What are the speakers talking about?

M: In American universities, students are generally expected to be responsible for their own learning, but that doesn’t mean a professor will not help students. Most professors would announce their office hours at the first class meeting. They will be available in office hours to give assistance. Students may also make an appointment to see your teacher even if you don’t have a particular problem. In that way it will be easier if you need special help later on.
W: Have you met any Chinese students in American universities? What do you think of them as compared with American students?
M: Yes, I had quite a few Chinese classmates while in the United States. They were known and admired for their hard-working, intelligence and dedication, and I was deeply impressed by their excellent course work.
W: There is another thing that puzzles me. In my opinion, the student-centered way of teaching can raise students’ interest. It helps a learner become independent and less passive in their classroom, while the traditional Chinese way of teaching sometimes harms their creativity and interest. On the other hand, Chinese students often achieve very good grades through hard work. Many Chinese students are top students in American universities. Part of this has to do with the fact that the Chinese students studying in America are generally members with academic talents in China; they are the best and the brightest ones from a nation of 1.3 billion people. Another reason is that these Chinese students are motivated to study hard to live up to the expectations of their families.