While these pictures tell a thousand words, our delegation was able to learn about how the Yokohama schools operate. At Azamino Elementary School and Azamino Jr. High, the average class size ranged anywhere between 30-40, extremely well-behaved and attentive, students. It's obvious that discipline is not an issue here, or a very minor one if ever. Teachers teach all subject areas, including art and music in the elementary grades, and begin to specialize in their one subject by middle school. Students participate in additional classes like Judo, swimming and home economics, where they learn how to cook and sew. We were especially impressed with the roof top pool! Interestingly enough, teachers are evaluated by parents, for the most part. I found that very interesting, as parents are extremely involved in their child's education throughout.
Schools go to about July 19th here, and students return for the new academic year on about August 30th. So their summer break averages about 40 days, or about 6 weeks. While teachers are able to take a vacation, they are generally not on break during during this time. Instead, they are at conferences and attending board sponsored seminars and professional development.
What was clear for me was the sense of cohesiveness and community throughout the classrooms. Students each have their own rag to keep their classroom clean. They are the one that bring up the lunch and all utensils to the classroom, which include pots, plates, chop sticks, milk and the actual food in large serving containers. Starting at first grade, students rearrange their desks to sit together in small groups; they distribute the food, take out their individual placemats, and eat together with their teacher and any guests. Then they put it away, and clean up the whole room! I was so impressed by their high level of responsibility and consciousness. It's so intrinsic and automatic. Definitely something I plan to work on more in my classroom!
And this is just the beginning. I still have so many more questions I want to ask. On my agenda is to inquire more about cram school, differentiation, tracking, the implementation of best practices, integration of technology, their focus on developing critical thinking, inventiveness and problem solving, and the role of English in the Japanese curriculum. There is still so much more to learn!
Schools go to about July 19th here, and students return for the new academic year on about August 30th. So their summer break averages about 40 days, or about 6 weeks. While teachers are able to take a vacation, they are generally not on break during during this time. Instead, they are at conferences and attending board sponsored seminars and professional development.
What was clear for me was the sense of cohesiveness and community throughout the classrooms. Students each have their own rag to keep their classroom clean. They are the one that bring up the lunch and all utensils to the classroom, which include pots, plates, chop sticks, milk and the actual food in large serving containers. Starting at first grade, students rearrange their desks to sit together in small groups; they distribute the food, take out their individual placemats, and eat together with their teacher and any guests. Then they put it away, and clean up the whole room! I was so impressed by their high level of responsibility and consciousness. It's so intrinsic and automatic. Definitely something I plan to work on more in my classroom!
And this is just the beginning. I still have so many more questions I want to ask. On my agenda is to inquire more about cram school, differentiation, tracking, the implementation of best practices, integration of technology, their focus on developing critical thinking, inventiveness and problem solving, and the role of English in the Japanese curriculum. There is still so much more to learn!