You speak as though there is something surprising about the quality of Education in East Asia which to me seems a little backwards considerign that Japan has such a long history of quality education. - Adopted from the Chinese models of Education; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_education_in_Japan "...history of education in Japan dates back at least to the sixth century, when Chinese learning was introduced at the Yamato court."

How much of the "quality" education is actually the quantity? In the video, the typical Korean high school student spends well over half the typical day being educated in some form, which clearly is far more than the typical American high school student. That is, despite the 12 year period over which both children are going through the educational system, isn't the average East Asian student coming out way ahead in terms of total hours spent vs the average US student?
Also, I would add that while the educational system for these countries has produced an impressive baseline as measured by the literacy rate and such, the rate of innovations is all the more surprising given the traditional heavy emphasis on rote learning. That is, innovations seem to occur despite the education. There are probably parallels to earlier Western systems of education which still managed to produce the Industrial Revolution.

Is the quality of education in Asia can surpass the quality of education in the US and UK? I doubt this can be happen but maybe it will take a longer time for this to happen. The eastern countries are known for quality of education they can give to their students. They wanted their students to be the best and be prepared when they will be on the real world. One of the preparation they made is through an essay writing.

Is the quality of education in Asia can surpass the quality of education in the US and UK? I doubt this can be happen but maybe it will take a longer time for this to happen. The eastern countries are known for quality of education they can give to their students. They wanted their students to be the best and be prepared when they will be on the real world. One of the preparation they made is through an essay writing.