Being a student in an American law school is very hard. We have to prepare the material before entering the class. The professors use the Socrates method while teaching in class. They ask questions related to the material from different angles or perspectives. They assess whether the students understand the subject or not.

Since law students are preparing to be lawyers, we have to reply to any questions and problems quickly and accurately. But, I learned that the best answer to the professors' questions is "That depends". Then you can explain the answer from your perspective.

(Eko, Elips student)

Several years ago we could see a sharp difference between teaching in Indonesia and teaching in the West. In Indonesia the teacher was "king" and the only resource for students. Students were expected to listen carefully and it was considered impolite to disagree with a teacher's opinion.

Nowadays, teachers are not the only resource available to students and most teachers encourage discussion in the classroom.

There are several reasons for this. First, globalisation has meant that information is more easily accessible. Second, there has been a gradual increase in the number of Indonesians graduating from overseas universities. These graduates, especially the ones involved in teaching, try to implement what they have learnt on their return to Indonesia.

(Dany, Eny, Farid, McGill students, IALF Bali)

In the classroom here in Australia the local students are very critical and they seem to treat their lecturers very casually. The lecturers don't seem to mind. If they disagree with the lecturer they just tell him or her directly. If they're feeling too tired or bored they ask the lecturer if they can read the material later. Wow! In Indonesia we would never do that!

Another thing I've noticed is that Indonesians are not used to critical thinking and responding to every issue in the classroom. Here, we are expected to be critical and not passive. If we are passive the lecturer or one of our friends asks us what we think.

Also, the classroom situation is very casual. It's more like being in a coffee shop than a classroom as the students can bring food and drink into the classroom. I still find that funny as this would never happen in Indonesia.

(Ayu, former teacher, IALF Bali)

Since studying at IALF Bali we have experienced a different style. The teachers encourage us to be active in class. The students try to think for themselves and test their ideas against the teacher and other students. In addition, the classroom situation is friendly and relaxed so students can express their opinions freely.

(Arifah, Yuli, Zaky, McGill, IALF Bali)

There is a great difference between Indonesian and Canadian teaching styles, especially at university. In Canada, universities emphasize research. Lecturers explain how to conduct research and the rest of the time is spent outside class doing the research. In contrast, most Indonesian lecturers emphasize text-book explanations. Students therefore spend their time listening and taking notes.

In addition, in Canada, students are required to read many books and think critically about them. In Indonesia students only learn by memorizing their lecturers' explanations.

(Muhammad, Masblihatul, Wina, McGill students, IALF Bali)

There are 3 key points relating to teachers in Indonesia. First, teachers are always right. Second, they never mistakes. Third, if they make mistakes they are still always right.

Generally, Indonesian students just sit and listen to their teachers' explanations and accept whatever he or she says. If a student disagrees with a teacher's opinion the teacher usually says, 'I have studied this subject for longer than you and I am more knowledgeable than you'. This can prevent students from developing their critical thinking because they are afraid that disagreeing with a teacher will influence their final result. However, nowadays, many private schools are adopting western teaching and learning methods which give students opportunities for active learning.

(Naz, Yans, Mil, McGill students, IALF Bali)

One day here in Bali our teacher gave us a reading assignment. When she checked our work, she was disappointed to find that we hadn't made any notes. We told her that we had done the reading but hadn't written anything down. She told us that we might be able to remember the information for an hour but not for a day, and we must therefore make notes to help us remember the main points. Reading means reading PLUS note taking.

(Dany, Eny, Farid, McGill students, IALF Bali)

Featured Topic - Cultural Differences in Teaching and Learning English

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