The United States spends more per student for education than any other nation, yet ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to educational achievement.
Students in Asia are excelling, particularly in math and science, well beyond the norm of students in the United States.
A reporter from the News Press wanted to know why and traveled to Asia to find out.
In a story published in USA Today, reporter Dave Breitenstein concluded what many Asian Americans already know.
The difference isn’t in teaching methods or the education system. The difference is cultural.
“Education is the driver of social mobility,” said John Spinks, senior adviser to the vice chancellor at the University of Hong Kong. “There is a belief that the higher education system will push the economy forward and build the talent pool.”
That belief is not just some theory from someone in academia. That believe goes all the way down to students like 10-year old Justin Yeung.
“Learning is very important, and it can change my whole life,” said Justin, a fifth-grader at Kau Yan School in Hong Kong. “If I study hard and have good marks, I can go to some good schools and I can have good work to do.”
You can read more about the difference between education in the United States and Asia in USA Today.
What are your thoughts on this. Do the same cultural differences apply to Asian Americans when compared to other Americans. Share your stories below.
