What are the main differences between the Chinese and American approach to education?
The Chinese and American education systems have different aims. Many parents and
educators view Chinese education as important for foundation, and American education as
being helpful for the cultivation of students' creativity.
Chinese education focuses on the accumulation of knowledge, on how students manage and
use the knowledge they learned in school, and on understandings of knowledge systems and
structures.
Americans are interested in how students use their knowledge in society. The American system
lets students criticize ideas, and challenge as well as create concepts.
The ways that American and Chinese students receive knowledge are also different. When they
are doing homework, Chinese students just take notes and memorize the facts in textbooks.
American teachers also assess students' creativity, leadership, and cooperation skills. Emphasizing
these skills encourages American students to take part in extracurricular activities. They believe
that education is a part of life, not just part of school.