| Summary: | This study documented the opinions and ideas of twelve immigrant students from
Pacific Rim countries in a Canadian high school setting. Data was obtained by in-person,
individual interviews.
It was not very surprising to discover that there are major differences between
Pacific Rim and Canadian science classrooms, as perceived and experienced by the
students. Many of the stereotypes that educators hold of the Pacific Rim system of
education were confirmed by several of the students that were interviewed. What was
surprising is that many of the teaching methods used in the Pacific Rim system have been
embraced by the students, and have been proven to support student success in science.
After the completion of this study, it was difficult to determine which system of
science education the students prefer. Most of the students interviewed stated that they
generally disliked most of the methods and strategies used in their home countries.
However, many of the students contradicted themselves by stating that the Canadian
methods did not pose much of a challenge in order facilitate learning. To allow Pacific
Rim immigrant students to adapt smoothly to our system of education, a combination of
western and Pacific Rim methods should be incorporated.
This study has implications for teachers who teach Pacific Rim immigrant
students in secondary schools. Canadian science teachers, and all teachers in general,
must not be too quick to judge and criticize the strategies and methods used by teachers
in Pacific Rim countries. We must accept that some of their methods, regardless of the
difference in philosophy, do work for many students. Canadian teachers should continue
to use the strategies that they use comfortably, and try to incorporate parts of the Pacific Rim system. Perhaps this will allow Pacific Rim immigrant students to adapt to
education system and our culture in a smoother fashion. === Education, Faculty of === Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of === Graduate
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