American Or Japanese?

American or Japanese?

“Education seems to be in America the only commodity of which the customer tries to get as little he can for his money,” (Max Forman.) The American education system has come under heavy scrutiny in recent years. Comparison between the Japanese and American education systems have been drawn in recent studies comparing test scores and methods of teaching. It is apparent that the Japanese system of education is more effective than the that system found in America, evident by past test scores where Japan significantly surpassed the American student population. But, do higher test scores distinguish a truly greater education system? The two systems are nothing alike. The Japanese education system relies significantly on parental involvement with students, while in America the bulk of the students education lies almost completely with the teacher. The Japanese Curriculum does not emphasis creativity with their students as American campuses often do.   This style of Japanese teaching has its consequences; while attending school for 5 ½ days of the week Japanese students rarely have time for social breaks. On their days off they are usually preoccupied studying for their upcoming week, compared to America where the children have 2 days sometimes 3 days off per week to be free and social and to do homework.   Social inept ability cannot be distinguished through test scores, and it can be argued that Japanese students may lag in this ‘department.’ As you can see the Japanese system of education puts a lot more pressure on their students to do well than the American system does which could or could not be a good thing for one particular student. Which education system would be more beneficial to the American society.   The answer is both, but a mix of American and Japanese is the best and the most logical way to teach the young minds of tomorrow in America.
In Japan the parental influence on education for their children is set at a higher standard...