| This study, with a sample of 56 stories from Chinese and American fourth grade reading textbooks (28 from each country), was designed to compare cultural values presented in these books and students' reading preferences. Subjects were two intact classes of 96 students in an elementary school in Wuhan, China, and two intact classes of 52 students in an elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee. Frequencies of occurrence of 44 value concepts were rated on the sample readings on a 0-5 scale. Statistical as well as qualitative analyses were conducted for the comparisons. Using the total value score of each reading, an overall t-test (p =.05) was conducted (t = 1.88, df = 46.27, p =.066). Although the test failed to reach significance, qualitative analyses and data from attitude survey, interviews and classroom observations demonstrated that the two countries differed in certain ways in using cultural values in child education. Individual t-tests (p =.01) demonstrated that Chinese readings had more reflections on the values of Respectfulness, Preservation of Traditions, Cooperation, Leadership and Economy; American readings had more reflections on the values of Enjoyment and Creativity. In addition, the American readings had relatively higher scores on the values of Self-development, Pleasing Personality, and Personal Independence. Differences in these values were discussed in terms of Eastern and Western cultures. Comparisons of students' five favorite readings indicated that Chinese students were more value oriented, whereas the American students thought more about the events and characters that amused them when selecting their favorite readings. However, the two groups of students shared a number of values: Honesty, Hard Work, Achievement, Physical Activity, Being Liked and Accepted, and Courage and Bravery. This study, with a comparative approach, provided a meaningful look at Chinese and American reading textbooks as means to present cultural values in education. The author suggests that both perspectives have advantages and disadvantages, and each country could learn from the other. |