank you so much. And belated Happy Teacher's Day ! Patt Barrington aka pattusa Orange, Texas

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#103 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (To Respect Teachers and Value Education, A Traditional Virtue of China.)

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