by Anh Nguyen
This final chapter will consist of a summary of the previous chapters and will also address some of the questions about the educational systems in the U.S. and Asia. We must respect the differences between the two educational systems. In order to do so, we must learn, avoid harmful comparisons, and eliminate bias and stereotypes toward both cultures.
As mentioned in the disclaimer from chapter one, the goal is not to criticize or stereotype other types of education. The purpose of these articles is to help people understand various types of education that are effective in one way, but not in another. It must be acknowledged that there is some truth to the stereotype, “Asians are good at math.” However, we must understand that being good at math is a privilege not available to everyone. Most Asian educational systems employ pressure and stress to enhance the academic study skills of students, while most American educational systems aim for enhancing verbal cognitive skills via discussion. Most Asian schools follow a strict discipline that helps students understand the importance of studying, whereas most American schools follow the principle of making a connection in a discussion-based classroom.
There are also several negative sides to both the American and Asian educational systems. Forcing students to spend a huge amount of time studying might cause several consequences; including a lack of leisure time, limited opportunity to explore college programs, and too much time dedicated to knowledge that is unnecessary for real-life work (unless they follow that major profession). Although American education teaches important life skills, it also has its own weaknesses. Most American students are not able to handle the huge amount of work and time in school properly because they cannot manage their stress very well. When applying to colleges, most Asian students aim to apply to colleges with difficult admissions standards and demanding curricula; like Northeastern, Boston University, Boston College, MIT, and Harvard. This is because they usually set high standards for themselves to achieve and manage the challenges of difficult work, while also maintaining a reputable education.
Despite the pros and cons in both American and Asian education, these systems still provide students with the proper knowledge to get a job in the future. It is necessary to know that there is not good nor bad education, but rather certain forms of study which prove effective to some people more than others, as everyone’s learning styles are different.
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