About this item
Why do Asian and Asian-American students consistently perform so well on standardized tests? Why are students of Asian descent disproportionately admitted to Americas top colleges?This informative and entertainingly written comparison of educational methods in America and China answers these questions and more, while assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each cultures distinctly different education systems. Education expert QuanyuHuang notes that both Asian and Asian American students excel early on at mastering lesson material and test-taking, whereas many of their non-Asian American peers do not perform as well. The author also points out that American students generally demonstrate far more creativity and independence than students in China, where conformity and rote learning are emphasized. This is evident from the American record of award-winning innovations and discoveries. By contrast, the Chinese educational system has not yet produced a Nobel Prize winner in science. For Americans to achieve more consistent academic success at primary and secondary grade levels, the author recommends a blend of the virtues inherent in both cultures. He says this is exactly what often gives Asian American students an edge. They have the advantage of an Asian heritage that drives them to succeed and an American culture that teaches them creativity and independent thinking. Above all, Asian families extoll the virtues of education; this attitude is a key component in the success of these students. Drawing on his own experiences as an immigrant to this country in the 1980s, and as a parent to a son raised in the US, the author concludes by suggesting that Americans rediscover the immigrant attitudes of their ancestors several generations ago. Like Asian immigrants today, they too saw education as a ladder to success in American society. Students anywhere will thrive when their families reinforce the seriousness of education and help children develop the study and discipline habits that ensure academic success.
About the Author
Quanyu Huang, Ph.D., director of the Confucius Institute at Miami University; specialist on Sino-American cultural and educational comparison; columnist for the prestigious newspaper, "South Weekly"; guest Professor at Sun Yat-Sen (Zhongshan) University, and visiting professor of the Training Program for High School Principals at Peking University; winner of the Profound Impact Award from EHS, Miami University in 2007.He has published numerous English and Chinese books and papers, such as A Guide to Successful Business Relations with the Chinese, Business Decision Making in China, and Quality Education in America, etc. His work includes seven Chinese bestsellers. One of them, Quality Education in America, was the number one bestselling non-fiction book in China for 2000.Dr. Huang has conducted countless lectures in Chinese universities and cities. His educational philosophy has encouraged and widely influenced current educational reform in China.
