Japanese School Systems vs. American

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Japanese School Systems vs. American

For years, people have always felt that the Japanese school system was superior or more effective than that of the United States. Although some feel this way, others feel that the Japanese system is too strict and not flexible enough for those who may need extra help along the way. Through researching two different case studies, and also reading other materials, I have found many similarities along with many differences between the two, including teaching methods, overall emphases, and student involvement. Both countries have developed very effective and intricate systems of teaching, which compliment, and clash against one another. The Japanese system is not in all ways superior to that of the United States; however, there are a few different reasons why people may feel that the Japanese are in fact “smarter” than us. To begin with though, one must have an understanding of both systems and a basic knowledge of how they work.
The United States federal government virtually has no control over our education system. As result, neither a national curriculum, nor a national education system, has ever been enforced. Instead, according to (Hume. “International students…) each state has its own Department of Education. This department sets guidelines for all
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the schools in that particular state, decides from where the school’s will get their money, regulates the licensing of teachers, and also decides on a minimum required amount of days that children need to be in school. Each school district also has a school board, who helps with all the major decisions within the school district. The members of these boards are elected in, and usually serve for a few years.
Most of American school’s funding comes from local property taxes, and state taxes. Due to this set up, many people complain that equal educational opportunities are not introduced to all children. They argue that the level of education a child will receive is directly reflective of the type of economic area they come from. For example, a child that comes from a rural, less wealthy part of the state will not receive the same opportunities, or the same value of education as a child who grows up in a rich suburban town. These people feel that all children should be given ...

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...nts to feel more comfortable discussing academics and make friends in a way more geared to school than American children. In short, although the U.S. education system is superior to most, there are many things that if taken from the Japanese and incorporated into our system, would help our students to become more enthusiastic about school; thus making the education experience more positive and more productive.

Works Cited
United States Department of Education. The Educational System in the United States: A Case Study. By the U.S.D.E. in 1998. 28 November. 2002 http://www.ed.gov/pubs/USCaseStudy/
United States Department of Education. The Educational System in Japan: A Case Study. By the U.S.D.E. June 1998. 28 November. 2002 http://www.ed.gov/pubs/JapanCaseStudy/
The National Institute on Student Achievement, Curriculum, and Assessment. The Japanese Education System: A Case Study and Analysis. By the N.I.S.A.C.A. January 1999. 28 November. 2002 http://www.ed.gov/pubs/ResearchToday/98-3038.html Hume, Susan E. “International students who come to the United States…”. Indiana Schools Project. Indiana University. 28 November. 2002 http://board.dserver.org/p/poppiya/ooooo661.html

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