Confucian Legacy in Classrooms: The Cost of Moral Hierarchy in Learning
Jixiu Xing

Harbin Heilongjiang，Heilongjiang Polytechnic，150000；

Abstract：This report examines the dynamics of teacher-student relationships within the Chinese cultural context, emphasizing the influence of Confucian traditions on educational roles. The study identifies a historically unequal relationship, where teachers are positioned as authoritative figures and students as passive recipients of knowledge, reflecting Confucian ideals of hierarchy and moral exemplarity. Teachers are expected to embody virtue and serve as role models, while students are trained to respect authority and prioritize diligence over critical thinking. The analysis highlights pedagogical challenges, including unilateral teaching modes, limited classroom interaction, and overemphasis on rote learning, which hinder creativity and independent analysis. Furthermore, the hierarchical dynamic negatively impacts student motivation and classroom atmosphere. The report concludes that while Confucian values foster moral development, modern educational practices should balance tradition with strategies promoting equity, critical engagement, and student-centered learning.

Keywords: Teacher-Student；Relationship；Chinese；Cultural；Context；Confucianism

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