Danielle Cancelli
May 6, 2009
Educational Psychology
China vs. the United States
Education varies drastically from one region of the world to the other. There are many similarities and differences in education between the different countries. For example, the education systems in China and the United States are extremely different. Yet, they do share some similarities.
In China, parents will pay any means in order to get their children as far as possible in school. The common classes for students to take include math, Chinese and English, which is started around the fourth grade. Elementary students will also take classes like music, foundations about nature and physical education. All students must pass national examinations. If a child is gifted, the parents may decide to skip him/her any amount of grades that they feel is appropriate. Entrance exams for middle schools decide which school the students will go to. The better scores they get, the better school they are accepted into. Not only do the students do homework, they also find other books or exercises to expand their knowledge. So they are always under pressure and are expected to work hard at their studies. School regulations restrict teachers from providing study guides. Final exams cover the whole textbook learned throughout the year, rather than just a small portion.
As for college, parents do not take their children to visit before they apply. They can apply to at least five different schools and five different majors. Scholarships are not offered to students when they enter college. However, they are offered at the end of each academic year based on academics and leadership. There are no minors in college, just majors.
The teaching style in China is mostly teacher-centered. It is very instructed and the students depend on the teachers. The difference between China and the United States is that the United States is more student-centered. The students have more freedom. Typically, students in the United States have more homework but spend less time studying. Students are allowed to receive study guides from their teachers to prepare for exams. They can also receive scholarships when they go to college. There is not as much leeway for students to skip as many grades as they feel appropriate.
The two countries are similar in the sense that they require students to take certain classes, like math and English. They also both require students to take national examinations. Another big similarity is that they both push students towards lifelong learning.
If I was a student in China, I believe that I would be more dedicated to schoolwork and spend more time studying, not that I don’t already. I just think that I would work harder. If I was a teacher in China, I would be more strict with my students and keep my lessons very instructed and not as student-centered.
China and the United States are similar in the sense that they both value education, but their education systems are drastically different. Both countries are successful in the way they teach their students, but could definitely take some advice from each other to perfect it.