There are many differences in education between China and the United States. I got a very good chance to learn about them from Carl, who has taught in America and China for many years.

    Carl said a number of prestigious universities, such as Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University and Columbia University — all of which are part of America’s elite Ivy League — pay more attention than some Chinese universities to training in research and leadership.

    Carl said there are wide differences between Chinese and American education systems, including textbook styles and class scheduling. But the biggest difference is that American teachers ask students to do research even in primary school, giving some assignments that take several weeks to complete. Tests are made as a challenge for students, so it’s not easy to get full marks. In China, however, getting full marks is expected by teachers and students.

    Carl also said American students enjoy more free time and teachers don’t set up as many rules as Chinese teachers, so students feel relaxed and learn in a more flexible way. Compared with American students, Chinese students are always busy with their lessons.

    I think American education leaves more time and space for students to solve problems by themselves. I hope that improvements in Chinese education can be made by learning from America, so education will be more advanced and powerful.