scientists in the us have discovered why Asians often do better at school. Parents and children in Asia think that one has to work hard to do well while those in the West think one must have a good teacher. Researchers trying to understand why children from Eastern cultures excel at maths and science, while Westerners, and Americans in particular, lack behind, asked: "What is the most important thing you can do to improve your academic achievement?' Western children and their parents rated the quality of teaching to be the most vital factor. Asians thought that all students whatever innate ability, could improve by studying hard. A psychologist who conducted the study, said at a recent meeting with the American Association for the Advancement of Science: "The East Asian students take responsibility for their own progress'.