Observation on the Education of Foreign Countries

“Education is a process of inheritance and innovation. Hence, it is important for China to research and learn from educational experiences in other countries.” —Zhu Yongxin

One of China’s most renowned scholars, Professor Zhu Yongxin has been at the forefront of educational experiment, innovation, and academic achievement. In this enlightening collection of essays, he shares his observations and reflections on the educational advances in countries throughout the world. Exploring both classic traditions and modern reforms, here and abroad, Yongxin provides a rich tapestry of ideas and initiatives which can help us move forward in the new education of China. The book includes:

* In-depth comparisons of the educational systems in China, Europe, North and South America, Africa, India, and other parts of Asia

* Notes from Yongxin’s travels abroad, featuring a wide range of schools, universities, and academic thought leaders

* The evolution of educational traditions throughout history—and the transformation of academic methods across the globe

* An educational strategy for China that combines the best of all possible worlds

“As an old Chinese saying goes, stones from other hills may serve to polish the jade of this one.” With these simple but profound words, Professor Zhu Yongxin invites us on a whirlwind journey through the world of education--a side-by-side, country-by-country comparison of the teaching styles, philosophies, and organizational models that are transforming schools across the globe. Yongxin’s travels and studies provide both a window to these worlds and a mirror to China’s educational development. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of our schools, our people, and our nation.

Essays include:

* Beautiful Sakura: Education Tours to Japan

* Passionate Samba: Impression of Education in South America

* The Fairy Tale World: An Investigation into European Education

* Two Worlds: Notes on Kenyan and American Education

* The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Comparative Education Studies

* Listening to the Meaters: Analysis of Thought on Education

Drawing from his experience and insights as a leader in education experiment, Yongxin compares and contrasts the various methods he discovered in other countries with the current state of China’s school system. He reveals the research results from his visits to the United States and Japan, uncovering fascinating parallels between the East and the West. Along the way, he examines various schools of thoughts from ancient Chinese thinkers to Marx, Engels, and Lenin, to some of the greatest innovators in the world today.

“As a developing country, it is significant to research and learn the educational experiences of advanced countries,” Yongxin writes. “Where there is life, there is humanity.”

Zhu Yongxin is a member of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, vice chairman of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD), and vice president of Chinese Society of Education (CSE). He also serves as a professor and PhD supervisor at Soochow University.

A sponsor of the New Education Experiment in China, Professor Zhu has won several awards for his influential work, including “60 great contributors in China’s Education of 60 years” (2009), “30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening Up: Person of the Year in China’s Education Area” (2008), “Top 10 News Figures in China’s Reform” (2007), and “Top 10 Elites in China’s Education” (2006).

Professor Zhu has published more than 400 articles on education both at home and abroad, and published over 30 books as well.