Description
At a time when globalization and technology are dramatically altering the world we live in, is education reform in the United States heading down the right path? Are schools emphasizing the knowledge and skills that students need in a global society--are schools actually undermining their strengths by overemphasizing high-stakes testing and standardization? Are education systems in China and other countries really as superior as some people claim? Yong Zhao, born and raised in China and now a professsor at Michigan State University, bases many of his observations on his firsthand experience as a student in China and as a parent of children attending school in the United States.
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Zhao, a professor in the College of Education at Michigan State University, observes that what China and other developing countries want is what America is eager to throw away: an education that respects individual talents, supports divergent thinking, and encourages creativity. Born and raised in China, Zhao bases many of his observations on firsthand experience as a student in China and as a parent of children attending school in the US. His perspective leads him to conclude that American education needs to change course to maintain leadership on a global level. He reviews what kinds of knowledge and skills constitute digital and global competence, and suggests what schools can do to meet the challenges brought about by globalization and technology. The book is of interest to educators, policymakers, and parents. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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