Education in Taiwan

[bohlinghaus]

Does anyone work in the public or private education field? Ah, I asked that wrong. Does anyone teach in the public school system here, or private? (not talking buxibans or language schools, I mean the real deal)

I have heard this or that about the education here, or at least the philosophy. As my wife tells me the focus is on memorization and they "teach the test". I have heard that rote learning is horrible and whatever, but isn't that the same as westerners who had multiplication tables jammed down our throats in grade school?

I work at a buxiban, and I have commented that I am beginning to find the idea of Asian education superior to western education a little suspect. I am not implying or in any way suggesting that American schools are superior to any one. Far from it.

It could just be the environment, but the kids I see are horribly close to burnout it would seems. They give a limp attempt to do their assigned English homework, but when I switch gears on them they cannot answer simple mathematics questions. At least what I think is age appropriate.

I know the basics of the education system here, elementary and junior high is mandatory, and senior high is more of a selection process, right? I mean there are vocational schools and general schools, right? What are the hours of these schools? I have heard different times from different students.

When I was in school, elementary school day was pretty much the same. 830am to 330pm. Junior high was the same, except you got pick some of your classes and tracts. Senior high you got to pick your classes and your day went from 700am to 400pm depending on your classes. Is that the same? We had vocational senior high schools, but those were for the dropouts from the "regular" schools. At least in my district.

Sorry if this seems a little disjointed question, I am writing in a stream of conscience mode. Almost to bed!

Thanks

[bumclouds]

Another Taiwanese education system topic.
I'm getting ready for the ensuing shitstorm.