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The enigma of the Chinese learner

journal contribution
posted on 2004-09-01, 00:00 authored by Barry CooperBarry Cooper
Although increasingly challenged in the higher education literature in recent years, there is still a common perception among teachers of the stereotypical Chinese rote learner. This perception, however, lies uncomfortably with the paradox that Chinese learners nevertheless often excel in their studies, in comparison with their Western counterparts. This comparative study of Chinese and Australian accountancy students provides evidence that, while surface approaches to learning can be associated with mechanical rote learning, the Chinese tradition of memorization through repetition can be used to deepen understanding and achieve high levels of academic performance. In recognizing this phenomenon, the enigma of the Chinese learner is better understood.

History

Journal

Accounting education

Volume

13

Pagination

289-310

Location

London, England

ISSN

0963-9284

eISSN

1468-4489

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2004, Taylor & Francis

Issue

3

Publisher

Routledge