The workshop was dedicated to possible differences in the educational preferences of Chinese learners.
The following possible differences were identified at the beginning of the workshop. These were introduced and discussed as part of the workshop procedure.
1. Curriculum Content - In some literature Chinese learners are thought to have a preference for "hard" subjects such as Finance and Marketing. This was discussed within the group. No hard evidence has been found for this although it was felt that some learners may see this type if subject as having distinct career prospects.
2. Teaching and Learning Strategies. There is evidence from the literature that Chinese students prefer passive, didactic teaching that they dislike role play and team exercises,
After discussion within the workshop groups there was some doubt as to wheteher this was a real preference or whether these were teaching and learning strategies with which the students were familiar.
3. Classroom Discussion and Learning. Chinese students are reputed to dislike speaking in class. This view was noted and had been observed by some of the workshop group members.
The following points were noted but were not discussed in any depth within the workshop.
4. The Role of the Teacher/Lecturer ie the teacher is the sole provider of knowledge, s/he must lay down clear directions
5. Assignments ie there is a view agin within some of the literature that Chinese leaerners prefer examinations and questions that have structured solutions.
6. The Chinese as Rote Learners
7. Course Materials should be adapted to Include Chinese examples.
The general view of those involved in the workshop was that these may be differences but this gives a somewhat stereotypical view of the Chinese learner. In some cases western students may exhibit the same preferences.