From Child-Centered Learning to Project-Based Education: A Comparison of High School Curriculums in the USA and Europe

Our high schools have a rigid curriculum where students are not given the freedom to explore their interests and passions. In contrast, American high schools offer electives that allow students to choose subjects they want to study. This flexibility can lead to more engaged and motivated students who are better prepared for college and the workforce.

In the USA, teaching is project-oriented, with an emphasis on independent work. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and use digital tools like Google Classroom to collaborate with peers and teachers. Assessment is done frequently through electronic standardized tests, which provide a comprehensive evaluation of student progress.

Professor Višnja Kovač Vezmarović believes that our secondary education system can benefit from more standardized electronic tests and fewer subjects. She also emphasizes the importance of investing in teachers to improve the quality of education. Despite the differences in education systems, there is room for improvement and exchange of best practices to enhance the learning experience for students.

While our system focuses on child-centered learning, where lessons are longer, allowing students more time to grasp concepts and work on projects in school rather than at home, it may not be as effective as it could be. In contrast, American schools have a general curriculum where students make decisions about their future career paths in their final year. Electives offer them more flexibility in choosing subjects.

The goal of American teaching is for students to learn independently, with teachers helping them master the material. Digitization is prevalent in classrooms, with all students having laptops and using digital tools like Google Classroom.

Professor Kovač Vezmarović spent time in America learning about new digital teaching methods and sharing her experiences with colleagues. She believes that our system could benefit from fewer subjects and more standardized electronic tests to track student progress efficiently.

In conclusion, while there are differences between our education systems, there is always room for improvement and exchange of best practices to enhance the learning experience for students.