A British Perspective for American Teachers
This paper was originally written for British parents whose children attend American schools overseas. This version is trying to help American teachers understand where British children are coming from. Please forgive the gross generalizations of both cultures and look for what might be helpful in the paper. It may also help families and teachers from other cultures understand cross-cultural differences in their educational environment.
Educational theory and practice in the USA are different from those in the UK — not better, not worse, but undoubtedly different. Understanding the differences should help to remove the tensions which sometimes arise.
We will look at several areas of differences:
- Philosophical Differences
- Marking and Assessment and Other Terminology
- Curriculum and Syllabus
- Important Phases and UK College Entry Requirements
- Implications for American Teachers of British Children
Updated 2020
Tory Martin