SOMETHING STUDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WESTERN-STYLE EDUCATION
Western education style is typically focused more on critical thinking and discussion, with less rote memorization. Students are expected to think for themselves, develop their ideas, and then express them clearly in both written and spoken formats. In the classrooms, students will often be required to ask questions, as well as speak in front of the class. Classroom presentations are standard in most classes. Reading and writing will be extensive in university, as students will need to learn to do research for essays and papers. Students will also be required to work in groups on projects, helping to develop their teamwork and cooperation skills.
What are universities looking for? Of course, all overseas universities and colleges are looking for smart students that have scored well on high school subjects and standardized tests (like the TOEFL/IELTS and SATs). This is only a small piece of the application though. Universities are looking for bright, motivated, caring, open-minded, focused, mature, thoughtful, accomplished, ambitious, creative, genuine, inspired, and fascinating students. Naturally, every student is unique and possesses many of these qualities. It is important for the students to learn how to show and express these qualities in their applications, through their essays, resumes and extracurricular activities. Every university has its own personality, just as students do. Students can research to find the university that suits them the most. Remember that all of the efforts and activities in high school will create the resume, which a student will use in his/her university applications.
Developing teacher relationships is very important for high school students. Students will not only learn information from their textbooks and lectures, but they can also become inspired by some teachers. The teachers are also very important, because some of them will write the teacher recommendation letters for students’ university applications. This is the student’s chance to get engaged in the classroom and develop a reputation as an excellent student. Asking great questions in class, volunteering for projects, and doing research on a subject outside of class are all examples of how some students can build a strong reputation with their teachers. This will come into play for Junior Packet.
