Teachers talk education in various foreign countries

Professors from across the globe spoke to students Wednesday afternoon about schools and higher education in other countries.

The event featured 6 presenters. First was Dr. Kohtamaki, who spoke on higher education in Finland. Kohtamaki presented over Skype. She informed students of Finland’s free higher education system and that Finish universities don’t offer online courses.

Dr. Ruoxi Chen, Assistant Professor at ULM’s School of Health Professions, spoke next. She spoke of China’s National Higher Education Entrance Examination, which is offered to high school seniors once a year and determines which college they will go to.

The exam is very difficult. Chen used the phrase, “difficult enrollment, easy graduation,” to explain why.

In China, the college you get accepted into is very important, and citizens are very competitive.

Next, Dr. Kioh Kim, Associate Professor at ULM’s School of Education, presented on higher education in South Korea. Kim informed students that South Korea is smaller than the state of Louisiana but with 11 times the amount of people. Sixty-five percent of Korean citizens hold at least a bachelors degree.

Dr. Attapol Kuanliang, Associate Professor at ULM’s School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, presented next on higher education in Thailand. Students at Thai universities must wear uniforms. Many universities in Thailand are autonomous and do not depend on the government for funding.

Next, Dr. Michael Camille, Associate Dean Professor at ULM’s School of Arts, Education, and Sciences, presented “Education from the Traveler’s Perspectives.”

Camille has traveled to 67 countries and has noted information about education around the globe during his travels. His presentation focused on perception versus reality, and the progressive improvement of the world.

“The world is moving very fast. It’s changing very quickly, and it’s becoming very competitive,” said Camille. “We can’t be sluggish,” he added.

Dr. Kris Bista, Associate Professor at ULM’s School of Education, closed the event with “Plagerism and Learning Style in Asia.” The presentation showed students the high rate of cheating in Asia due to extremely high exam expectations. The event was followed by a reception.

Students in attendance enjoyed the presentation. Senior Laurie Auttonberry found inspiration for her future classroom.

“I’m an education major, and I think that looking up global speakers to show to students in the classroom would be beneficial to expose them to culture,” said Auttonberry.