Comparing Eastern and Western education systems.
Without doubt, most of the education systems in eastern nations derived from western countries. There are certain similarities but there are still differences between the East and West in this respect. This essay aims to discuss the equivalences first, and then explains the discrepancies in the teaching methodology.
First of all, the duration of education is generally the same. For example, both western and eastern countries have six years elementary school and junior high and high schools for three years, respectively. Furthermore, both western and eastern societies established public and private school systems. Generally public schools were set up by governments, while private schools were founded by non-government organisations or other private foundations. Normally public schools receive higher subsidies than private ones.
On the other hand, certain dissimilarities still exist between the educational systems in the East and the West. One of the most striking differences is the grading system. In mainstream western societies, the most common method to evaluate students’ learning is by assessment, followed by an exam. In eastern nations, especially in Asia, exams are used comprehensively as the most important way to grade students although assessments are also given to students.
Moreover, it is very obvious that the teaching and rules of behavior are quite different. Students in western countries are allowed to interrupt when a lecturer speaks in class if they disagree with his or her idea and try to present their personal thinking. In addition, lecturers encourage students to interact. In the East in most circumstances, students are expected to be quiet and classroom rules are strict. Also it is interesting to note that the educational purpose of western countries focus on cultivating knowledge and skills, whereas in eastern cultures the main concern of students is to get high marks.
In conclusion, there are many differences between western and eastern education systems. It would be interesting to further discuss the pros and cons of both learning styles.
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