Studying is most useful for average students

From a puzzle on passing the The US Citizenship test, the probability of success goes from 37% to 50% when the knowledge level goes from 50% to 55%.

Why Chinese kids fare better than Western kids

From the Wall Street Journal, Why Chinese mothers are superior:

... nothing is fun until you're good at it. To get good at anything you have to work, and children on their own never want to work, which is why it is crucial to override their preferences. This often requires fortitude on the part of the parents because the child will resist; things are always hardest at the beginning, which is where Western parents tend to give up. But if done properly, the Chinese strategy produces a virtuous circle. Tenacious practice, practice, practice is crucial for excellence; rote repetition is underrated in America. Once a child starts to excel at something—whether it's math, piano, pitching or ballet—he or she gets praise, admiration and satisfaction. This builds confidence and makes the once not-fun activity fun.

That's not just for kids...