This last workshop was the best by far because we learned a lot about students. They had many concerns about suicide, a growing problem among teenagers in Taiwan. Once we heard about their demanding schedules and pressures, it's obvious why some students make the unfortunate decision to take their lives. I wanted to hug them all but Taiwan people aren't huge on affection. Smiles and kind words were the best I could do.
Some things students shared:
-They have large HW loads for all subjects
-Many go to cram schools for tutoring until 9PM at night, mostly for Math, Science and English
-Cram schools also give homework
-Most sleep 7 hours or less
-Many know someone who or have been victims of bullying
-They are overwhelmed by the pressure to do well on exams so they can get into good high schools (its a competitive application process based on test scores) and college
-They are tired of lectures, want opportunities to foster their creativity, and are just straight up tired.
We shared information about schools in my county and gave them a taste of how we teach. In terms of comforting them, there was really only so much we could say or do. We encouraged them to speak up, ask their teachers for alternative learning opportunities, and to be kind and supportive of one another.
We received the best celebrity treatment here. One student requested to sit with me at snack time and many requested pictures and autographs. Wow. They were so bright and had great English skills. Good luck to you all!
Thursday afternoon was spent at the local tea soap factory. Cute and fun but way too hot. We made soap molds and hammered impressions on pre-made soap bars. Then we learned about the tea + soap making process.
I found another Chinese baby! :) Only 10 weeks old.
Is "tea soap" an aromatic bathing bar, or something to drink? Is the design on the soap based on stencils, a print, or something one draws? Whatever, bring some back home.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'll take a bar of soap too! I remember buying some green tea in Colorado once, it was great stuff. What was used to make this soap?
ReplyDeleteSad to hear of all the pressure put on the Taiwanese youth, all work and no play, academics shouldn't be the only things their lives are made of. I had an Asian American friend in elementary school, Im not sure if you remember her- her father sold us our mini van. Her parents had her on a similar regimen. She was very bright and always did really well in school. After so many years she must have began to resent all of the extra work, by her junior year in high school she had to go to rehab for a cocaine addiction. Clearly workloads such as the ones you have described aren't healthy. I wonder what the comparisons are for teenage suicide in Twain vs. US.