US versus Singapore
Yesterday, I had an argument with my dear friend Melisa. She refuses to accept the fact that most Taiwanese products are no good and local lecturers should change their mindset to fit the US system, instead of me changing to fit them.
Number 1 I want to stress is, I am not someone who likes to read textbooks. I am someone who likes to work on problems and stuff. That is why I can produce good projects but not good exams grades. The US education system fits people like me. PBL - Problem Based Learning (in case Melisa and Cheryl dont understand and starts to crap that I use too many abbreviations)
I do not know why she is siding with that stupid lecturer and asking me to change my mindset. It is a wrong move. Why are the richest people in the world from US and not in that super powerful China? Why is Apple able to beat Creative down flat? Why???
I think I know the reason why. Americans tend to get down to the basics before anything else. Unlike Singaporeans and Chinese who tend to make stuff more confusing than they already were, Americans do the basic stuff first. Get your basics right and not challenge people with something complicated when your foundation is not there.
And, since I’m paying for my education, why should I be changing to fit someone who is drawing the pay from my school fees? And since that person is in the US education system, why should I be changing to fit her Singapore standards education system?
Also, for US lecturers, I normally get the same grades as Ben although I study for only 1 or 2 days compared to his so many days of hardwork. That means, I am not the problem for the results of my courses with local lecturers. How can it be that I am not precise enough for US standards? It is her overly high expectations for precision!
To add to my argument with what Gaylene said, since we are not majoring in the course, the standards for marking and the questions should not be set to such a high standard. Don’t tell me different lecturer different. I hate those words. It always comes from the local lecturers. WE ARE IN THE BLOODY AMERICAN SYSTEM, STUDYING FOR AN AMERICAN DEGREE, AND NOT THE BLOOD VOMITTING UOL DEGREE. Why would I pay so much to study at UB if I’m marked like I’m in UOL. It’s 3 times the fees ok?
To add, my answer may be a bit vague by Singapore standards but I’m sure its alright by American standards. Therefore, I do not feel a need to change my mindset on answering questions but for the locals to learn from their US counterparts. If Singapore wants to be successful in claiming the world, it should follow the Americans instead of its dead brained ideas from the East.