Subject
Education -- China Books
Best books
Wing Yung
My Life in China and America
"My Life in China and America" by Yung Wing is a memoir written in the early 20th century. This work chronicles the author's experiences growing up in China, pursuing education in the United States, and his subsequent return to China, highlighting his efforts to reform Chinese education. The narrative aims to weave the story of personal growth and cultural exchange while aiming for the enlightenment and betterment of China through Western ideals and education. The opening of the memoir introduces Yung Wing's early life in Nam Ping, near Macao, where he begins his education under the guidance of Mrs. Gutzlaff. It describes his family's decision to send him to a foreign school, which set the stage for his extraordinary journey. Yung Wing reflects on his initial impressions of the school, his interactions with Mrs. Gutzlaff, and the influence of their relationship on his life. He recounts early childhood escapades, such as his attempt to escape from the confines of the school, and ultimately lays the groundwork for his later academic pursuits in American institutions, which would significantly shape his identity and ambitions.
Unknown
Progress of Western Education in China and Siam
"Progress of Western Education in China and Siam" is a historical account compiled by the United States Bureau of Education, likely written during the late 19th century. The book focuses primarily on the introduction and development of Western educational practices and ideas in both China and Siam (modern-day Thailand), detailing the progress made in these regions towards embracing foreign knowledge systems. The content of the book provides a series of dispatches from American diplomats and consuls, documenting various educational initiatives taken in China and Siam. In China, there is an emphasis on the establishment of schools, including the notable Tung wen Kwan College, which aimed to train interpreters and officials in foreign knowledge; however, the challenges of maintaining student engagement and adequate support from Chinese authorities are highlighted. In Siam, the book discusses the King's initiative to introduce Western education, focusing on a government school in Bangkok that taught both English and the Siamese language, although broader educational reforms remained slow due to conservative opposition. Overall, the text offers insights into the shifting educational landscapes in these two countries during a time of significant change and modernization.
Recently surfaced classics