Exploring the Japanese Educational System

1059 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essays about the difference between japan and american education system

Japanese Educational System
The Japanese educational system, due to American occupation after the World War II, was heavily influenced by American educational system. The Fundamental Law of Education in Japan was introduced in 1947, changing the educational system to the 6+3+3+4 structure. The current system includes six years of elementary school, three years of Lower secondary school, three years of upper secondary school and, finally, four years of higher education. The last step is not optional and was created for those who are in the academic stream.
It is worth to mention that Japanese educational system is known for its impressive results in passing international benchmarking tests. Among the most notable ones is the OECD Program for …show more content…

It is worth to mention, that there are more than 1, 200 universities and junior colleges in Japan, meaning that Japanese students who wish to pursue tertiary education have all opportunities to succeed. Still, the great number of universities and junior colleges also make the higher education in Japan one of the weakest parts of the whole educational system. The only goal pursued by those who want to get a higher education is to be admitted to the most prestigious school. After the admission, students easily pass through the first three years of an undergraduate program and, generally, use the last year for job …show more content…

Typically, all of them have completed major courses in the subjects that they teach.
Secondary Education (Kotogakko)
High school is Japan is not compulsory and, what is more, it is not free. Nevertheless, about 94% of students continue their education by entering privately-funded or state-owned institutions.
A high schools in Japan welcomes students who reached 15 years and ends when they are 18. After grade 9, students in Japan are divided into two categories: vocational and university entrance. There are also 3 main formats of secondary education: full-time, part-time, or correspondence. The main aim of the secondary school is to prepare students to apply for entrance to universities.
Teachers of secondary schools must complete Bachelor’s degree in Education. Also, some of them have a Master’s degree due to the requirement of greater concentration in the teaching subjects in comparison to primary level.
Vocational Education
Vocational education in Japan was created for students, who choose to enter university. Nearly all of students who have plans to get a higher education almost invariably undergo some vocational training, which is known for its high standards. After passing through vocational studying, students can get the internationally recognized

Show More
Related

  • Analysis Of College Consumerism Run Amok

    704 Words  | 2 Pages

    Secondary education rises faster in price than auto insurance. Yet, secondary education is almost required in the United States to succeed. Yes, there are hundreds of people in the United States that have been successful without a college degree, but they are outliers. Students should choose not to go to college based on outliers, but go to college based on the fact thousands have succeeded because of their college degrees. It is more important then ever to know what makes a college great if students are going to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars over four

    Read More

  • Chapter Notes on 'Confucius Lives Next Door' by T R Reid

    1640 Words  | 4 Pages

    This shows how language plays a role in Japan by the maintenance of the hierarchical structure of the society.

    Read More

  • Book Review: Japan in Transformation

    1021 Words  | 3 Pages

    Jeffrey Kingston. Japan in Transformation, 1952 – 2000. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited, 2001. 230 pp.

    Read More

  • Rereading American Education Essay

    1392 Words  | 3 Pages

    She specifically emphasizes on the providence given by the American education system to resume studies after a break. In Japan, this provision is not provided for. Many of the students were of the view that the American education is quite superior compared to the Japanese education system. They observed that the learning environment is more learner-oriented. Specifically, they noted the keen follow-up on students ' assignments, which is not evident in the Japanese system. They also emphasized the cordial relationship between teachers and the students. However, they noted that the Japanese system might be more superior in the sense that students are more serious about their studies since it may cost their lifetime. In the Japanese system, the ministry of education as opposed to the American system designs the curriculum where the curriculum is designed by the state. This affirms the fact that the government greatly influences what is taught in schools. It is noted that "This limits the role played by curriculum developers hence weakening the education system" (Kim). Hence, the fact that each state is given freedom to design its curriculum creates disparity in the education system. This action was greatly objected by the students interviewed as they viewed it as a method of enhancing disparity in the education system. They also claimed that it caused discrimination when seeking interstate job

    Read More

  • Major Sociological Theories Paper

    882 Words  | 2 Pages

    For the social institution of education or specifically high school the major sociological theory that seems to best describe it using the best using the sociological theory is the functionalism theory. High school education serves a vital role in American society with preparation for later schooling and a general preparation of students for their roles in society as young adults.

    Read More

  • The American and Finnish Education Systems

    3133 Words  | 7 Pages

    “Vocational Education in Finland.” Ministry of Education and Culture. Ministry of Education and Culture, n.d. Web. 2 Oct. 2013. .

    Read More

  • Cross Cultural Differences Between Japan And Japan

    1144 Words  | 3 Pages

    They are raised to learn throughout their whole lives without any free time to do anything else, as to the United States and Italy they do not have such strict rules. The people living in Italy I believe would not be able to adjust easily to the high educational values that Japan has. In Italy and in the U.S. we go to college to earn a certain degree in a job we want to go for and start a career. In Japan they study since they are younger about different things all the way until they get older. Japan would definitely not accept Italy’s educational practices or systems, especially since Japan is all about following certain rules, not only in school but outside of school as well. I would think that some of Japan’s practices would greatly affect school systems in the United States and Italy in a good way. There would probably more literacy and less drop-out

    Read More

  • Cultural Capital: Japan

    1160 Words  | 3 Pages

    Japan does have strictest school policy, because the Japanese has high-expectation for their future of the education of children. For Japanese students, “there are mounting public concerns that traditional Japanese values are not taught as effectively now as in the past” (Ellington 211). The parents or an adult wish to see the students are into to a “importance of effort”(Ellington 211). The Japanese have a different way of educating their children. They attended elementary school for six years (first grade to six grades). For middle school do have attended for three years (seven grade to nine grades) and also high school (ten grade to twelfth grade). It's a different grade year from here in America, however, Japan and American do have one thing in common the college attend for four years. In Japan, elementary school have to teach English to the children. Middle school does spend time of 1/3 on different the subject from school and for homework. Middle and High school have some time to spend sports/clubs after school.

    Read More

  • A Comparison of Schools in the U.S. and Japan

    1296 Words  | 3 Pages

    School systems, including grading systems and examination styles, in Japan and the U.S. are quite different. Also, the relationship between students and teachers is completely different. Most Japanese students who transfer from Japanese schools to American schools, or who go to an American school after they graduate from a Japanese school, may be shocked by the new and different systems and the relationship to their teachers. For Japanese students, the way of American schools seems very difficult--to attend classes, to study, and to understand the system itself--but they also notice that they can study and live to the fullest as a student, as they talk or argue for or against other students or teachers in the classes. Also, they can get satisfaction from learning and understanding every class through the relationship between teachers and other students.

    Read More

  • Questioning the Necessity of College Education

    1363 Words  | 3 Pages

    A college education has been linked to the American Dream. The American Dream consists of accomplishing dreams and success in the United States. Society has established an emphasis that a college degree will lead to economic and social happiness, but it is important to take a step back and realize that a college degree is not the only way to achieve success and accomplish the American Dream. This socially constructed norm has considered students as disappointments when they choose to not pursue or realized that a college path is not for them. Even though a college education is believed by all as an essential part to an individual’s success, it is not entirely the path to everyone’s success. There are going to be students who are not going to want or be able to pursue a college education, and for those, instead of labeling as automatic failures, there needs to be promoting of alternative routes. A college education is a privilege not a necessity, it will not determine if a person success or failure.

    Read More

  • The Education System

    1002 Words  | 3 Pages

    The education system has been a controversial issue among educators. Requirements of school do not let student choose what they want to study for their future. It’s a big issue to force student study specific curriculums, which don’t help them improve, and what they like to create something. Educators choose a general system for education to all students which based on general knowledge. Intelligent or genius students have to be in that system of education, which doesn’t let them improve their creativity. Educators attempt to change that system to make it better, but their changing was not that great to be an example for the world. Also, did that change qualify education system to compete other systems or not? In some examples and reasons have been made me agree with some of points from Gatto’s and Edmunson’s and disagree them.

    Read More

  • Vocational Education and Training

    2193 Words  | 5 Pages

    What is vocational education? That depends on the period in history and whom you ask. There is probably no greater bone of contention or confusion among educators. Vocational education or educating students to fulfil their vocation or calling in life is such a broad definition. Traditionally it has been seen as an education for those not taking up tertiary studies, for those who instead undertake hands on training before entering the world of work. If this then is the definition, entry to some of the most highly regarded professions, is through vocational education. Take for example the doctor, teacher or the architect. In each of these cases the undergraduate student must undertake some form of on the job training and examination in order to receive their registration. This then changes the focus of vocational education. No longer can we look from the traditional view that it is for tradespeople, or blue-collar workers. We must then take a more encompassing view that it is necessary element of education for all students, to give them the grounding to deal with the challenges of the work force, regardless of the esteem the work they will ultimately do is held in.

    Read More

  • Education In Japan Essay

    1280 Words  | 3 Pages

    Nelson Mandela once profoundly stated, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” While this quote definitely holds true for the United States of America, it is now true for Japan as well. Over the last few decades, the economy of Japan has vastly improved. It is now the second largest developed economy in the world today while being the third largest economy presently behind China and the United States. Japan is also a member of the Group of Eight which is a group of the eight leading industrialized countries in the world. So the question that many will ask is: How did a country this small whose economy was devastated by World War II improve its economy so dramatically in such a small amount of time? The answer is simple—the education system. Before WWII, the education system was a 6-5-3-3 system but was changed to a 6-3-3-4 system after the war with the hopes of mimicking the education system of the United States. Western influence on Japan has shaped the education system and subsequently caused the economy to grow. The westernization of the education system in Japan has made the country’s economy flourish and has shaped what the country is today.

    Read More

  • Education as a Social Institution

    847 Words  | 2 Pages

    Education plays a large part in the socialization of children into society. Most American children spend the required 180 days each year in school from the first grade through high school. Most of a child's day through these years is devoted to activities involving school such as attending classes, doing homework, and participating in extracurricular activities. The school format is designed to teach children to be productive members of society.

    Read More

  • Comparison And Contrast Essay: High School Vs. University

    648 Words  | 2 Pages

    Education plays a very important role in a person’s life. Basic education is attained through primary school and high school. Education may be further perused after graduating from high school by attending university. This decision can make a person’s future brighter because, in most cases it is really hard to get a well-paid job and live a stable life without having a bachelor’s degree. However, people who want to peruse higher education must know that although there are similarities, there are also some differences between high school and university in terms of assignments, teachers, and responsibilities.

    Read More

More about Exploring the Japanese Educational System

Open Document