–by Anna Kleckerova
How does European education differ from American? Like American students, we go to preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school and college. Our high schools separate students based on their intelligence, whether they’re public or private, and by length. High school can last 4, 6, or 8 years.
The big difference between these two continents educationally is that in Europe, we have to take every single subject every year without any electives; students take biology, c
hemistry, physics, geography, math, their native language, English, a second foreign language, history, social science, and art. In America, students have a choice over their classes and have the option of electives. On one hand, this sounds more democratic, and it is awesome that you can choose classes that you really need for your life, but, on the another hand, you can have some big spaces in your knowledge. No system is perfect.
What do I like about the American education system? Studying is more of a game. It is interactive, and you discuss everything. There is a space for everyone to say their opinion, and it gives students opportunity to actually think. They don’t have to j
ust listen to the teacher, take notes and then take exams. They are not like robots, and they can really understand the main idea. School provides sports for students, so they can rest their heads from studying at least for a little bit.
Also, here you get more homework every day, unlike Europe, where you get a homework assignment once a week. You can go study by yourself, and it makes you actually do something, build something, create something original. Plus, you don’t get grades only from tests, but your homework counts as well. This can greatly improve your final grade.
In summary, American students are more involved in choosing their own classes and studying outside of school. In Europe, students have to take every class every year.
Anna,
Your perspective on American education is positive and complimentary. Thank you for that.
But leaving “big spaces” in our knowledge is something I worry about in American Schooling.
I believe our system should shift slightly, to be more like the European model, as you describe it, where there are more “academic” requirements . “Schooling” …especially in American high schools and colleges…is OUT OF BALANCE…with over-emphasis on athletics, socialization and self-gratification and not enough concentration on aesthetics, spirituality, enlightenment, and wholeness that come through the deep experience of art, science, and language.
How wise you are to affirm that “no system is perfect” The imperfection of our American System is educational imbalance.
Thanks for provoking me to think about this topic. Ken Sarkis
We’re speechless. There are no words. Hugh is astonished.