'Ask a Laobeijing' is a regular series where we chat with a laoren about their thoughts on different issues. This month, we met Li, 56, during her break at Peking University.
What do you think about it being easier for Beijing students to get into top universities like PKU?
Many young people come from other areas to study in Beijing. I’m around students all the time, and I feel that those from Beijing are more well-rounded. Kids in small towns grow up in an enclosed environment where studying is virtually the only thing to do. They are smart. Several years ago some of the students here were unable to even use a computer – they had to be taught when they first started at university. However, they are less accomplished in certain areas, like socializing and respecting others.
Students from less developed areas often find it hard to adjust to a new environment where everyone is as good as – or better than – they are. It’s difficult for them to compete with local students, who have varied hobbies and skills. So overall, I think it’s reasonable that students from Beijing are more likely to get into top universities. Beijing has to set an example, which is exactly what local students can do at university. A country has to have role models. If students from other areas are allowed in too easily, the standard of the city’s education will be compromised.
Underlying this is the issue of educational inequality in China. People come to Beijing because they feel it’s better than other places. Although the government is making efforts towards a more balanced system, inadequate conditions are the root cause of poor education in less developed places. After graduation, students from small towns don’t want to go back, because even if they could earn a good salary, there are fewer opportunities for them to spend it. It’s only when economic development reaches more places, that educational equality is possible.
I have a child myself – she is a sophomore. We’ve both seen the differences between students from Beijing and those from other places. Even students from Beijing suburbs cannot compete with students, say, from Haidian. The gaokao mainly focuses on students’ ability to study. Other qualities are underrated or even totally excluded from the screening process. But the content of the gaokao is changing, and things are already getting better.
Read more Ask a Laobeijing
0 User Comments