So disconnected from reality

For the last two weeks, Purdue students have been at ECNU for a American Studies conference. I attended yesterday to hear Zhu Ying's talk about "The Namesake". I do not have all that much to say about that talk other than it is very clear to me know why Julia is a doctor of knowledge. What I found more interesting was the discussion that followed. I truly do not believe this was an abnormal discussion, in fact, most people would probably feel it was quite the average discussion. However, I have not seen something closely resembling this kind of discussion in years. In America, I was always a student who had something to say, but in the course of this discussion, I contributed nothing. It wasn't so much that I did not have things to say, but that I did not think of them quick enough and I did not find a space to jump in an interject my thoughts or maybe it was I did not think that the things I had to say were worth mentioning. I don't know, but I do know for some time I used to crave intellectually stimulating conversation. Eventually, I gave it up and realized it just wasn't going to happen. Now, that I have had a glimpse of it, I know that I want it back. I am confident I wont be finding it in China. 

It reminds me of the early years of teaching in China when I actually expected there could be this kind of discussion. I actually forgot what it looked like completely. I realize I am satisfied when my students just open their mouths, but nothing deep rarely ever ever ever ever ever ever comes out. I realize even more that it isn't an English problem. The students would be capable of expressing these deep thoughts in English IF they were thinking enough to get to them. Students here do not live in a world where they constantly reflect on their environment. They do not engage in critical thinking at the same level that we do in the United States. Somewhere along the way I stop expecting students to think because I suppose I do not think that they do. 

This brings me to the question of language teaching and whether or not it should also include teaching critical thinking and creative thinking along with it. Students certainly need it especially if they are going to be successful in studying abroad. I know it is a skill I want to learn how to teach, but currently have no ideas about how to do it.