[dj_mc_merlin]

Can't speak for Poland but further east this extends to basic education too. The primary mode of education is memorization, teachers routinely insult pupils, and there is just a startling lack of understanding of how to enable a person to learn. They would much rather blame the student than look at their own methods.

I have often wondered what causes this huge difference in efficacy of teaching between eastern and western Europe. Past influence from the Soviets? Wealth difference? Other cultural influences?

[markus_zhang]

But didn't USSR also produce some of the best minds in arts, science and technologies?

[fennecfoxy]

The best minds produce themselves, really.