Japanese Education and American Education

     I will explain the differences between American and Japanese education. I wanted to research that this because I was surprised to discover that American students have more motivation to study compared to Japanese students. Also, I learned that American children study certain ways to go to school. In Japan, we must go to school from the age of 6 or 7. So, I decided to study the difference between education in America and Japan. American educations differ from each state, but I will talk about the general education system both America and Japan.

★In Japan
       Before Japanese children enter school for the first time, they are given the choice of entering a pre-school nursery or kindergarten. Nowadays, it is common for the majority of children to go to these pre-schools. In Japan, the compulsory number of years of education is nine. Japanese children enter Elementary school at 7 years old and Junior High school at 15 years old. Students under the age of 15 are prohibited from working. lasts for 6 years, while Junior High school lasts for 3 years. In Japan, the education system does not allow for skipping grades. They continue to each grade gradually and it is compulsory to take them all. The education curriculum for Japan is nationwide. During this period of education, tuition fees and textbooks are free, whereas reference books and exercise books need to be paid for. However, private school tuition fees are not free. Most parents decide whether to put their children in to public or private school before they enter Elementary or Junior High. However, private schools have entrance examinations. Therefore, young children study for these exams.

After finishing compluslory education, students are given the chance to go on to High school, but it costs money. In Japan, the percentage of students who go on to high school is about 97%, which is high considering. Both public and private schools require students to sit an entrance examination. The exam of every public High school is the same.

Entering University in Japan is free. The percentage of students who go on to university is about 52%. From this, you can see that just over half of all Japanese students enter University. There are two types of University, one is for 4 years and the other 2 years. Other choices include vocational colleges. The majority of students graduate from the college they enter. (Japanese school)

 

How do the Japanese view education?

Home tutoring is a method in which many Japanese children live up to the hopes of their parents. Japanese people view their life as a success if they enter high level universities. Parents take care of their children for a long time, and their children expect that. Because of this, many children do not become self-independent.

In school, teachers often scold students in order to motivate them. The teachers teach the same students on a regular basis. Most students feel distanced from their teachers. (MSCC)

 

★   In America
     Firstly, I will talk about kindergarten. It can be classified into different types; Day-care Center (6:00am~6:00pm, all day childcare), Pre-School (2 or 3 year olds), Pre- kindergarten (4 year olds) and Kindergarten (5 year olds). The majority of working mothers leave their children in a Day-care Center. Many Elementary schools establish a kindergarten in their area. (by Education) In America, compulsory education lasts for 13 years, from Elementary school to High school, plus a year in Kindergarten. Generally, elementary school lasts for 5 or 6 years, Junior high school lasts 2 or 3 years and high school lasts 4 years. (by Atlantalife.Info, the Ministry of Education) In America, the system is differs from each state or school. Some children enter school a year late if their language capabilities are lower than other students, or even if their growth is slower. Because each child has different needs, parents often look at learning alternatives to meet these needs. Even schools in the public education system provide choice for parents. Public education is free. Everyone, regardless of their ability, has the right to a quality education. 90% of students in America in high school go to public elementary and secondary schools. These schools have no tuition fees and instead use local and state taxes. Not everyone chooses a public school education for their child. There are private and charter schools and also home schooling.

Home schooling is when a child rec eives an education at home from their parents. The pros include allowing the child to study at any time and place and allow the teaching of any topic by anyone. The children that take Home schooling must administer tests to show that they are advancing at the same rate as their peers in public school. Requirements differ from state to state. In home schooling, parents do not have to about bullying. They can have a closer friendship through education and volunteer activities etc. (Jungle city.com)

Charter school is a new implementation from the 1990’s and is steadily increasing in popularity. Minnesota was the first state to establish a charter school. Charter schools are elementary or secondary schools which are managed by parents, teachers or regional organizations that might have original ideas. The pros include allowing children to learn in smaller classes, or giving a different alternative to those who do not find public school compatible. (About Charter School of America)

American high school is a part of America’s compulsory education. This is different from Japan. Secondary public schools do not require students to take entry examinations.  

College is also free. The number of years is also same as Japan. The percentage of students who go on to university is about 49%. When a student is applying for a job, companies look for what they have learnt at school. The purpose of school education is to bring up good citizens who contribute to society. Students do not necessarily graduate from the college that they entered, and it is not rare to see students transfer to another college. Americans see education as more important than where someone works.　(MSCC)

 

How do Americans view education?

Generally, American parents respect their childs own personality and abilities. Therefore, many children do not have a desk at home to study on, as many parents see school as the place their children should study, not at home. At home is where parents teach their children to become good members of the society.  

In school, the teacher will usually praise students in order to motivate them. Many students feel close to their teachers. (MNCC)


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