Beyond the Tiger Mom

February 15, 2016
Thiagarajan is uniquely equipped to weigh Eastern against Western education. Born in India, she moved to the U.S. for high school and college. Then, after spending 15 years teaching in the States, she and her family relocated to Singapore. As a teacher in an international school, she was able to compare the Asian teaching methods, students' progress, and cultural influences with her American experiences. Thiagarajan is quick to admit that her conclusions are based on small samples, but her observations are fascinating. In America, she observes that language and humanities are emphasized, and students are urged to seek knowledge through discovery and experimentation. In Singapore, the emphasis is on memorization, testing, and mastering mathematical principles. Not surprisingly, Thiagarajan sees benefits in both styles. Thiagarajan examines academics, the importance of achieving balance, and the promotion of cultural heritages. At the end of each chapter, Thiagarajan provides extensive tips for parents, offering concrete suggestions to reinforce relevant principles and encourage parents to become active partners in their children's education. This is an excellent resource for both parents and teachers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)