Choosing the right education for your child can be challenging, especially considering the many available options. Finding a good school that will guide and support your child’s foundation for their future is a responsibility shared by all parents; children spend most of their day during their most formative years in school, which only adds to the pressure of this responsibility.
A challenge parents face while finding a suitable school is choosing between local public schools and private schools, like an international school. While each of these different systems has its range of benefits, parents should consider which one will be the best fit for their family and their child.
First, we will outline how international schools are similar to the experience of local public schools, followed by a look at how international schools in Japan are an innovative alternative to Japanese schools.
What makes a great international school experience? Learn more about these characteristics and why international schools are a great choice for Japanese families here.
日本語ブログ- 革新的な教育システムーインターナショナルスクールという選択
How do international schools compare to Japanese Schools?
Although Japanese schools are globally renowned for their high academic standards, much of their system's academic foundation is based on the belief that students need to perform well in examinations.
Most local Primary schools deliver the curriculum in Japanese only, which means students do not receive the benefits of a multilingual education. Later, English language instruction is largely irregular and introductory, often utilized more as part of a significant entrance examination subject and not as a tool for communication and collaboration.
As such, perhaps true to stereotypes, students become very adept at rote learning and memorizing volumes to get high scores on these exams, which means much of their efforts are concentrated during examination periods.
In comparison, international schools offer a curriculum — often delivered in English — in which students interact with other cultures and learn other languages, promoting the benefits of multilingualism in education, which studies show can positively impact a child’s development.
Students learn to collaborate and share their learning at international schools. They utilize their creativity and learn within an interdisciplinary and inquiry-based curriculum that helps to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Rather than focus on content memorization in preparation for college entrance examinations and testing to assess mastery of content, an international school education typically will develop more intrinsic motivation to learn, with the student's passions and interests driving their inquiry.
Let's examine the other similarities and differences between international schools and the Japanese education system.
Both systems focus on the development of the whole child
Japanese schools teach a national curriculum in the Japanese language, which is designed to prepare students for life in Japan. They support the development of the whole student by teaching students to value Japan's history, culture, and traditions while also studying mathematics, sciences, and global issues.
In the Japanese school system, priority is placed on community development and group harmony in the learning process to influence social and emotional skills in students; this results from the Japanese culture, which focuses on the collective good instead of the rights and responsibilities of the individual.
Conversely, education in international schools focuses on global perspectives and issues; classrooms reflect greater diversity where students learn about cultural differences within universal concepts and values while absorbing the benefits of multiculturalism and multilingualism in the classroom.
International school students have the opportunity to broaden their perspectives as they embrace multilingualism and learn to interact with different global and local cultures and traditions. This also prepares them for the possibility of studying at international universities, which may lead them to opportunities to work in a global environment.
Are you looking for a good preschool for your child? We compare different preschool options in Japan here.
International schools focus on smaller classrooms
Japanese school classrooms have a high teacher-to-student ratio, with around 30 to 40 students per class. Students typically sit in straight rows, facing the teacher, and are expected to absorb all the information delivered. It can be characterized as being a teacher-centered or curriculum-centered learning environment.
Japanese school classes can also be described as more focused on teaching the group and less on individual learning needs. This emphasis on the group is cultivated from the Japanese culture itself, which talks about the strength of a group over that of an individual.
In comparison, the teacher-to-student ratio in most international schools is much smaller. In smaller classes, the students work closely with groups of peers, and students receive more individualized care as each learner can receive the attention they need.
This allows each student to have the ability to express themselves, and the curriculum encourages students to share their learning with others. The individual student and their needs and beliefs are valued, celebrated, and even expected to be different from the beliefs of others.
Not only that, but multiple studies have found a relationship between smaller class sizes and improved academic performance. Such benefits include:
- Increased opportunities for individualized care and attention from teaching staff
- Improved academic performance, with evidence of a deeper understanding of academic content
- Ease of which teachers can integrate creative activities to inspire learning in students
Overall, smaller class sizes found in international schools benefit students not just academically but also in social, cultural, and linguistic ways.
International schools open doors to international pathways
International schools have a great track record of helping students attend international post-secondary institutions and international careers. The curriculum at international schools is globally recognized, preparing students for pathways to universities worldwide, giving them access to a wide range of options and experiences.
Most international schools teach students to learn, value and accept the cultural diversity of their peers. Many international schools embrace intercultural learning by encouraging celebrations or activities of different cultures so that students develop an awareness of the world around them, their cultural identity, and their role as global citizens.
Students develop an open mind and the ability to adapt to different environments. The impact of multilingualism in education is significant and will give them an advantage at university and in future careers. Multilingualism is a desired skill worldwide and research shows that the benefits of multilingualism include:
- Increased mental agility, as fluency in multiple languages builds cognition and enhances the brain's form and function
- As students learn to switch between multiple languages, their ability to process information improves
- Much of the skills and abilities developed from multilingualism can be transferred to other academic pursuits as students learn to absorb knowledge better and develop skills efficiently
An international education could open up a variety of career opportunities for your child. You can learn more about these exciting career options here.
Focus on personalized learning and individual care
Japanese schools emphasize the importance of Japanese culture, which influences the learning styles and the content delivery method. Students are expected to learn at the same pace as their peers and excel at examinations.
While this methodology can work for many students, some students may struggle under the pressure of this academic, curriculum-centered environment. If you are considering a different learning style, it is important to learn more about the alternatives available to you.
International schools are different in how they promote collaboration, deeper learning, analytical and creative thinking, and personalization at every step of a student's journey. Research has found the following benefits of personalized learning and individual care:
- By personalizing the learning pace, students can spend more time on challenging material and participate in deeper learning.
- Students are intrinsically motivated to learn if they have a sense of ownership over their learning and feel it is relevant.
- Students feel motivated and enthusiastic about school as their attitudes towards learning are different, and they feel that being a lifelong learner is also their responsibility (and joy!).
International schools are a great choice for students in Japan
Students in an international school environment have the opportunity and space to explore their creativity, exchange ideas, and carve their unique pathways. This allows them to develop skills, such as critical thinking and lifelong learning, which are especially valuable to their futures, in addition to the benefits of multiculturalism and multilingualism.
