One of the main purposes of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund program is for teachers to learn more about the Japanese educational system. Today, we visited Higashiatago Junior High School in Tama to see the educational system for ourselves. School is still in session because in Japan summer break begins at the end of July.
The visit to the public junior high school began with the students singing a rendition of the alma mater. Then, we were able to tour the classrooms for the rest of the day.
Like many people, I assumed that Japanese students were subjected to strict discipline and not allowed to deviate at all from the norm, but I found just the opposite. The kids were given a lot of freedom to express themselves and, at times, exhibited the same behavior as any students here in the United States. Yes, they talk in class and act up a little bit, too.
But there were a few differences. First, we couldn't just walk into the school. We had to first take off our shoes. It is customary to take off one's shoes and change into slippers before entering a house because shoes are considered to be dirty. Guests to a school are also asked to take off their shoes and change into slippers. A teacher told me this tradition started because visitors are considered to be honored guests and should feel as if they are at home. In this picture, one of our teachers is putting his shoes in a locker.
Another difference is the importance of art in Japanese schools. Many school districts in the United States are cutting back on art programs in favor of subjects like math, English and science because those academic subjects are considered to be more important. In Japan, art is considered to be a crucial part of the curriculum.
My students aren't going to like this next difference, but in Japan, all kids are expected to do daily school chores.
Students eat lunch in the classroom. The students take turns serving one another. Teachers supervise, if needed, but the kids are expected to do all the work.
Today's lunch was fish, pickles, rice, and chicken soup. It was very good, and surprisingly enough, each day the food is served on real china, not plastic dishes.
At the end of the day, students even have to clean up before going home. Parents, in case you don't believe your eyes, in these pictures, students are sweeping and washing dishes. 
Like other children we've met in Japan, the students at Higashiatago were very friendly and curious about Americans. The thing that struck me the most was how similar the students were to our students in the United States.
4 comments:
Do the kids have any organized clubs or sports team like they do in America?
That's a good question. Yes, schools do have sports teams, but sports aren't seen as a big focus. Academics are the focus. Sports are seen as fun.
When one of our teachers told the Japanese that coaches are paid extra for just coaching, especially for football, he couldn't believe it.
He questioned why funds would be spent on such a thing.
Thanks for the post.
I think this is a great model. One that we had at CCS. We regularly had to participate in the cleaning and maintenance of the school. Also, without a cafeteria, we also had to improvise.
I also liked the idea of students helping clean the school. Japanese teachers say it achieves several goals. One, if students are required to clean at the end of the day, they have more pride in the building and are less likely to get the building dirty in the first place. Also, teachers say cleaning teaches responsibility. In addition, it teaches kids how to do important domestic chores. Finally, the teachers say cleaning teaches kids civic responsibility.
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