Comparing Education in the Unites States and in Mexico

Introduction

As with many other aspects of life in the United States, the school system is different here than it is in other countries, including Mexico. What follows is a comparison of the educational systems in these two countries. This information is intended to equip parents with the information they need to actively participate in their children's education. Whereas the US educational systems have been influenced by their British ancestry, the Mexican educational system is based on its French and Spanish ancestry.

Comparison

The different beginnings have produced different approaches. For the Mexican, the educational base is deductive reasoning; moving from the global towards the particular. However the last critical step of translating from the particular to application, or how to implement, is not emphasized. By contrast the US student is provided with a more concrete and practical education. The emphasis, particularly in the higher grades, is on "useful" knowledge. General knowledge is not valued. The Mexican student is drilled in concepts and ideas. Credit is given for examinations, not participation or class work. The student learns to focus on the intellectual and on recall, rather than how to use the knowledge on a day to day basis. (Benedict: 106)

Presentation is often as important as content. Programs at all levels focus on general knowledge rather than in-depth learning. The student is conditioned to accept a very regimented classroom and behaviour. The exceptional student soon learns to "fit in". The US student is trained to understand concepts and their application. Problem solving skills are developed. There is greater freedom of expression and tolerance for individual expression. The gifted student is often acknowledged and receives extra support through placement in an accelerated program, or given extra challenges. Where the Mexican student receives a broad education, their northern counterparts focus on specific areas and achieve a greater depth of knowledge.

Structure of the educational system in Mexico

The Mexican educational system is composed of the following levels—preschool, primary, secondary, preparatory, and higher education.

Preschool serves children ages 3 to 5 through play activities. Students must have a certificate from preschool in order to enter primary school.

Primary school is comprised of six levels or grades and is normally for children who are between the ages of 6 and 14. Students older than 15 who have not finished their primary education may attend primary school classes for adults.

Secondary education has been obligatory since 1993. It is designed for students age 12 to 16 and takes three years to complete. Secondary education also provides learning opportunities for students older than 16 and working adults. Completing this level of education is required for students who want to advance to the preparatory level of the education system.

Students in the preparatory school can have three educational options. They can take general education classes, complete technical or vocational training, or obtain a degree that prepares them for higher education.

Higher education follows preparatory school. Students at this level study in universities, technological institutes, or specialty ...