China and other East Asian school systems top OECD 's international rankings . Success of East Asia 's schools not about rote learning and preparation for tests , says Andreas Schleicher . They excel because they understand academic needs of disadvantaged students better than West . Grueling college exams . A focus on hard work rather than talent and training teachers to be inventive also key .
China and other East Asian school systems top OECD 's international rankings . Success of East Asia 's schools not about rote learning and preparation for tests , says Andreas Schleicher . They excel because they understand academic needs of disadvantaged students better than West . A focus on hard work rather than talent and training teachers to be inventive also key .