Compare and Contrast Essay on UK University Education and China

Introduction

This paper is set out to compare and contrast the education systems between the United Kingdom and China. The paper will point the main differences and similarities between the two education systems from the education on the personal morality and characteristics of the students, students' evaluation criteria, curriculums, teaching methods, the selection systems to entry and other factors. The term education system can be defined as a system which ensures formalized transmission of values and knowledge which is operating within a given society (Ainscow, 2009). The education in China is divided into three different categories, that is, adult education, higher education, and basic education. On the other hand, the UK system of education is divided into primary, secondary, then higher education. However, it should be noted that different countries have different education forms.

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The differences can be seen in terms of exams, subjects, and style. The style differences are caused by traditions and values. In students in China do not fancy or even have the groups works (Scott, Posner, Martin & Guzman, 2015). They do things on their own as they only need to take the notes and listen to their teachers. However, apart from the taking notes and listening to the teachers, the UK students have a lot of group work and prefer doing things in a group for better results (Morgan, 2005). While relating to China, the English teachers are friendlier and have classes which are relaxed. This is contrary to the United Kingdom where the students have the rights of expressing their varied opinion while also focusing on experimentation (Jean-Marie, Sider & Desir, 2012). The Chinese students mainly are focused with book knowledge and try to always memorize the things taught in class so as to pass their exams (Phillips, 2000). The subject difference is also undeniable. Students in the UK can choose the subjects frequently and do a lot of tests. In China, however, they have a lot of work for every term (Fadul, 2011). In term of exams, the Chinese schools have a lot of exams both in the secondary schools and the universities while in the UK some of the learning institutions have many exams while other only have the entry exams. Unlike in the United Kingdom, the Chinese students have no option in selecting their subjects. As such, they study the programs which have been put aside by the superior of their schools or the education authority. The students who attend school in the UK are allowed to study what they wish when they reach a certain age.

Some of the similarities between the education systems include the fact that both the schools in the United Kingdom and China follow the National Curriculum set by the educational authorities and are co-educational. The students are also required to do what the curriculum dictate as per what they have decided to major on in their respective countries (Courtney & Du, 2010). The schools in both countries enhance their students to psychologically face the world and succeed in various ventures.

Conclusion

It is with no doubt that the systems in both China and the United Kingdom lay a lot of emphasis on education even in the situation where they are using different methods. Since China is a fast-emerging power in the Asian-Pacific region, it ought to learn many things from the UK in terms of evaluation criteria and entry system. The reverse is also true. They should place a high priority on education in the future so as to confront any type of competition.

References

Ainscow, M. (2009). Developing equitable education systems.

Courtney, M. and Du, X. (2010). Study skills for Chinese students.

Fadul, J. (2011). Insights from emergent education systems in selected countries. [Place of publication not identified]: Lulu Com.

Jean-Marie, G., Sider, S. and Desir, C. (2012). Comparative international perspectives on education and social change in developing countries and indigenous peoples in developed countries.

Morgan, W. (2005). Handbook of education in China.

Phillips, D. (2000). The education systems of the United Kingdom. Wallingford: Symposium Books.

Scott, D., Posner, C., Martin, C. and Guzman, E. (2015). Interventions in Education Systems: Reform and Development.