Sunday, March 22, 2009

Mao on teaching and students

"Examinations are approached as if the pupils were enemies who must be attacked by surprise. All this discourages young people from energetically taking charge of their own moral, intellectual and physical education". Mao was also greatly concerned by the health of school pupils. Immediately after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, he wrote twice to the Minister of Education, Ma Xulun, pressing for the schools to be given the following instructions: ‘Health first, studies second’. He returned to that theme on many occasions: ‘We must ensure that young people are in good health, study well and work hard’. A balance must be struck between studies on the one hand, and, on the other hand, relaxation, rest and sleep.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

great quote. Don't need to approve this but check the link. I tried to get it but it couldn't be found. But it can be found here: http://www.ibe.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/archive/publications/ThinkersPdf/maoe.pdf

Anonymous said...

The by line and location are missing from this thoughtful post.