Week 8: K-12 School Education: Different Values and Pedagogies-Secondary School Education in China and Canada
Secondary School Education in China and Canada (Session 4B)
Based on Week 7 study, Week 8 brings you to learn more about secondary school education in Ontario, Canada and China. De-streaming and reform of high-risk examinations are the foci on secondary school education in Ontario and China respectively. After reading the articles and completing the assignments, you will develop a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of school education in the two systems.
Read the articles in response to this week’s questions critically by reflecting on your own learning or teaching experience. We provide additional resources for those of you interested in expanding your knowledge of the Chinese language and culture and/or the English language and Canadian culture.
Readings
Assignments
Infographic Reading Summary or Reflective Summary
You can choose either summarize your reading visually and creatively on one page or write a reflective summary in 2-3 pages (12 Times New Roman, Double Space) based on the provided readings and/or learning resources.
Questions to Consider This Week
1. What do you think of the de-streaming program in Ontario secondary schools? Why does the Ontario Ministry of Education de-stream secondary school students? What are the pros and cons of de-streaming students?
2. What do you think of the new testing policy discussed in Xu et al. (2021)’s article? What are the cultural complexities of this new policy?
Resources for West-East Reciprocal Learning
- The Ontario Curriculum (Secondary Level)
- Chinese high school:
- Chinese high school students vs. Western students:
- Schools in Canada:
Language and Culture Learning Materials (English/Chinese)
For non-Chinese native speakers:
- Amazing China-Museum of Marine Erosion Landforms | CCTV:
- Amazing China-The Vast Grassland under the Tianshan Mountains | CCTV:
- Amazing China-Maqu Wetland from the Above | CCTV:
For non-English native speakers:
- Worlds Collide | Canada: The Story of Us, Full Episode 5:
