Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon?: Why China Has the Best (And Worst) Education System In The World

The secrets behind China's extraordinary educational system – good, bad, and ugly Chinese students' consistently stunning performance on the international PISA exams―where they outscore students of all other nations in math, reading, and science―have positioned China as a world education leader. American educators and pundits have declared this a "Sputnik Moment," saying that we must learn from China's education system in order to maintain our status as an education leader and global superpower. Many of the reforms taking hold in US schools, such as a greater emphasis on standardized testing and the increasing importance of core subjects like reading and math, echo the Chinese system. We're following in China's footsteps―but is this the direction we should take? Yong Zhao, an award-winning writer and longtime teacher in China, offers an insider's account of the Chinese school system, revealing the secrets that make it both "the best and worst" in the world. Born and raised in Sichuan province, Zhao provides detailed insights into how China produces the world's highest-achieving students while also grappling with systemic issues and parental dissatisfaction. Filled with fascinating stories and data, the book provides a nuanced view of Chinese education.