American schools vs Japanese schools

questionmark · 07-25-2006, 11:02 AM

Anyone ever see the PBS special on schooling in Japan? Rather interesting way of "teaching" kids to be responsible.

There are breaks between some classes where they have to close the books and pick up cleaning tools. They spend time cleaning their own school. Instead of writing stupidities on your desk or locker (which I NEVER did 8) ), they know that they or someone they know will have to clean it up. If that doesn't show you repect and responsibilty for your school and fellow class mates, I don't know what does.

Also, lunchtime is a doozy too. On a rotating basis, the kids have certain duties during lunch. One kid is in charge of getting the milk/other drinks (no sunny delight being served here) while another kid prepares the lunch trays and the food while another set of kids cleans it up afterwards.

This ain't an American bashing thread, just comparing the mental difference between countries. Oh yeah! They ACTUALLY get an education too. You think America and it's kids would accept this practice?

Orthodox Marxist · 07-25-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

They ACTUALLY get an education too.

Their parents also push grades to to the point where it is seen as the be all and end all suicide rates amongst teenagers is quite high.

questionmark · 07-25-2006, 12:23 PM

Yeah! Japan does have a high suicide rate and some of it does stem from the pressures of being a good worker or highly educated. Won't argue with you there. But, my point lies within the the repsect and responsibility taught to these kids.

davideyoung · 07-26-2006, 05:48 AM

Some of the private schools I went to growing up have the same policies you cite for the Japanese schools. And some Japanese schools do NOT have the policies you cite. It depends on the administration.