INDEPENDENT LEARNER

 

 

UK students are encouraged to learn by themselves in universities. They are more initiative than Hong Kong’s. Lessons are mainly tutorial-based rather than lecture-based.  If students do not read all the readings before lessons, they would not be able to understand everything. They prepare for the questions raised by the teachers and discuss in next lesson. They jot their own note because it is supposed to be their responsibility. Also, students are more active and eager to participate, which lead to more interactions. 

 

 

In the UK, teachers act as a guide. Though they do deliver knowledge, their role on leading the students to think and criticize is weightier. Apart from learning for examinations, with thirst for knowledge, students are urged to seek for answers by themselves. Unlike Hong Kong students, they have their own thoughts and dare to voice out. Though they may not be on the same page with other students, they respect what the others say and accept criticisms, which is important for them to think independently and live their own meaningful life.

 

 

This self-learning attitude and initiative of UK students is mainly triggered by the experimental learning in their childhood and the environment. They do not only learn for examinations but also their lives, believing there are things which are more valuable than getting good grades and obtaining a high salary job.

 

 

To me, this learning mode was a big challenge as, in Hong Kong, students basically just attend lessons and  professors would tell them everything they need to know for examinations. It is very hard for me to finish all the readings and catch up during my exchange programme because of my past Hong Kong learning mode. Though the semester ended and I still fail to completely adapt to this learning mode, I did learn to be more independent, initiative and persistent, which undoubtedly will help a lot when I face difficulties.