21 October 2016
Differences between American and Japanese
schools
While settling into my job at Fujimura, I
have been taking note of some differences between schools in America and
schools in Japan. In some ways American and Japanese schools are quite similar,
and in other ways they are very different. Here are a few of the biggest
differences that I have noticed so far:
·
In American schools, the
teachers stay in one classroom, and the students move around from classroom to
classroom. Because of this, there is no teacher’s room in American schools. Personally,
I like the community aspect of the teacher’s room. But, I would have liked to have
my own classroom, just so that I could decorate it!
·
There are no school chores for
students in America -all of the cleaning is done by janitors. I think it’s
great that Japanese students take ownership in their school and help clean.
·
Clubs are more serious and
time-intensive in Japan, compared to school clubs in America. All the clubs
that I was in in high school only met once a week. I’m very impressed with
students who have club practice every single day!
·
Most schools in America use
whiteboards instead of blackboards.
·
Students at Fujimura are
responsible for getting to school by themselves, but in America most students get
to school by school bus.
·
In America, High School is
required for everyone, and there are no entrance exams.
·
There is no Bunkasai at schools
in America! I think this is a shame, because I thought that Bunkasai was very
fun.
It is very interesting to work in a school
system that is so different from what I’m used to. I think that there are pluses
and minuses to each system. I am excited to learn more about the Japanese
school system, and hopefully take some good ideas back to America with me.
