Yong Zhao

About the Author

Yong Zhao is a renowned education scholar, author, and provocateur whose work challenges conventional wisdom on global learning systems. Born and raised in China, he brings a unique insider-outsider perspective to his critiques of educational policies and practices. With a PhD in education from the University of Illinois, Zhao has held prestigious positions at institutions like the University of Oregon and Michigan State University, where he directs the Global Institute for K-12 Educational Restructuring. His writings blend rigorous research with sharp wit, advocating for creativity, entrepreneurship, and personalized learning over rote memorization. Through books like Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon?: Why China Has the Best (and Worst) Education System in the World, Zhao exposes the paradoxes of high-stakes testing and cultural conformity, urging educators worldwide to foster innovation in an era of rapid technological change. His insights have influenced policymakers, teachers, and parents across continents, making him a vital voice in the ongoing debate on what truly constitutes world-class education.