The idea is to make education creative

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The idea is to make education creative

By Chen Yanru (China Daily) 09:54, August 24, 2013

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As a university professor and graduate advisor, I have often had to counsel students on what it means to "study" in an institution of higher learning, especially in graduate school. The first question the typically "good" students ask after attending the first session of my seminars is invariably: How could I identify possible exam questions from what transpired in the classroom instruction process?

When assured that the emphasis of learning is on critical reading, creative thinking and discussions, they raise the next question: Can you deliver a lecture that outlines the complete contour of the field or subject?

Most students are not used to thinking on their own, or participating in and contributing to class discussions. They would rather enjoy being fed with "definite" knowledge by instructors. But they have to change their idea of what "knowledge" means, which assumes greater importance as they advance in their levels of education. Sometimes, I tell them the truth: none of the "theories" we learn should be regarded as "definite truth".

They are surprised that I, known in the faculty for delivering lectures in two languages, often abstain from speaking too much in class but am eager to facilitate students' discussions and inspire them when they run out of creative ideas. I have to explain to them that a mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior teacher demonstrates, while the best teacher inspires. We do not profess to be the best teachers. But to be a competent teacher, one does require a lot of inspiration and inspiring, instead of the ability to flaunt one's knowledge or show off one's eloquence.

Education experts believe that 30 percent of education is inspiration, and the rest is waiting. Gradually, as the semester and the course move on, students who adapt well start to have fun in critical reading, preparing for presentations, participating in discussions, and enjoying the fruits of creative thinking.

Some of my best students have told me that after taking their initial college courses in other institutions, they ended up with a mind full of other people's ideas and theories picked up from textbooks and lectures. In contrast, my classes leave them with a stimulated mind full of "theories" of their own, which could be put to test during their future course of study.

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