Reflective Essay

Comparison of Education Between China and the UK

In the past few years, many students choose to study abroad. However, most of them find difficult to study in other countries due to difference in educational styles. Before I was 20 years old, I studied in China. Now, I live in the UK and study in this country. I spent a lot of time adapting to the British learning style, and I realised the importance of independent study. This essay will compare the education between China and the UK and will discuss the independent study.

It is often argued that the way of education in China is the opposite of that in Britain, but there are also similar aspects. Both countries students have a duty to get education for several years. (Zhao and Qiu, 2012) The education policy may be similar, whereas there are two forms of schools in the UK which are public school and private school. (Li, 2004)

On the other hand, educational style in both countries is quite different. For most Chinese parents, they usually want their children to get a high score and let them only focus on their study instead of developing children`s interests because of the educational system in. As a result, it is probable that parents often do not know children`s needs and feelings. Chinese students always under too much pressure as a result of a lot of homework and higher academic expectation from parents. (BBC News, 2019) However, British students are more focus on their interest, so that they can specialize in a major they like and become a talent in this area. To more important, it seems that British parents more often encourage children to do what they wanted. (Wickham, 2019)

Through two months of study in the UK, I found that teachers always said independent study plays a key role on efficient learning. Independent study can be seen as learning by ourselves but not only working alone. It just changes the teaching responsibility of teachers to students. To have effective learning, students need a plan and have the ability to control themselves, then know the process of work. (Meyer et al., 2008) University in China, students should take lots of lessons and the knowledge received by teachers directly, however, British students choose to learn by themselves. I think it is very important to improve this skill, especially studying in the UK. It is probable that independent study may develop the ability to solve problems, think critically, control self-regulation, and so on. These skills are necessary that I need to be developed.

In this term, as an example, we are required to do an assignment. In class, the teachers just teach us basic knowledge, the rest needs us to be done by ourselves such as research. It leads us to learn independently. Through doing the assignment I realised the independent study is exactly let me do effective work and make knowledge more impressive. Consequently, I decided to continue to develop this skill to prepare for my Master`s course. To be specific, I will try to make a rational plan and learn how to do research better. I also need to strength self-management and methods of communication in groups.

In conclusion, there are great differences in the way of education between China and the UK. I prefer British learning style because I think that I can do really I want to do and can make me more independent.  For children, encouraging them to do something they are interested in is very important. Too many requirements might not only push pressure to children but also make them lose interest in learning. In addition, independent learning can be the basic requirements for higher education. There is every possibility that Chinese students need more practice on independent study to work more efficiently.

Reference

1. BBC News (2019). Children’s bedtime: Should there be an official time to go to bed? – CBBC Newsround. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/50262982 (Accessed 21 Nov. 2019).
2. Li, L. (2004). A Comparison of Educational System of UK and China. [online] Files.eric.ed.gov. Available at: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED491460.pdf (Accessed 21 Nov. 2019).
3. Meyer, B., Haywood, N., Sachdev, D. and Faraday, S. (2008). What is independent learning and what are the benefits for students?. [online] London: London: Department for Children, Schools and Families Research Report 051. Available at: http://www.curee.co.uk/files/publication/%5Bsite-timestamp%5D/Whatisindependentlearningandwhatarethebenefits.pdf (Accessed 21 Nov. 2019).
4. Wickham, R. (2019). Differences in Education between China and Western Countries. [online] China Educational Tours. Available at: https://www.chinaeducationaltours.com/guide/article-differences-in-education-between-china-and-western-countries.htm (Accessed 21 Nov. 2019).
5. Zhao, Y. and Qiu, W. (2012). Policy changes and educational reforms in China: decentralization and marketization | Emerald Insight. [online] Emerald.com. Available at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/10748121211272452/full/  (Accessed 17 Nov. 2019).