American Education 美国教育

American Education
Students are generally required to attend school between ages 6-16.
School is controlled by the state, not the federal government.
How are Americans taught
John Dewey, philosopher
Education and learning are social and interactive processes
At school, you learn not only the subjects, but also how to live in society
In science classes, students conduct experiments
In music classes, students play instruments
In any class, students work in groups
“Plays well with others!”
Public vs. Private
All public schools are free
Public schools may also include a free bus to and from school
Private schools - $9000/yr
Parochial（教区）school – connected to a particular religion
Why choose private? Some parents think it is a better education, some parents may prefer a religious school, or some may want their children to go to the same school as them
Home schooling
A parent or private tutor educates the child
Why home school?
Parents think they can give a better education at home
Religious reasons
Poor learning environment at school
States have different rules about what kind of tests the child must take
Any student who wants to go to college must take the SAT and/or ACT
Studies show that home schooled children do perform better on some standardized tests than their peers in formal schools
Critics say:
Parents may, whether purposefully or not, only expose children to one point of view
Children have fewer chances to socialize
Pre-school
Not required by the government
But, if both parents in the house-hold work, sometimes it is necessary
Parents usually need to pay
Children may learn very basic skills (shapes ,colors, counting, the alphabet) but there is no formal educational system
Elementary school
Start around age 5 or 6 in kindergarten A half-day or full-day Very similar to preschool
Elementary schools can go up to 5th-8th grade
“K-6” or “K-8”
Students usually have one class that you stay with for the whole year
Longfellow（朗费罗） Elementary
Junior high school
Anywhere between 5th-8th grade Functions the same as a high school Transition years
High school
Usually from 9th-12th grade
9th grade = Freshman 10th grade = Sophomore 11th grade = Junior 12th grade = Senior
Unlike elementary school, high school has more specialized classes
Students choose what classes they want to take based on school requirements
Some schools have advanced levels of certain subjects
Classes started around 7:30
Some mornings, orchestra or jazz band at 6:30
6 classes a day, each about an hour Same classes every day
Lunch was only 20-30 minutes
Students eat in the cafeteria; almost no students go home for lunch
Classes were done around 2 or 3 pm
Soccer practice Musical rehearsals
High schools encourage extra-curricular activities
Music, drama, sports, student government
Students may also choose a technical career Credit for part-time job, real-life experience
High school

“cliques”（小圈子）
Preps – Popular kids, high fashion sense, very social
Jocks – male athletes
Nerds – based on looks, fashion (not necessarily smart)
Geeks – all they care about is grades
Goths – dress in black, heavy eyeliner, “Emo”
Gangsters（匪徒） – baggy（宽松下垂） pants, bling（叮呤当啷的首饰）, cross-cultural（超越一种文化的）
Skaters – usually boys but also girls, tight jeans with baggy seats
Potheads（瘾君子） – smoke a lot of marijuana（大麻）, have dreadlocks（发髻）, wear beanies（无檐小便帽）, tired and lazy
Cheerleaders are the most popular students in school.(T)
Fighting at school is permitted.(F)
Students are learnt sex in healthy classes .(T)
Smaller and nerdier teenagers get bulled at shool.(T)
You can be expelled for kissing at school.(F)
A scholarship based on high school could pay for astudents college education.(T)
Massive parties happen every weekend in high school.(F)
It ‘s legal for high school students to drink (F)
Many high school students drive .(T)
University = College (in language) Public vs. Private
Junior/Community College = 2 year associates degree
Cheaper Take basic required classes Usually then go on to a 4 year university
USA Today
The United States has the highest number of higher education students in the world, with 18,248,128 students attending colleges
Universities are usually larger and offer many types of degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD)
Colleges are usually smaller and only offer a Bachelor’s (4 year) degree
Preparation for the “real world”
General Education Goals
1. Encourage a desire and create a foundation for lifelong learning
2. Develop leadership skills
3. Instill a commitment to civic responsibility
Admissions material in the mail, websites, recommendations
Major Reputation Likelihood of acceptance Location?Size of school?Cost Scholarships
“The more you learn, the more you earn.”
Public $27, 000 a year (175, 000 RMB) Twice the price for “out of state” students
Private $37,000 a year (240,000 RMB) Community $2,000 a year (13,000 RMB)
Student Loans Scholarships
Tuition and Fees - $44,020 Traditional dorm room - $6,944
Board (food) - $4,800 Books and supplies - $600-$1,000
Grand total: $56,764 53% of students receive financial aid Work-study
Can come from the government, from your college, or from an independent organization
Merit Academic excellence Athletics
Need Income, disability, situation (single mothers)
“Full ride”
HOW TEACHER TEACH
Inspiration! Present facts to create discussion Experientially Application of information
Public/State Universities Main focus: Research Secondary focus: Teaching
from their field of research
How they learn China—Know facts America—problem-solving, critical thinking
Less of a focus on memorization/rote learning Learn by doing & discussing, Practical Va

lue
How they behave in class Power Distance--Challenge the teacher
Ask lots of questions! More direct Planning questions or points for discussion
You cannot hide! Be ready to give an answer
Requirements for Skidmore College:
120 credits over 4 years – 24 must be at the 300 level (100 and 200 are lower levels)
Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 Writing: One writing class
Math: QR1 and QR2 – math, economics, chemistry, etc.
Breadth: One class each in arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences
Cross-cultural: One class each of a foreign language, non-western culture, and cultural diversity
American Studies Major: Intro to American Studies 7 courses above the 100 level
2 courses about the United States in at least 2 other departments above the 100 level
EXAM A summary of the semester
Most classes have about four exams—one every quarter of the semester.
A student’s grade is a combination of class participation, homework, projects, presentations, and maybe 25-40% of the grade comes from the exams/tests.
Senior focus on the job hunt
Postgraduate Entrance Exam vs. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Less study time Wait—not a big rush after graduating Practical use for
knowledge learned Internship Student Teaching
On-line Classes
A course where all assignments, interaction between teacher and students, and students and students happens over the world wide web.
Advantage: You can be anywhere in the world!
Vocational Institute: Teaching practical skills for a technical job.
Non-traditional student A student who works before attending college or goes back to school later to finish a degree.
What do students
do for fun? Clubs (similar to high school)Go to campus events: parties, dances, contests, etc.
Go out to eat Go to a movie theatre Bowling Watch movies in the room Surf the internet
Hang out with dormmates on their floor Road trips Not KTV
Fraternities and sororities
Single gender (brothers/sisters) Greek letter organizations Initiation and longterm membership
Mutual aid societies providing academic & social activities.
Some groups also maintain a chapter house, providing residential & dining facilities for members.
Some American students start college but never finish because of failing classes, a job offer, social service, marriage, or children.
If you fail a class, you must retake the course. 5 year plan or going back to school later
After Bachelors of Arts or Science (B.A./S.):Masters (M.A.)1-3 years depending on the program
Doctor (Ph.D.) 4-7 years depending on the program
Medical (M.D.) Usually 4 years of school + 4 years of residency
Law Degree (J.D.) 3 years
Every school has different essay questions
Basic questions:“Who is your hero and why?” “What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?”
Bizarre questions:“What do you think of Wednesdays?” “You have just completed your 300 page autobiography. Please s

ubmit page 217.”
10 ips for successful essay : 1. Be Concise Admissions counselors have so many to read!
2. Be Honest Don’t embellish your achievements3. Be an Individual How can you make yourself different from thousands of other students? 4. Be coherent Don’t try to cover your entire life in one short essay5. Be accurate Basic spelling, grammar, and punctuation6. Be vivid
Think of it as a story about yourself7. Be likeable Colleges are communities where people have to get along with each other8. Be cautious in humor Humor is in the eye of the beholder9. Be controversial It’s fine to write about something serious (politics, religion, etc.) as long as it is thoughtful and balanced10. Be smart What subjects interest you and why? This doesn’t mean declare a major, just show that you have a desire to learn