Uddannelse i USA og Kina

This essay is about the education in United States of America and the debate about tough parenting sparked by writer Amy Chua's book about Chinese style of parenting "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.

I will explain the difference on similarities between Chinese and American views on parenting and education.

The Chinese school system is institution with high emphasis on discipline, long classes, long school days and lots of homework. Going to school is very important in the Chinese culture and it means a lot to the Parents that their children attend school. It is required to attend primary school in China for 9 years. The children start school around a year earlier than Danish schoolchildren. According to UNICEF 99 % of Chinese children attains school. Subjects that the Chinese children receive from their first school year is: Chinese, mathematics, natural science subjects and these subjects tends to be those that fills out the most of an average Chinese pupil’s schedule. Those parents who can afford it, sends their children to private schools after they have completed primary school.

Schooling is public and free for all children in every State with 9-12 years of compulsory education, in most states in the United States. Pre-school, who in his last year followed by approx. 92 %, is organized as a nursery school, prekindergarten or kindergarten. This is followed by elementary school for 6-11 year olds. This is an increasing number of schools, however, also a middle school for 10-13 -year-olds. After elementary school six-year long high school follows that can be divided into a three-year junior high school and also three-year senior high school, and carried out by approx. 85%. About 11 % of all high school students are in private institutions. Almost half of the students who complete high school, continue with a higher education, mostly college. There are more than 3,000 higher education institutions in the United States which ranges from small local institutions and internationally highly esteemed private universities such as Harvard, Stanford and MIT. This level is approx. 22% of all students in private institutions. The school system in the U.S. is also based on freedom of choice. As an exchange student, English and American history is the only compulsory subjects. One of the biggest advantages of the American school system is the great flexibility. You will be able to choose subjects that really interest you. Students are disciplined and they are willing to do their homework for hours. The parents tray significantly more up on both teachers and students. They contribute actively in events and keep an eye on their children's homework in the U.S., which have high demands on schools and teachers.