Maggie Chiang:
Let's be real, China was known in the world for Scholars, thinkers, philosophers, and developers like this in the past Century or two. China doesn't have many developments I guess but before that like the compass, the watch the paper, and fireworks, these are like Innovations. Where did it go? Why isn't China winning any Nobel Prizes? Why is China far behind in Innovations? Is there a fundamental issue of Education?
My response:
Maggie raises an important observation and question, similar to those posed by David Brooks in The Atlantic. You can read my thoughts on this topic here: [LINK].
My response to Maggie's questions aligns with what I expressed in Brooks's article: intelligent, curious students are often pushed out of the education system due to incorrect instruction in Pinyin. Many schools teach Pinyin using initial sounds from Bopomofo, which confuses these capable learners, leading to poor grades and limiting their access to higher education.
Are the academicians in China unaware of the purpose of Pinyin or how it should be effectively taught?
David Bloomfield:
There's something about a country whose economy and political status are growing so quickly that it's almost acceptable to grow quickly and have a few people who are collateral damage in that, if you like, the majority benefits and you know you get a few people by the wayside never mind is it a major attitude or am I just guessing.
My thoughts:
This approach appears designed to keep the most intelligent and curious students from competing effectively.
4 comments:
Unfortunately, China does still have a way to go in terms of recognizing other forms of intelligence as well as mental health. The country still sees everything in a very black and white manner. I hope this will change with the next generation.
Thank you for your comment.
As far as teaching kids to read in Pinyin is concerned, if the wrong way is not corrected the curious kids will be flushed out of school and become tradesmen instead of scientists and inventors, etc.
Here is a comment on Facebook followed by my response.
Nai Seng Tan
Nobel Price?? What is so shit hot about it? Murderers who sent troops to kill innocent children and civilians were among the recipients. Economists who got America to live off printing money to allow America to continue as a world-leading debtor were also among the Nobel Prize recipients. Who manages and runs the Prize program? Westerners only can think and evaluate publications in Western languages. China lifted 800 million Chinese out of poverty. A great feat by any standard and why Chinese leadership is not listed among the recipients of the Nobel Prize line up. China with their Belt and Road project in Africa has been successful in alleviating poverty for numerous African nations. Is it not a contribution to humanity that deserves a place in the hall of Nobel Fame.
Thank you for your comment. I agree with your sentiments. However, you may have missed the point. All that China has done can be done by intelligent people like you who went to China to work. However, where are the geniuses is the question that needs an answer. These are the geniuses like Einstein, Edison, etc. These are the curious kids who get flushed out of school and leave school as illiterates. They are kicked out of school by design. The powers that be do not want these kids to be literate. Current living examples I have written in my blog recently are people like John Corcoran who taught high school for 17 years without knowing how to read. David Chalk who became a millionaire learned to read only at 62, Tom Cruise who learned to read only after Top Gun.
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