On October 31, 2024, the Learning Research Institute officially presented the book Learning from Asia in Education, which was the result of a year-long effort.
The project aimed to explore how Hungary and Europe can draw inspiration from Asian educational models to inspire educational reforms. The initiative, which involved contributions from PhD students and scholars, is not just a collection of studies but also serves as a bridge for dialogue between Eastern and Western educational systems.
Dr. János Setényi, the director of the Learning Research Institute and one of the mentors of the project, emphasized in his opening speech that the goal of the Learning from Asia in Education project was not to directly adopt Asian models but to study the values and innovations within those educational systems. “The aim is not to replicate Asian practices but to examine what lies behind the educational successes of countries like China, Japan, and South Korea,” Dr. Setényi stated. He emphasized that the project seeks to shed light on the developmental opportunities for European educational systems, drawing inspiration from an external perspective.
Another key highlight of the event was the collaborative nature of the project. Professor Dr. Gábor Halász, the project’s other mentor, praised the international academic community that was formed as a result of the project. “This collaboration is more than just an academic exercise; it is part of an intercontinental dialogue.” The program culminated in a scientific conference last year, where PhD students presented their research on Asian educational systems, which are now available as part of the book.
In his speech, Dr. Halász mentioned that East Asia is a region that has consistently achieved outstanding educational results in recent decades. “Through recent reforms, Asian educational systems have accumulated valuable experiences that are worthy of study and analysis.” While Asia still views Europe as a model, there is growing interest in Asian innovations within Europe as well.
The central element of the project is the concept of “Asia as a method,” which encourages Asian scholars to integrate their cultural context into their academic work. This unique perspective is especially relevant in countries where family, respect for teachers, and diligence are core educational values. Throughout the collaboration, participants also explored the differences between various educational cultures, which serve as sources of inspiration and mutual respect.
The celebration of the event went beyond the book itself, as the new academic community created through the project was also acknowledged. The Learning from Asia in Education project has not only attracted attention in Hungary but also internationally. Monash University in Australia joined the initiative, and in the future, another book will be produced with the involvement of PhD students from both Hungary and Australia.
Dr. Setényi and Dr. Halász expressed their hope that the project would contribute to the development of Hungarian educational research, opening new perspectives for future collaborations.
