Education systems in different countries and regions vary significantly. If people who live in Asia want to become experts in a particular field, they think that education in the U.S. is better than the one offered on their continent. While, at the same time, those in the U.S. feel that Asian education offers better learning than their own. Read further to know about the differences in the U.S. and Asian education system.
What is Asian schooling like?
The differences arise from basic criteria. Here’s what an Asian education in a classroom consists of:
· The teacher is present at the center as the main authority;
· Learning is focused on memorizing the facts as well as sequences, that is, rote learning;
· Formal and standardized assessments done for all the students;
· The discussions or exercises involving students are minimal;
· Higher discipline standards followed.
In the Asian culture, children are born and brought up to be more respectful with the elders in general and are expected to respond and accept authoritative behaviour. Thus, education in Asia requires students to respect teachers as much as possible. One will also find learners to be more dedicated and involved in studies due to the fear of their teachers who are more prone to showing authority and punishing them.
Young ones are found to be more knowledgeable; they perform better on international platforms in the examinations. This is because they are given theoretical knowledge and are made to write exams since the beginning, which, therefore, prepares them for competitive exams on an international level. Also, when they are asked to write on social issue essay topics and to describe various examples, they are more intricate with the details about various revolutions, civilizations. This is because they are taught historical and social subjects in too many details where they are expected to do rote learning to score well in the exams. Knowingly or unknowingly, this makes them more thorough with social issues. Thus, they find it easier to draw comparisons and relate different social issues raised in the world. Their competitive nature is stronger due to all the processes in the education system happening on the basis of ranking and exam scores, and they excel more in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) core subjects. Social-issues related assignments written by Asian students are clear examples of facts that they are well-versed with the history as well as current happenings around the globe.
What is schooling in the U.S. like?
The education is the U.S. is very different from Asian culture education. In the U.S., there is a greater focus on other aspects of development. Here’s what a typical classroom in the U.S. consists of:
· The teacher is not the central authority figure but more like a facilitator;
· Better empowerment observed in the students in self-learning processes;
· Students are encouraged to be more participative and indulge in debates, inquiries, etc.;
· More freedom and liberty provided to them.
The teachers are not held in exceptionally high regard or respect. Thus, more indiscipline is observed among students. The type of homework given to schoolchildren and the examination grading criteria are completely different as compared to the Asian educational system.
In Asia, students are graded majorly on their performance in exams. Whereas, in the U.S., they are graded on several other things such as research papers and dissertations. In Asia, the things are more standardized wherein there is not much evolution observed, and year after year, schoolchildren are given the same homework only. In America, they are made to explore newer topics with every assignment and uniqueness is expected for the work they submit. This enhances their critical thinking, problem-solving as well as communication capabilities.
Advantages and disadvantages of Asian schooling
Advantages:
· Better level of knowledge is imparted in Asian schooling.
· Students are quick in solving technical problems.
· More disciplined and systematic.
· More aware of the issues around the world.
Disadvantages:
· Lacks vocal knowledge among students.
· Practical approach is missing.
· Students are not very engrossed into learning newer things.
· Low on Emotional Quotient.
Different opinions and approaches towards the educational system
Both the educational systems have some favorable characteristics and some, which need to be improved. Students in the States need to enhance their Intelligence Quotient (IQ), while those in Asian countries need to work more upon their Emotional Quotient (EQ). The world is in the need of a bridge over the gap between different educational systems merging the best to create better facilities and approaches. Students must be made intellectually stronger. However, at the same time, they also need to develop good critical thinking as well as moral values as they are the future of the world.
There are multiple criteria in which Asian education is better than the other systems. However, it also has a few flaws, which need to be eliminated with time to ensure the overall development in Asia. For example, they should be made more vocal, expressive and must be willing to explore newer interests and research new topics.
