Analysis Of Alix Spiegel's Struggle For Smarts On Education

AoW #3: How Does Culture Affect Education? In his article, “Struggle For Smarts? How Eastern And Western Cultures Tackle Learning,” Alix Spiegel makes many interesting points. He links the difference in education style and success to a much larger cultural difference that separates the two groups. While I may agree with him on some fronts, there are many flaws in his argument. From his presentation of information and evidence to his use of an outdated study, Alix Spiegel leaves many holes in what could be a very insightful piece.
In the article, the author highlights differing views on the nature of intelligence. He states that in Asian cultures intelligence is something that they must acquire or work for. However, western cultures view it as something one is born with. Neither of these views is necessarily incorrect, however I believe the best outlook lies somewhere in between. People are born with natural gifts and skills. Therefore, certain subjects come very easily to them. This does not mean that because someone is not naturally gifted they cannot improve through hard work.
I find that the difference he is attempting to point out lies in the work ethic of the two groups …show more content…
One complaint I have heard from numerous teachers in my school is that they must teach a simplified version of the subject matter to make the course passable for the largest number of students. Based on what I have read in the article, Asian teachers present information that is slightly too difficult so that their students have something to work for. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but I believe it highlights a huge cultural difference. Sometimes in the US we focus so much on wanting everyone to succeed that we make it too easy for them to do so. Everyone should have the opportunity to succeed, but that does not mean spoon-feeding people throughout their