A Glimpse to the Differences between Chinese and American Education——From the Perspective of Michael Phelps

Over the long process of history,education has always been considered as the reflection of civilization in any society.The first Chinese educational monograph On Learning states that "building a country,teaching for the first".In recent years,Chinese leaders even put forward the idea of "developing the country through science and education".It is clear that education is important for a country's development.It plays a more strategically vital role in a world superpower like the United States.Chinese and American education,to some extent,represent eastern and western education.Under which,there are many different talents coming out.In 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics,his unprecedented achievement of eight gold medals makes Michael Phelps one of them.As an American legend,his education is a typical case,but also an epitome of American education.Based on Michael Phelps's story and education,the thesis concentrates on differences between Chinese and American education.From his childhood education,performance before competitions,and his night life,the thesis analyses characteristics of American education,compares differences in Chinese and American primary and family education,educational essence and curriculums,and probes the causes and effects of those differences.In the end,the thesis puts forward some constructive advice for the reform of Chinese education under current condition in China.