Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

A guy at my school just came to China after working in Taiwan. He's shocked at the books that we are using. CHina's not really known for it's quality books. ANd to make things worse, the owner of the school wrote them, and they really aren't the best. She's not even fluent in English.

It got me to thinking, How does the quality of schools in China compare to the ones in Taiwan? Because Taiwan is so small and richer, I think it would be better. It's seems that there is more competition. Also it's been open to foreigners for a bit longer.

Any thoughts from those who have been to both?

[taiwanho]

I've been to both, but it is impossible to generalise I think. Some schools use highly dodgy material on both sides of the Straight where others use the good stuff.

China has very strict laws about material to use in schools whether private or public. The government must approve all teaching material. They have also had a history of working with big publishing companies such as Cambridge University Press.

Things change of course and the rush to build schools in China with (slight) relaxation of the rules will inevitably lead to bad schools. Schools also get past the problem of paying for quality material by copying it, usually photocopies.

China is a much bigger market than Taiwan, so all the publishing companies are rushing to grab a slice of the pie. As this is relatively new, I am guessing that they are offering material at vastly reduced prices to get their name in the hat.

Well that's my take anyway...