EdCast An American in China's Schools An American parent living in Shanghai, author Lenora Chu looks at the good, the bad, and the different of China's acclaimed education system in her new book, "Little Soldiers." Posted September 27, 2017 By Jill Anderson When Chinese-American journalist Lenora Chu arrived in Shanghai in 2010 with her family, she did what many parents would do — found a top-performing school to enroll her then three-year-old son. After all, Shanghai had just scored at the top of the PISA and was being lauded worldwide for its high performance.But quickly, Chu and her family were met with immense challenges and experienced culture clash as they tried to adapt to the Chinese way, which largely emphasizes group progress over individual students. Chu shares the anxiety-ridden experience in her book, Little Soldiers: An American Boy, Chinese School, and the Global Race to Achieve.“We praised Chinese education but what I saw on the ground was different — public shaming, one art teacher trying to teach rain as only falling from the sky in little dots…,” she says noting, there was little room for creativity or expression.The stark contrast between Chinese and American education consumed Chu as she opened a personal investigation leading her throughout both countries to gain insight and understanding.In this Harvard EdCast, Chu discusses her experience with the Chinese way of schooling — including the positives, such as academic rigor and respect for teachers — and suggests what the United States and China could learn from each other regarding education.About the Harvard EdCastThe Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iTunes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber and co-produced by Jill Anderson, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational discourse and openness, focusing on the myriad issues and current events related to the field. EdCast An education podcast that keeps the focus simple: what makes a difference for learners, educators, parents, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles EdCast How We Can Better Support Refugees in Education Associate Professor Sarah Dryden-Peterson talks about the ways we can better support refugee children and teachers in education around the world. EdCast COVID's Impact on Education in Developing Countries With COVID causing huge setbacks in education systems around the world, what is the path forward for developing nations? EdCast Global Innovations in Education During the Pandemic Professor Fernando Reimers looks at how many countries around the world responded to education challenges caused by the pandemic.