As is known to us， there are a large number of differences between western and Chinese teaching methods. To be specific， all these differences are resulted from different cultural values. According to Hofstede’s research， there are four pairs of contrasting values， which are large and small power distances， individualism versus collectivism， masculinity versus femininity as well as strong and weak uncertainty avoidance. Now I’d like to share some of my experiences which reflect the first two contrasting values.
　　To begin with， different power distances can lead to different teaching methods. In most of the classes given by Chinese teachers both in my undergraduate and post-graduate education，， I have been receiving the teacher-centered education. The new material is presented by teacher’s explanation plus the PPT presentation. Thus， I have to highly focus on his or her explanation. If I think more about one question， I would get lost when I draw my attention back in class. Besides， Chinese teachers get feedback by the approach of asking questions and students giving answers. We students seldom contradict our teacher in class to show our respect to teacher. It is the teacher who makes decisions and outlines the paths for us to follow in class. We are highly dependent on our teacher. Therefore， the effectiveness of learning is largely related to excellence of teacher. Therefore， it is a common phenomenon that many parents seek to arrange their kids in the class instructed by excellent teacher.
　　When I was freshmen in college， I met my first foreign teacher， a graceful and knowledgeable lady. She is from America and used the typical America way to teach us. Every class， there was more than one fascinating group work activities such as group discussions， role plays and so on. We are expected to make dialogues or role plays in class. What’s more， she would ask us to solve problems by group work， and there were more interactions between her and us. Usually she would offer us choices and asked us to choose the in-class activities which we preferred. It is just through these various activities that we developed our ability and gained the effectiveness of learning.
　　After learning this intercultural communication course， I come to know that different power distances can lead to different teaching methods. Our America teacher came from a small power distance country， in which students are expected to initiate and make decisions. Besides， teacher is equal to students. She was trying to communicate with us equally. So her class is student centered. On the other hand， China， actually， is a typical large power distance country， in which teachers hold power and instruct students by giving specific instructions. Students are required obedience to their teacher. There are fewer interactions between teachers and students in class.