Job Discussion Forums

CherylAnneClara · Joined: 09 Jan 2010 Posts: 17

I have found a university in Guilin called the Guangxi Normal University. What is that? How does it differ from a regular university?

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

A normal college or normal university is primarily concerned with preparing their students to become teachers. You won't find much difference from other universities except possibly in emphasis. Chinese students apply to the schools with the best overall reputation that they think they have a chance to be accepted and then choose the top one of those, often regardless of curriculum. So don't be surprised to find that some or even a lot of students at a normal school don't want to become teachers.

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

A normal university is one where the FAO tries to rip you off and give you a inferior apartment to the one you were promised. Ha!

Mr. Ed · Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 46

Sugar & Spice · Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 73

"A normal college or normal university is primarily concerned with preparing their students to become teachers"

Hogwash.

Perhaps in the past. Now, "Normal University" = average students, ie: not the brightest who go to the "Abnormal University".

Sugar & Spice · Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 73

"Chinese students apply to the schools with the best overall reputation that they think they have a chance to be accepted and then choose the top one of those.."

Complete hogwash.

The students take a test which is offered once a year. Based on their performance they are basically told where they will go to school and what they will study. If their folks have some cash this could change.

The students do not apply for anything.

Yunqi

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Pure, unadulterated hogwash!

My very good friend's daughter applied to a lot of universities. She chose the best one. And my boss's son applied to about 12 and was accepted to 5, and he chose the best one.

So yeah, they do apply.

PS

Welcome to Dave's ESL Cafe and happy Chinese new year to you.

Sugar & Spice · Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 73

I assume they were "private" universities.

As stated, if the parents have cash things may differ. I guess your friend's kids aren't the brightest bulbs on the planet, just like me!

Thanks for your welcome.

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

I work at a Normal University and probably half of my students say they want to become teachers. The other half want to be translators or business men/women. The only thing that strikes me as weird about it compared to other universities is that the kids have to practice writing on chalkboards, which I guess is useful for a teacher in China.

Mr. Ed · Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 46

Normal Universities were formerly Teacher�s Colleges.

Two transformations occurred. First, Colleges were upgraded to Universities. This required a broader and more diverse curriculum and a higher admission standard.

Second, the educational mandate to prepare teachers was necessarily expanded.

Colleges offer two and three year degrees while universities offer B.A at a minimum.

The Colleges were staffed with 3rd tier quality teachers and administrators. This did not change with the new academic designation. Students still get a 3rd tier education at the new Normal University.