American Higher Education美国高等教育英语论文.doc

American Higher EducationKey words: higher education campus lifeSummary: education plays an important role in countrys development and has been drawn more attention. Aiming at American higher education, I make a brief introduction. Something about the education system of American higher education, reflecting on its characteristics, and more about the campus life.Education plays an important role in the development of a country and has been a sign of comprehensive strength. Due to the differences of political, economic, culture and other aspects, every countrys education system has its own characteristics, which can be more easily reflected by higher education. The following is a brief description of the American higher education.Americans attach great importance to education. Now there are about 3,300 high schools and 12 million students of the United States. Some schools are public and others are private. The difference is the manner in which the schools are supported and controlled. Public schools are supported by taxes and in charge of local government. They are not influenced by religion. Students in different religions can stay in one classroom and study, so there is no discrimination. Private schools are not in charge of government. It is independently funded, connecting with religious groups, and most of them are in charge of the Roman Catholic Church. Students can get higher education in college or university. College refers to the school where high school graduates can be admitted and learn knowledge. Compared to university, college is smaller in scale and not so professional. But in some certain aspects, college is also good. While university is relatively large in scale and is more comprehensive and complex. Usually, a university has several colleges, where students can learn some professional knowledge or skills. In general, a university is made up of science and engineering college and liberal arts college. Both of them have some branches, such as building, machine, information technology, language, economy and so on. After a student choosing his major, he will be a student of one college to learn professional knowledge. In universities, students not only take the necessary courses, but also to do some research in the field they major in. There are some famous universities, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford University. With better facilities, more research, more teachers, and more branches of subjects, the famous universities develop more talents and make much progress in science and technology. In America, there is community college, two-year college, state college, institute of technology and so on. In a four-year university, there are four grades: freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. In the first two years, students are taught basic courses, such as English, science, foreign, languages and social science. And later, they will learn something about their major and do some practice or research. Whats the American campus life like?Classroom Atmosphere. Every teacher has his own teaching style and the style is not fixed. Generally speaking, the classroom atmosphere is relax and active. Students are encouraged to talk, express their opinions, and do some actions to show their ideas. In the class, students are more creative and cooperative with students and teachers. Their interests and passion about one problem or question can be greatly improved. American higher education also carries out credit system. Students can decide when and which subject to learn, only to follow the flowchart of your major. When starting school in the first year, students receive a flowchart，something about the courses they must take and the lowest score they have to earn. But every term a student must get determinate score. Thus in one class students maybe from different majors and different grades. Also the classroom is not fixed. Sometimes there are 100 students in a class, which is crowed.Sometimes teachers may not rely on the textbook and they are student-centered. They care more about the creativity development and independent thinking of students. Such teaching style and classroom atmosphere is helpful for improving the ability and personal skills. Students are not required to memorize, listen, or write, they can acquire knowledge solidly. Meanwhile, they will be impressed by the way to solve the problem and the way of thinking.The Accommodation. In most universities, students can choose to live on campus or live off campus. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages. Live on campus is convenient and fast to go to the classroom or library. You can meet with students and communicate with each other more easily. Second, talking about the problems of study and life is a good way to develop friendship. Third, living on campus can be relatively cheap, so you can save money and time. But the space of the dormitory is limited, so you may feel not free.Live off campus. You can choose to live with a family, but you have to do something yourself. In fact, it is a good way to practice yourself to be independent. You can learn something about the local customs from the family and improve your ability to communicate with others. Obviously, it takes more time to go to school and clean house, so you should do things quickly and efficiently. Personally I think living off campus may be good for us, especially for a international student. You can not only practice your speaking English, but also have a better understanding of the local culture.The library. Every university has its own library. It can be the best place to study and read some books you interested in. Usually, the library has a large collection of different kinds of books. In addition, many courses require students to read books and look up magazines or though the Internet to get the information they need. There is online library with all the information about the books. With the help of computers, it is much faster and convenient to find materials and books. Sometimes, students dont have to go to the library, just through the online research, they can get the information, search the book they want to borrow and check the deadline of the books they have borrowed. Library has been a good place to study and research for the environment is quiet and comfortable. Homework. College students also have homework. The amounts and kind vary with the subject and teacher. After some chapters of lessons, students will receive homework to practice and solidify the knowledge. In some class, they are asked to do some activities, such as role play, finding resources or discussion. There is no fixed pattern. Meanwhile, the way teachers to check their homework may be through the Internet, in class, or do some program.Extracurricular activities. There are all kinds of extracurricular activities about college students. Sports activities are not only good for students health, but also improve friendship with each other. For example, football match is a common activity, which can enhance teamwork spirit. There are many clubs in universities aiming at developing students interest and enrich their life. Other literature and art organization also attracted many students. It is not required to reach high level, but can adjust the atmosphere, let the students relax and have a good time during their leisure time. There is student union in college school. Student who are interested in and have the ability can have a try to do a job. In fact, it is a good way to improve ones ability. Other social public welfare activities, such as helping the old and unable, blood donation, and other forms of activities is to improve students conscious of helping the person in need and doing what we can do to protect the world. On weekends, party is a choice for many students. It can take place in dormitory, off campus or other places to enjoy a happy time. The party maybe not formal, but the atmosphere is very high. As we all know, the tuition of American higher school is very high, some students choose to find a job in their part time to earn money for the expense.After the four-year study, students can get the Bachelor Degree. Off all the higher school graduates, many choose to continue studying for master and doctor degree. In order to be admitted by a good university, students must work hard and hard, because there are many students want to apply for the famous university. Some choose to find a job. It is not easy to find a suitable job. They have to do much practice and take part in many activities in school and in the part time to improve themselves. No matter working or studying, graduates will be faced with great challenge.For many students, university is the place where they improve their independence and ability, preparing for the social life. As people say, university is a small society, you will learn to deal with problems you may meet in the future. A wide variety of knowledge are available and students can also enjoy the campus life. To some extent, university is a window through which students can know more about the life and broaden their view of the world. 待添加的隐藏文字内容1Reference:美国文化与社会 American culture and society 王恩铭 编 上海外语教育出版社 2009.7英语国家社会与文化 Exploring-English-speaking Countries梅仁毅 主编 外语教学与研究出版社 2010.8美国文化教程 胡敏 编 世界知识出版社 2000.8美国大学校园英语与文化 American Campus English and Culture 赵勇 鄢波 编 清华大学出版社 2005.9美国社会与文化 吴斐 编 武汉大学出版社 2003