Gaokao : a personal journey behind China's Examination culture / by Yanna Gong.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gong, Yanna.

Contributor:

James Hosmer Penniman Book Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Universities and colleges--China--Entrance examinations.

Universities and colleges.

China.

Physical Description:

xi, 263 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

San Francisco : China Books, [2014]

Summary:

"Gaokao" (pronounced "gow cow") otherwise known as the National College Entrance Examination, is the modern Chinese version of an examination system that has flourished since the days of Imperial China, when the only way to social advancement in the civil service system depended on the results of rigorous national examinations. Today, the meaning of "gaokao" has extended to describe the feverish excitement and trepidation engulfing Asian and non-Asian students and parents alike as they prepare for a potentially life-changing examination. Readers in the United States will see the resemblance to our own gaokaos, whether it be AP, SAT, GRE, Med School, Law School, etc., where success in the test is seen as the key to success in life. Growing up in both Chinese and American cultures, Yanna Gong brings a unique perspective to her experience of educational values in both countries. Instances from her own life show how the often-relentless drive toward academic excellence is an unquestioned imperative for many Asian and Asian-American kids, as well as entire families, whose collective devotion (and neurosis) is fast becoming a global phenomenon. What, however, is the both physically and psychologically? Is there a to producing super students? Anyone who has admired or been appalled by the Tiger Mom or Wolf Dad will find Gaokao a must-read book. Book jacket.

Contents:

Chapter 1 The High Test 13

Chapter 2 Glamorous Zhuangyuan 29

Chapter 3 Tiger Mom and Wolf Dad 42

Chapter 4 Don't Lose on the Starting Line 56

Chapter 5 Caged Birds 78

Chapter 6 Drills and Drills 97

Chapter 7 Devoted Gardeners 114

Chapter 8 Role Models 131

Chapter 9 A Scholarly Icon 139

Chapter 10 Family Affairs 149

Chapter 11 A Tale of Two Poets 165

Chapter 12 Cultural Genes 175

Chapter 13 School Competition 189

Chapter 14 A Soul with a Mission 199

Chapter 15 Burning Ambitions 217

Chapter 16 On Top of the World 230

Chapter 17 Another Voice 244.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the James Hosmer Penniman Book Fund.

ISBN:

0835100626

9780835100625

OCLC:

862148812

Publisher Number:

99959363376