The differences between Malaysian and American classrooms
Studying in a foreign country is hard like untangling knotted cords. As an international student, I realize that the classroom environment is completely unlike learning in my homeland. This is because there are different education practices in the society. A professor of education, Rycik claimed in his article “They are communities that are nested inside a larger society and influenced by the social structures and values of that society. Each school is, moreover, a subculture that is shaped” (Rycik, 2014). From my observation as a Malaysian who takes courses in America, both countries vary in learning method, student’s manner and interaction …show more content…
The attitude shown by Malaysian culture is they concentrate to the lecture. It is a submissive schooling since they follow order and instruction from teachers. Moreover, Malaysia which follows most of the Asian countries has controlled classroom because the students are educated with courtesy and they need to be quiet (“California Department of Education”, 1986). Meanwhile, in American institutions, undergraduates are highly encouraged to participate in the class. They are allowed to speak up anytime they want during the lecture period. In other words,they have the freedom to study in their own way. Also, American lecture room is more informal where there is a lot of conversation among students and lecturers and there are also group activities such as active discussion and collaborative project assignment (Park, 1995). Thus, it could be obviously seen that both countries have contrasting …show more content…
In Malaysia, students are responsible to call their lecturer with honorable title such as professor, doctor, or madam when they are having academic conversation. In addition, the ethos shown does not only apply during the academic period, but every time they interact with their teachers. The title is important as it indicates the academic level between the professor and student. The role of the teacher in the class is powerful as most Malaysians demonstrate great respect (Yong, 2010). In contrast, student in America are allowed to call their educator by the first name without any high social status title and this eventually create a friendly discussion in the class. It is because American seminar room considers that participation from student is vital in order for them to have a better understanding in a certain course. As well, it also reveals to the instructor the homework problems faced by student.Teacher-student relationship is significant that it interests student to learn, builds cooperation, improves learner’s accomplishment and inspires them to succeed (Jill & Joy, 2009).These two principles clearly distinguish the educational interaction between in Malaysia and