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Education in Context History, Philosophy and Sociology
EDUC 5010 Written Assignment Unit 2
Education in Context: History, Philosophy and Sociology (University of the People)
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University of the People
Education in Context History, Philosophy and Sociology EDUC 5010
Written Assignment Unit 2
Compare the educational systems of two countries (other than your own) with different
histories. Choose one western and one non-western country and:State the purposes for
each of their educational systems

Discuss at least 3 points of comparison (similarities or differences) between the
systems

Explain whether you favor or oppose each of these points and why.
The two countries whose education system will be compared are USA and China. USA
represents the western educational system and China represents the eastern educational
system.
USA Educational System
T. Segal (2013) believes that the primary goal of education is to produce knowledgeable,
engaged, critical-thinking citizens who are dedicated to the country's well-being and the
collective pursuit of a healthy and inclusive society. I agree with him that all children
should have access to an education that prepares them to be active members of civic,
social, economic, and communal life while also developing emotional and cognitive
intelligence. The purpose of education in the United States has evolved over time in
response to societal requirements. The fundamental goal of education has shifted from
instilling religious concepts in children to training them to function in a democratic
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society, integrating immigrants into mainstream society, and preparing employees for the
workplace of the twentieth century. The objective of education, according to Sloan, W.
(2012), is to "assist children in developing the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that will
enable them to be responsible, productive members of their community—their
democratically informed community." Meaning, being a nice friend, a good partner, being
able to work, and contributing to the community's well-being."
In the United States, education is based on a democratic ideal in which pupils are taught to
respect variety and grow as individuals. However, the system is highly fragmented
because all states have the authority to enact their own education legislation.
China’s Educational System
China has traditionally placed a high importance on education. They believed that not only
does it benefit the country, but it also benefits the individual and family. According to
Africa (2020), the primary goal of education in China is to cultivate morals, education,
and physical well-being. It is rooted in politics, since students are taught to be party
loyalists. He goes on to say that "Confucius' ideas was seen to have had a significant
influence on schooling." Education was a privilege reserved for the elites or upperclassmen during the 16th century BC, and the objective of education was to equip the
elites to administer the empire using Confucian principles.
Commoners were given the opportunity to be educated with the construction of the public
education system during the Han Dynasty, which aimed to grow a person into a better man
or gentleman. The common guy was able to rise to the upper class as a result of this."
China has recognized the need to enhance its education system, and the country is
experiencing a change, with the objective of "achieving education modernization by 2035,
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with simple access to quality education from kindergarten to university," according to
Shuo (2019). China is increasingly understanding that it must accept global changes and
keep up with the rest of the world because everyone must gain 21st century skills.
Comparison Between the Two Education Systems
There are numerous distinctions between the American education system and Chinese
education. Students are required to think critically and acquire problem-solving skills in
American classrooms. They take an active role in the learning process and are permitted to
participate in debates and offer their thoughts on a certain subject. Students in Chinese
schools, on the other hand, are expected to sit silently while knowledge is imparted to
them. They have no say in the learning process, and they are unable to defend their
opinions since it would be considered disrespectful.
According to Fang (2016), there are numerous contrasts between the US and Chinese
educational systems. She is certain that:

There are distinctions in the organization of their grades. (China's education system
is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and postsecondary.) Primary school is
for students in grades one through six, secondary school is for students in grades seven
through nine, and secondary school is divided into upper and lower levels and runs
from the ages of ten to sixteen. However, in the US system,

Students in China must finish 9 years of obligatory education before choosing
between upper secondary school, vocational secondary school, or entering the
workforce, but students in the United States must attend school until they are 16 or 18
years old.
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
The length of the school day varies. The school day and lunch break in China are
both lengthier than in the United States.

China places an excessive amount of emphasis on exams and tests, resulting in the
production of "Robots" rather than "learners." She also argues that Chinese education
lacks a well-rounded experience because most institutions do not include physical
education or arts instruction.
In her comparison of the Chinese and US educational systems, Lynch (2019) stated that
Chinese pupils are taught from the age of 2-3 years that learning is essential for success,
and that discipline and strictness are required in the pursuit of learning. They are not
allowed to use calculators because the system believes they should memorize and
understand calculations with their heads. On the other hand, American education
concentrates on how students will apply their knowledge in society and on innovation.
Homework in the United States, unlike in China, is predicated on bringing creativity to
work in the form of evaluating ideas and questioning the existing quo, rather than just
memorizing data and exhibiting skills. China also has a more rigid system in which kids
are unable to choose their classes, whereas students in the United States have more
options.
Despite the significant disparities between the two educational systems, Carr (2012)
contends that they share some parallels. "Both are afflicted by egregious disparities and
segregation." In the United States, these inequalities are mostly based on race and class:
poor, minority pupils are more likely to attend highly segregated schools; their schools are
more likely to be underfunded; and their teachers are more likely to be inexperienced."
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She argues that the Chinese system is inequitable un terms of class and ethnicity, as only
wealthy pupils have access to high-quality education.
My Education System of Choice
I support an educational system that encourages students to have an active role in their
education. I don't believe in a system in which pupils are merely passive recipients of
information. This method of learning stifles originality and places a greater emphasis on
the teacher. I support a student-centered education system that allows youngsters to
express their creativity and participate actively in the learning process. Pupils, in my
opinion, should have access to the best educational system possible so that they can assist
students gain the abilities they need to participate in society. I agree with Landmark
Outreach's principle that "students are not passive receptacles to be filled with
information." They bring their own frames of reference to class. Their individual
experiences and knowledge have an impact on them as learners and should be considered.
As a result, teachers should accept as much student participation as possible during every
exercise. They should justify assignments, accept comments, encourage ideas, and give
students plenty of time to voice their thoughts. Students should be involved in evaluating
their own development by analyzing test results, written reports, and educational plans
with their teachers. Students can become more aware of how they learn and why particular
skills are beneficial by creating and improving chances to involve them in the learning
process. As a result, pupils are more encouraged to use those skills when working on their
own. In other words, a student who is included becomes an invested learner who is eager
to learn."
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References
Africa, M. (2020) Purpose of Education in China Purpose of Education in China –
MITCHEL AFRICA
Fang, A. (2019) Chinese Education System Vs. U.S Education System Chinese Education
System VS. U.S Education System (tutorming.com)
Carr, S. (2012) What the U.S. and Chinese school systems have in common: Inequality,
segregation. What the U.S. and Chinese school systems have in common: Inequality,
segregation (hechingerreport.org)
Lynch, M. (2019) How Do Chinese and American Educational Systems Compare? How
Do Chinese and American Educational Systems Compare - The Edvocate
(theedadvocate.org)
Ross, D. (2017) Empowering Our Students with 21st-Century Skills for Today 2 plans
detail China’s goals for education (www.gov.cn)
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Segal, T. (2013) What is the Goal of the American Education System
https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/opinion-what-is-the-goal-of-theamericaneducation-system/2013/08
Shuo, Z. (2019) 2 Plans Detail China’s Goals for Education 2 plans detail China’s goals
for education (www.gov.cn)
Sloan, W. M. (2012) What Is the Purpose of Education? What Is the Purpose of
Education? ASCD
Landmark Outreach Landmark Teaching Principle #6: Include Students in the Learning
Process Including Students in the Learning Process | Landmark Outreach
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