‘Passive Asian Students’? A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Humility in Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 11:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Culture and Tradition Across Societies

Abstract

A stereotype in western education is that Asian students are ‘passive’ rather than ‘active’ learners. This stereotype is based on generalizations that Asian students tend to be quieter and less likely to engage in debates or share opinions. In this paper, we analyse western and Confucian perspectives on humility in education. The paper first provides a historical overview to thinking about humility in education cross-culturally. Then it assesses examples of humility and confidence elucidated in western educational theory from the perspective of Confucian thought. While western perspectives narrowly confine what dispositions and behaviours count as expressions of humility, Confucian perspectives accommodate a broader spectrum. Educators in western societies can better understand Confucian views to prevent the harms associated with misunderstandings.

Authors

• Liz Jackson, University of Hong Kong

• Emma E. Buchtel, The Education University of Hong Kong