What a School Performance Shows Us About Japanese Education

[Shaun @ Tru6]

This was in today's NYTimes, the link takes you to a video documentary. I couldn't find a youtube version so only the link to watch.

A wonderful, heartfelt and though-provoking 23 minute documentary, well worth your time, have some Kleenex handy. I would substitute Education with Culture. Enjoy.

What a School Performance Shows Us About Japanese Education

[masraum]

I haven't yet watched the video, but yes, I think you could extend what I expect the statement to be out to "culture". It's been ~40 years since I was in Japan, and I assume things have changed some, but when I was there, it was a very impressive place with wonderful people.

[john70t]

deleted on request

[john70t]

deleted on request

[masraum]

Can you even imagine the results of a teacher making a student cry like that here in the US?

Excellent video. I have looked all over, and can't find any means of watching the full documentary. It seems it was released last year and is in a year long tour of various film fests and events/screenings now. Hopefully, it becomes available.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

They would be fired immediately and TikTok would need another server farm for the bandwidth.

When I was in 7th grade social studies, we had to read the newspaper for the last 10 minutes of Friday class, which was two classes with two teaches who taught together. One day there was nothing interesting to me so I just sat quietly after going through it. My teacher came over and asked why I wasn't reading, I told him which immediately sent him into a rage, grabbing my arm and hauling me out into the hall, other teacher followed and they proceeded to yell at me like I had just killed their dogs, or worse. It was insane. I don't remember but must have been crying after that.

It never even occurred to me to tell my parents. I did read the paper on Fridays after that.

I am surprised it's only on the Times site. It will be public someday I'll post a new thread if I happen to find it.

[Tobra]

100% cultural, that is not about education. We used to have a tradition of excellence in this country too. Then our culture took a crap.

Originally Posted by masraum

Can you even imagine the results of a teacher making a student cry like that here in the US?

In public school, no. Private school is an entirely different story.

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

They would be fired immediately and TikTok would need another server farm for the bandwidth.

When I was in 7th grade social studies, we had to read the newspaper for the last 10 minutes of Friday class, which was two classes with two teaches who taught together. One day there was nothing interesting to me so I just sat quietly after going through it. My teacher came over and asked why I wasn't reading, I told him which immediately sent him into a rage, grabbing my arm and hauling me out into the hall, other teacher followed and they proceeded to yell at me like I had just killed their dogs, or worse. It was insane. I don't remember but must have been crying after that.

It never even occurred to me to tell my parents. I did read the paper on Fridays after that.

I am surprised it's only on the Times site. It will be public someday I'll post a new thread if I happen to find it.

Speaking of newspapers, I read the paper every day, before I delivered them. I continued to read the paper, up until about 20 years ago, now everything is online.

That’s me sitting in the box the newspapers were dropped off at. I still have the green 69 Schwinn Stingray.

The picture was taken by Captain Hibbard, a retired airline pilot. I had no idea he took the picture, until he gave it to my parents. I still have that picture too.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

^^^incredibly cool on all fronts

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

This was in today's NYTimes, the link takes you to a video documentary. I couldn't find a youtube version so only the link to watch.

A wonderful, heartfelt and though-provoking 23 minute documentary, well worth your time, have some Kleenex handy. I would substitute Education with Culture. Enjoy.

What a School Performance Shows Us About Japanese Education

I'd gladly pay to have my kid go to that school.

[john70t]

Third grade I had a Korean American teacher. Was doodling in the back of class. She stomped over, slapped me pretty hard open hand, tore up my paper and tossed it in the air. I did not respond but remember being pretty hot at the time. Her quiet daughter who I liked was in the class and subconsciously recognized they were from strict discipline.

Eighth grade I was probably doing the same or half nodding off from insufficient sleep. The teacher eased around in back of me, put hands on shoulders, and dug fingers deep into my shoulder blade nerves. That f'n hurt. He didn't realize his own strength. Might have been a vet. idk. I screamed and left the classroom. Don't like being suddenly jumped when relaxed in thought. Got enough of that at home. He sincerely apologized later on and meant it. That kind of person. I should have done the same at the time. He was otherwise super mellow and a great guy for the community. I attempted to attend his b-day retirement party a few decades later on and let him know it was all right but got the dates mixed up.

Had a gym teacher who was out for me. Every time I got the ball there was an instant whistle. Foul or double-dribble. When I got double-kneed to the chest by his star player same thing happened. The rules did not matter. Then I started being a serious jerk. An aside would have solved all that. Looking back I probably wasn't the easiest student but always the least-worst of my friends.


I do think the American classroom should be under the control of the teacher instead of parents..but these days the problem is both sides.

[Rick Lee]

I went to school through sixth grade in TX, where there was corporal punishment. If you got paddled, they sent home a "paddling slip" to have your parents sign. The thought of having to show that form to my folks scared me more than any paddling ever did. I knew from a very early age that the only thing in the world that mattered was an adult's word, not mine ,and certainly not my feelings.

[cockerpunk]

making students cry is not a characteristic of an excellent school.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Tobra

In public school, no. Private school is an entirely different story.

California public schools in the 60's and early 70's were excellent and I benefited from the standards, discipline and rigor.

That said, the Nun's at the Catholic School I attended my Junior and Senior year in HS were, and I have had the opportunity to tell them, essential in my intellectual growth and world view...they were relentless, demanding and gracious, a really hard hat trick to pull off.

I needed them, they didn't need me, but there they were: Standards, effort, do better because they knew I could. That is education writ large: Demand excellence in effort, we'll figure it out from there.

Great video, Shaun.