The Red Blackboard : An American Teacher in China

Rating:
Summary: An American Teacher In China
Review: In the early 1990s, I left a small community college in Illinois, along with my husband, a retired industrial maintenance manager, and went to the interior of the People's Republic of China to teach conversational English. It was a sometimes difficult, frustrating, even maddening, but ultimately enjoyable and satisfying year.

In The Red Blackboard: An American Teacher in China, I tell about our year living, teaching, and traveling in China. It was an exciting teaching experience and and a fascinating look at a society and a culture that is unfamiliar to most Westerners. Dealing with the everyday events that presented themselves gave insight into the politics and values of China and left me with great affection and respect for its people. You will learn and even, I hope, laugh when you read about our experiences. It was the first time in my life I'd ever had to write on my syllabus, "Spitting in the classroom will not be tolerated;" the only time my husband was my hair colorist; and the greatest number of hours I'd spent without going to the bathroom.

Nevertheless, I hope that just as we came to a better appreciation of China, that the Chinese whom we came in contact with have a better understanding and an affection for Americans.

Rating:
Summary: The Red Blackboard---the true China
Review: Ruth Koenig's book "The Red Blackboard" is a real first person account of what it is like for a Westerner to live in China. Many of us travel in China and live in their Western Hotels; we do not see the real China. Having worked for the Internatioal Execuitive Service Corps in several countries, I understand that only after living in China for nearly one year the Koenig's were able to get their students to fully relate their exeriences and feelings. After reading this book a traveler has a better understanding of the things they see in China.

Rating:
Summary: The Red Blackboard---the true China
Review: Ruth Koenig's book "The Red Blackboard" is a real first person account of what it is like for a Westerner to live in China. Many of us travel in China and live in their Western Hotels; we do not see the real China. Having worked for the Internatioal Execuitive Service Corps in several countries, I understand that only after living in China for nearly one year the Koenig's were able to get their students to fully relate their exeriences and feelings. After reading this book a traveler has a better understanding of the things they see in China.

Rating:
Summary: American Teacher in China
Review: The Red Blackboard provides an authentic view of modern China from the point of view of a visiting American teacher who struggles as she adjusts to a lower standard of living, a closed educational system, and a repressive political system. Ruth Koenig describes how she made all these adjustments while developing lasting respect for her Chinese students, all the time maintaing her sense of humor.