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)
(1102/5004)
There
are many differences when it comes to education in Japan and America. I think,
in Japan, children are not given enough opportunity to choose their own path. America
struggles with trouble in school and view personality and ability as the most
important thing. Japanese students aim too high and sometimes lose motivation,
purpose and will. There are many things parents or teachers decide for children
in Japan. I think Japan should be
more aware of how their system runs. (80/5084)
In 1999,
“The Sixth Sense” was shown to the public. This is an American horror movie.
The hero is Walter Bruce Willis. By this movie was success, M. Night Shyamalan
was recognized and he was become famous. This movie was nominated for an
Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay, Best
Supporting Actor and Best supporting Actress. 
"I'm sorry," said the pig. "I can't hear you. You'll have to come closer." The pancake jumped over the fence and into the pen. "I SAID, THE FOX, THE GOAT," the pancake began. But before he could shout any more, the pig snapped him up and swallowed him...
