I recently read an article on the rise in the Chinese Education system. Students that performed on the top of the charts in math, science and reading world-wide . . . SURPRISE . . . were from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Yes, of course we knew that. The interesting piece was that the Chinese were less impressed with their own school system. Statements were made such as; "the system kills independent thought and creativity, and they envy the American system for nurturing self-reliance and trying to make learning exciting and not a chore." At one of their high performing high schools teachers felt their schools should learn from American educators and also emphasize independent thought, clubs and the arts. They said, "Our programs are similar to training seals."
As we put emphasis on school reform, encouraging the development of critical thinking and not just regurgitating information we must also learn from the Chinese. They place an extremely high regard on education. Education is part of their culture, teachers are respected and the child that is admired is not always the athlete or class clown but often the brain.
The challenge in education in any school system around our globe when evaluating academic programs, is to also keep in mind reinforcing the passion for learning, supporting creativity and independent thought.
