The commitment to the whole child should be measured and accessed in all capabilities. Whether by physical developmental attributes to brain development and overall health. These developmental pattens Will reveal the overall growth of the child and relinquish knowledge on where this child should be in terms of development and how these rapid patterns of growth and health can be established, whether by school or home.
China Physical Development vs Academics
In terms of being physically accessed Chinese children are unique compared to those in other developing countries because they do not perform household chores. Instead, they are under pressure to achieve scholastically. Participation in physical activities outside of school is almost nonexistent. Current television watching habits are relatively low compared to developed countries and walking/biking is a common form of commuting. (Popkin, 2003) The descriptive analysis herein represents the foundation upon which future longitudinal studies of PA in this population will be based. (Popkin, 2003) A total of 72% engage in study-related activities outside of school for a median of 420 min/week. Only 8% of Chinese school children, regardless of gender, watch television > or =2 h/day; less than 1% watch > or =4 h/day. Chores related to housework are not a part of life for Chinese school children; fewer than 20% performed these tasks. (Popkin, 2003)
Chinese children also commute to school by walking more often then U.S or other countries. They are more eager to participate in "academic" sport rather then physical activity. Due to the customs and beliefs of their traditions of their culture. In terms of academics, their assessment is relatively high in Math and Science, in comparison with other countries.
Resource Application
Popkin, B.(2003) Physical activity and inactivity in Chinese school-aged youth: the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord.pp 1093-9
Thank you for sharing information about China. In the spirit of the Olympic Games being held at this time, Coming from a country who had a humble number of participants in the Olympics over the years, I know how little our government and schools invest in cultivating sports in children, and I had assumed that countries such as USA, Russia, and China, for example, must be providing plenty of support to children early on. After reading your post, I am surprised and cannot imagine how their physical activity is limited at schools, when they have been accomplishing outstanding results throughout the season in most fields. My guess is perhaps they make selective support; meaning not all Chinese are given a chance to participate in sports? Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteGood analysis Adrea, this is a typical influence of culture in children development as we have seen in China. Growing up in my country Nigeria, we also walked to school and it was fun and learning process for children. The whole child is about all areas which include body, cognitive and psychological. And understanding the purpose of the assessment will be a sure guide as per the appropriate.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Very informative about the children in China. I bet my children wish they were living in China right about now...so they wouldn't have to do chores! I like how they emphasize education in China but feel as though it is a little too extreme for my liking. I couldn't imagine my children being so consumed with academics but don't have the necessary social skills to interact with others, etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the intelligence of the cjild should be measured in all aspects, not just a paper test format. The information pertaining to Chinese children was very insighful. I was unaware of their study habits.
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