Beefing Up Education

7 months ago, I may have not cared as much about this article. But after becoming a part of the education system, and experiencing/observing the intricacies of the Chinese school system, my interests have changed a bit.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/20/opinion/rice-klein-education/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

I agree, the US education needs to be stepped up. But I would warn the government against making China it's benchmark or model program. These kids here are wound way too tight; the schools start preparing them for the college entrance exam as early as 1st grade. It's bad enough that even current school teachers are afraid to put their own children into the public school system.

Also, yeah, these guys are great at math and science, but they lack any creativity or individual spirit. So, just a warning USA: as you begin your massive education reformation, be wary of designing a system that churns out very high scoring, intelligent, but completely impersonal robots.

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Byron Yee
TEFL English Teacher - Shenzhen, China

Chinese Students Learn the Blues

Let's face it, if anyone really has a need to sing blues music, it's Chinese students. They're learning about American music right now, so I decided to spend a week teaching them about the classic 12 bar blues.

The format and chord progression equally technically and lyrically simple as it is bursting with passion and emotional insight. Perfect. My students came up with some interesting lyrics and topics - most revolved around the themes of gross cafeteria food, too much homework, and love.

The best part was that at the beginning of class, one of my students said "blues music is so boring." He quickly changed his mind once I told him that it was not only permitted, but encouraged to sing about "idiot teachers" and "mice in the rice."

That may have been one of my most successful lessons yet.


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Byron Yee
TEFL English Teacher - Shenzhen, China

Fun Shops in Hong Kong

 

Last time I was in Hong Kong, I stumbled upon this shop. I thought the name was funny, then I peered closer into their display window thought it was really funny. How do you suppose the name of this shop is pronounced?

Yeah, call me a pervert, but you're all thinking the same thing I am ;)

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Byron Yee
TEFL English Teacher - Shenzhen, China

Shit Asian Dads Say

Follow up to the stuff Asian moms say. Don't worry Dad, you're certainly NOT like this. But I do know a few Asian dads that are...

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Byron Yee
TEFL English Teacher - Shenzhen, China

Asian Moms Say the Darndest Things

My good friend and fellow ABC (American Born Chinese) sent me this youtube video. It's quotable quotes from the "typical" Asian American mother.

A rule I learned while studying theatre is that every comedy has some very dark truths. This is one of those cases. After being in China for a little while, I've discovered that Chinese moms can also be very similar. So, here's a bit of culture for you guys.

Don't worry mom, I don't think you're ENTIRELY like this ;)

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Byron Yee

TEFL English Teacher - Shenzhen, China