Chinese prof: Americans too focused on test scores

When it comes to tests Chinese students are tough to beat, said Yong Zhao.

"They are great test takers and they produce a large number of engineers and scientists," said Zhao, a college professor and Chinese native. "But it's a system that doesn't put up with creative people. Look at me. I ran away. All the creative people come to the United States or other countries."

Zhao spoke to about 50 Arlington Heights teachers and administrators on Wednesday at South Middle School. After earning a bachelor's degree in English teaching from Sichuan International Studies University in 1986, Zhao came to the United States and earned a master's and doctorate in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He joined the Michigan State University faculty in 1996 and is now a distinguished professor of educational psychology and educational technology.

While Chinese students test better than American students, Americans are more creative, which is something local teachers should encourage, Zhao said.

"Americans are different, they have passion," he said.

Part of Zhao's creativity is found in his passion for the virtual world online.

He recently created a new online video game to help adults and kids learn more about his native land. The interactive game "ZON/New Chengo" went live this spring and is the first of its kind. The multiplayer online role-playing game features a virtual world where players can order a taxi, exchange currency and check into a Chinese hotel. The game is Web-based, so players can log on from any computer.

"It's a digital era we're in," he said "We need to prepare our children to master a new environment."

It's free to play "ZON/New Chengo," but players must register. For more information go to http://enterzon.com.