Japan Essay, Research Paper
Education in Japan
Education is very important to the success of any country. Japan is a country that has an effective educational system. Through selective borrowing and reforms from the American occupation after World War II, Japan’s educational system has created one of the most highly educated society in the world. In this essay, I will describe the evolution of the Japanese educational system and compare modern Japan’s system with the United
States’. Japan always had a strong emphasis in education. Pre-modern Japan had many examples of the strong interest in learning. Unlike the knights in feudal Europe, the
Samurai in feudal Japan possessed fighting skills as well as literary skills. By the late Tokugawa Period, samurai youths and well as some children of commoners were able receive an education.
Many countries influenced modern Japan s education system s structure over time. Its high regard for education stemmed from the Chinese’s testing system for choosing government officials. Although Japan did not adopt this system, Japan realized the importance of education. Buddhists monasteries began teaching and became centers of learning during the feudal period. The educational system changed during Tokugawa period by having official domain schools for samurai; there are tens of thousands of village institutions for commoners, and over a thousand private academies. A Ministry of Education to centralized and uniform the school system was created during 1871 during the Meiji government. A new educational system was created, while all domain schools and a great majority of private academies disappeared. Based on the French model, a system of nationwide education was achieved. In 1907, a system of free and mandatory primary education was established. Above primary education was a system of schooling
similar to the German gymnasium and the French lycee. They boys and girls went to separate schools after elementary school. After World War II, American occupation restructured Japan’s educational system once more into six-three-three-four system. The numbers corresponds to the number of years each student has to take for elementary school, junior high, senior high, and university. The system was made coeducation throughout, and was made free for the first nine years.
Japan’s educational system did not borrow everything from other countries. There were some significant differences that were very progressive. Instead of involving religion in early education like the West, the educational system was of secular and egalitarian nature during Meiji Japan. Also unlike the western countries during that period, Japan emphasized elementary education more than higher education. This gave the overall Japanese society a strong educational foundation.
Besides the university level, modern Japanese education is intense. Children attend an extra half-day of school per week compared to the United States. The vacations are much shorter and there are fewer breaks during the school year. Homework is assigned daily. The students are very disciplined and study very hard.
Success in career and life is determined by success in education. Top positions in companies and government are recruited directly from top universities. It is very difficult for a person to get a successful career with limited education. Because the educational system is based on merits, students need to take an examination in order to be admitted into top schools. Competition is very tight to get into distinguished high schools and universities. Therefore, entrance examinations are very important.
These examinations place a tremendous amount of pressure on students and
There families Preparing for the exams may start as early as kindergarten for some children. Some students also have extra tutoring. The family would pay extra for these services. Children are given adequate room to study even though much family live in small sized apartments. Because these exams are considered to determine a person’s entire career, family life is greatly affected when exam time draws near. Life in the family would be centered on helping the student study.
When a student is not accepted to the top universities, they may either take a cram school or enter a less prestigious university. Public universities like Tokyo University are ranked as the top schools. Unlike the prestigious universities in the United States,
Prestigious universities in Japan costs less money than the poorer rated private universities Japan. Some wealthy students may buy their way into less prestigious private universities.
The United States’ educational system is not as uniform as Japan’s. Unlike Japan, the United States’ educational system is not based completely on merits. Some schools have social promotions. Some students graduate high school without even learning basic algebra. There are students that go directly to the workforce after graduating high school.
Standardized tests like the SAT exist in the United States, but admission to colleges and universities does not solely rely on it. Universities in the United States rely on a number of factors; weighed differently for each school and possibly for each applicant. Brown
University, a top university in the United States, seeks high grades and standardized tests scores as well as diversity. Because of the variation in admission methods, there are fewer pressures on students in the United States.
The most prestigious universities in the United States are not public. Schools in the top-ten ranking include Harvard, California Institute of Technology, and Princeton, which are all private schools. Tuitions for these top schools cost more than public
Universities. Students in Japan can relax after they get accepted in a university. The reputation of the university matters the most because companies and government only invite graduates from certain universities to take their exams. The work that students do at the university does not matter as much. Graduate schools are also not important.
Schoolwork at the university level in the United States is more important and vigorous than Japan’s. At top universities, there is a huge emphasis on research. Students at universities like California Institute of Technology spend so much time studying and doing research at the expense of a social life.
Creativity in Japan is weak because of the rigid “one-shot” entrance examination system the training in high schools is geared toward passing the exams. There is little room left to study other subjects. Michio Hasimoto of Nagoya University said, “Many students are interested in science, but they have to spend all their time preparing for university entrance examinations.”
Inadequate universities also weaken creativity in Japan. A lot less money and resources are devoted to the university system than elementary and secondary education. Researches are mainly conducted in business rather than universities. Universities’ neglect of basic science is apparent by most school’s run-down engineering and science facilities. Senior professors controls grants for research and would not allocate money to exotic research project proposals. Paperwork for all equipment purchases are repetitive and time consuming.
Japan’s education emphasizes on practicality rather than creativity. Rather than spending time and money for research, Japan rather learn and adapt to the technologies from other countries. Japanese business leaders have an effective strategy of buying patent rights from other parts of the world.
Japan’s educational system is standardized and uniform. Even without an
Adequate university system, the Japanese educational system produced one of the most highly educated populations in the world. Because of the strong emphasis on education in Japanese society, Japan is now a country that has a high literacy rate and advanced technology. The advanced technology that Japan possess are comparable and in sometimes, better than that of the United States.
Reference
usnews/usnews/issue/991101/1edit.htm.
nytimes/aponline/a/AP-High-School-Diplomas.html
Carolyn Kleiner “A Peek Behind Closed Doors,” US News and World Reports 30
August1999: 70.
“Best National Universities,” US News and World Reports 30 August1999: 88.
Другие работы по теме:
Oda Nobunaga Essay Research Paper Oda Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga Essay, Research Paper Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582) was the first individual to attempt to unify Japan at the end of the Warring States period; his ultimate goal, though he never realized it, was to bring all of Japan “under a single sword” (tenka-fubu ). Like so many others in the history of Japan, he rose from an obscure family through ruthless ambition to become one of the most powerful men in Japan.
Education Today Essay Research Paper Education TodayEducation
Education Today Essay, Research Paper Education Today Education today isn?t quiet what I would like it to be; although it is improving if I was in power I think I would make a few changes. In high school there are certain classes that are mandatory for an individual to graduate history, chemistry and biology are a couple.
Cronon On Education Essay Research Paper Cronon
Cronon On Education Essay, Research Paper Cronon on Education Having read Victor’s story not realizing until the very end that “Victor” in the story was the author made it much more confusing! I realize that the issue here is about racial and social discrimination as well as about education and following your own ideals instead of the rest of society’s.
Aims Of Germany And Japan Essay Research
Paper The Aims of Germany and Japan The 1930s were a tumultuous time. After World War I, the Allied powers seemed determined to preserve peace, but Germany and Japan held a shared
War Essay Research Paper The war between
War Essay, Research Paper The war between Japan and the United States did not have to happen. It could have been prevented by diplomacy in 1941. The United States was Japan?s principle supplier of scrap metal and oil. In 1940 Japan signed a treaty with the government of France for the establishment of airbases in French Indochina.
Computer Education Essay Research Paper Back to
Computer Education Essay, Research Paper Back to the 1940s, the modern electronic computer was developed at U.S. universities; however, in the year, there was no computer education yet. It needed more 10 years to have computer education. The period of the computer revolution was 1950 in the U.S.. Computer education began in the middle of the 1950s with an organized body of knowledge.
Grades Do We Really Need Them Essay
, Research Paper This essay is about the article called “We Should Cherish Our Children?s Freedom to Think.” It was written by Kie Ho, a business executive who was born and raised in Indonesia. Ho writes this article about why he thinks that American education is, in many ways better than any other in the world.
The Kanagawa Treaty Essay Research Paper The
The Kanagawa Treaty Essay, Research Paper The Kanagawa Treaty In 1852 the United States appointed Commodore Mathew Perry to lead an expedition to Japan in efforts to open diplomatic and trade relations. Japan had been closed off from the rest of the world for over two hundred years. Only the Dutch and Chinese had limited contact with Japan.
Education Essay Research Paper One of the
Education Essay, Research Paper One of the greatest problems in American society today is a variation in the quality of education, dependent upon the wealth, or lack thereof, in particular areas. This problem is especially notorious in areas of destitution. Lower standards for the schools in these poorer neighborhoods are another step in the cycle of poverty.
The Kitchen Are The Women Independent Or
Dependent? Essay, Research Paper In the Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto, the character Tomo lives in a traditional Japenese society where women are very dependent. Women in Japan faced severe restrictions in matters concerning choice of career and marriage. On the other hand, virtually all women had a basic education and some even attended college.
Growing Up In Samurai Japan Essay Research
Paper Summary ?Growing up in Samurai Japan? by Brenda Ralph Lewis is about the society and history of Japan. This book gives you specific details on the actions of the traditional way of the samurai and Japanese (which are the same, but samurais have different beliefs). This book also mentions how they treat their newborn child, and how strong and strict they follow their beliefs in life.
The Policies The Meiji Government Used To
Further Industriali Essay, Research Paper The Strategies The Meiji Government Used to Achieve Economic Development? ? ??? ?? The Meiji government during the 1880’s created both an institutional and constitution structure that allowed Japan in the coming decades to be a stabile and industrializing country.
European Imperialism Of Japan And China Essay
, Research Paper Imperialism is the practice by which powerful nations or peoples seek to extend and maintain control or influence over weaker nations or peoples. By the 1800 s, the Western powers had advantages in this process. They led the world in technological advances, giving them a dominance when conquering other countries.
Public Education A Right Or A Privilege
Essay, Research Paper Public Education should be a right not a privilege. In my opinion, public education should be a right. We need public education. When it comes to voting,
How The Atomic Bomb Affected World War
II Essay, Research Paper Many different innovations in military strategy and weaponry effected the outcome of World War II, but none so much as the development of the Atomic Bomb. The law of supply and demand has determined
Education Essay Research Paper In to day
Education Essay, Research Paper In to day’s society education is becoming more and more important. The children of today need education to get good jobs and keep up with this fast paced modern society. Nobody ever explained this to my teachers through. High school was the worst. THe teachers at my school were losers and dinn’t know what they were doing.
Japan An Independent Dependant Nation Essay Research
Paper Japan: An Independent Dependant Nation The main element of Japanese culture is their idea of a “family” oriented nation. There is no focus on the individual. In the Japanese culture your job comes before your wife and children, your wife and children come before you, and you come before nothing. There is no individual separation; there is only group separation.
Apan Social Customs Essay Research Paper Japan
Apan: Social Customs Essay, Research Paper Japan: Social Customs The information provided, talks about family traditions, marriage customs, and education in Japan. I think the way marriages are setup
American Revolution Essay Research Paper Q
American Revolution Essay, Research Paper Q: Explain why Japan reacted to western ideas by adopting a policy of isolation. How did this reaction to outside influences effect Japans development over the next few centuries.
American Education Essay Research Paper As far
American Education Essay, Research Paper As far as the world standard goes, American public education is near the top of the ladder. But, when you compare the education here to other first world countries, we fall way short. This is not to say that all public schooling institutions are of poor quality, though, because there are many public schools in America that do provide quality education.
Computers Essay Research Paper Why We StartedInternet
Computers! Essay, Research Paper Why We Started Internet Mental Health is a free encyclopedia of mental health information. It was designed by a Canadian psychiatrist, Dr. Phillip Long, and programmed by his colleague, Brian Chow.
Korean War Essay Research Paper Causes of
Korean War Essay, Research Paper Causes of the Korean War Essay # 2 By: Dylan Foreman After the Japanese gained control of Korea in and made it part of Japan. The Allies defeated Japan in World War II (1939-1945) and U.S. and Soviet forces moved into Korea. Soviet troops occupied North Korea and American troops occupied South Korea.
Atomic Question Essay Research Paper The Atomic
Atomic Question Essay, Research Paper The Atomic Question On August 6, 1945 the world was changed forever. On that day the United States of America dropped an atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima. Never before has the world seen anything like it. Hiroshima had almost been decimated with an estimated 70-80,000 people were killed.
Sex Education Essay Research Paper Despite sex
Sex Education Essay, Research Paper Despite sex education at schools, teens are still lacking information on this topic. Even as more and more discussions about sex increase on TV, movies, and even at school,
Ameratsu Essay Research Paper Amaterasu is the
Ameratsu Essay, Research Paper Amaterasu is the supreme deity of the Japanese religion of Shintoism and the legendary ancestor of Japan’s imperial family. The full name of this deity is Amaterasu Omikami. This means in Japanese the Great Spirit Illuminating the Heavens.
School Uniform Essay Research Paper School UniformThroughout
School Uniform Essay, Research Paper School UniformThroughout the Japan, numerous school boards have been attempting to standardize the clothing that students wear. The school superintendents who are in favor of uniforms will argue that the children who wear them will experience many benefits. I disagree with this idea.
Education Essay Research Paper EDUCATIONAmericans take their
Education Essay, Research Paper EDUCATION Americans take their education for granted. Education has become one of the most important aspects of a person?s. With seventeen years of formal education, a person can do almost anything he or she wants to do. Yet many in America take this for granted. Some American students today would rather not be in school.
Japanese Education Reflecting Their Culture Essay Research
Paper Education in Japan, one will find various insights into Japanese culture. Japans approach to education reflects Japanese values.Modern Japan is quite an amazing place where people act proper and have great values. The Japanese people have a value system that can be reflected well by there educational system.
Untitled Essay Research Paper There has been
Untitled Essay, Research Paper There has been a long standing debate on why the atomic bomb was used to defeat Japan. The threat of Russian advancement in Europe and in Asia was enough
Australian Report Essay Research Paper Essay Australian
Australian Report Essay, Research Paper Essay Australian Realm Why despite Australia?s visible advantages in natural resources, accessible ports and a huge educated population is Australia?s GNP growing at such a stunted
The English Language Essay Research Paper This
The English Language Essay, Research Paper This House affirms that the British Empire was a great success whose effects are still beneficial to the world. The world distribution of English users is divided into three categories : English as a native language; for example, UK, USA, Australia, English as a second language; for example, India, Singapore, Ghana, Philippines, and English as a foreign language; for example, France, Japan, Thailand.There are 72 countries with Englishs as an official language and 9 countries with English as a first language:Australia, Great- Britain, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourgh, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the USA.