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The US-China Podcast
Peter Hessler on China’s Evolving Education System
Aug 28, 2024
In this conversation, Peter Hessler, a former teacher in China, shares his firsthand insights on the dramatic evolution of China's education system since the 1990s. He reflects on how socio-economic changes have transformed student demographics and aspirations, moving from first-generation college students to a more ambitious, only-child cohort. Hessler also contrasts education in China and the U.S., discussing the complexities of navigating identity and cultural influences through the lens of his own teaching experiences and personal anecdotes.
31:42
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Quick takeaways
- The transformation of China's education system reflects broader societal changes, with college attendance rising from 8% in the 1990s to over 51% by 2019.
- Contemporary students face heightened pressure and expectations as only children, leading to risk aversion unlike their more entrepreneurial predecessors from the 1990s.
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The Transformation of China's Education System
China's education system has undergone significant transformation in response to broader social and economic changes. The percentage of young people attending college increased dramatically from 8% in the late 1990s to over 51% by 2019, reflecting the rapid expansion of higher education. This change brought about not only a shift in the demographics of students, with many coming from urban, middle-class backgrounds, but also an increase in the overall educational attainment of the population. Such developments have reshaped the expectations and experiences of students today compared to those from previous generations who often faced economic hardships and limited opportunities.
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Discover
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