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ksoles
Oct 24, 2013ksoles rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
According to investigative journalist Amanda Ripley’s research, most American students, even those from the top private and public school districts, cannot analyze, synthesize and form their own opinions about the material they study. But why? "The Smartest Kids in the World" attempts to answer this question in a fascinating and brilliant comparison of the US to the homes of three of the most successful education systems in the world: Finland, Poland and South Korea. Drawing on the expertise of US exchange students, Ripley outlines the major reforms and economic imperatives that brought about educational changes in these countries and discusses the day-to-day ramifications of them. Impeccably researched and engaging, the book comes alive through Kim, Tom and Eric. Kim finds out that gaining admission to a teacher training program in Finland equates to getting into MIT and revels in the freedom teenagers have to manage their time. Eric astonishingly witnesses Korean students, whose school day routinely runs 12-15 hours, sleeping in class on their own pillows. Tom listens to Polish students argue about philosophy in a coffeehouse and finds that, to them, some degree of failure is normal and acceptable. These insider observations provide amusement and illumination, highlighting the values and practices that these countries have cultivated to help their kids succeed. Finally, Ripley addresses the roles played by child poverty, multiculturalism, technology, extracurricular activities and parental involvement in successful education. The book ends on a positive note, asserting that any education system can reform as long as policymakers, teachers and students can tolerate feeling uncomfortable in the process.