Assimilation

After listening to the two students from Ghana and Japan, I have seen that it is possible for students to successfully assimilate into the American culture from such a different culture originally. I was surprised by how strict of a school system these students came from, and wonder what implications this has for American schools. School is obviously "valued" more in their cultures, but why? Do students do better in life if they have either class or homework to do constantly? In America, we can't have the same expecations as the boarding school in Ghana, because there are so many more options for students who don't want to be in school. I think these boarding schools do promote a high work ethic and a greater appreciation for learning, because students don't have the best learning conditions and resources, but are learning a huge amount of stuff. The motivation for learning in this boarding school was another aspect that interested me... I think if students are hit with a cane when they misbehave, it obviously contributes to their motivation to do exactly what they are told. Students in America can usually get away with a lot, and therefore care less about doing what's "right." Maybe kids have to have more consequences, more homework, and more jobs that increase their motivation, intelligence, and responsibility!