Ten Days of Exceptional Experiences!

What are your discoveries in the school visits? Give any of your ideas and questions below.

UCCS Family Development Center
 –  I found it challenging to understand the lectures given by teachers who are native English speakers.
 –  The layout and design of the classrooms and playgrounds were not significantly different from Japan, and the approach of structuring the day around play was familiar from Japan as well.
 –  There were many notices about the school’s and educational policies, creating an environment where teachers and staff could easily stay aware of the mission and vision.
 –  I was curious about how the school gathers feedback from parents and reflects it in their actions.
 –  I was surprised to learn that UCCS graduates and current students work as teachers. The system, which collaborates with the university’s education department and allows students to gain experience working with many children while they work, seems to offer significant benefits to students and creates a structure that is less likely to face staff shortages.
Manitou Springs Middle School
 –  I was surprised by the differences in the classroom environment compared to Japan. The use of soothing music, dimmed lighting, and the way the flow of the class and the classroom reflected the teachers’ personalities created a work environment where teachers could easily express their individuality.
 –  As a student who will be teaching in the future, I found it very useful to be exposed to practical ideas for introducing and focusing on lesson themes.
 –  I noticed that the school has many connections with the community, actively communicates with parents, and contributes to the local society. This made me reflect on the significance of the school playing such a role.
Gold Camp Elementary School
 –  In Japan, there is a focus on preventing difficulties at the start of elementary school, often referred to as the ‘first-grade gap.’ In contrast, I was surprised to find that in the U.S., early education, which is play-based like Japanese kindergartens, also serves as a foundation for acquiring the knowledge needed for future subject learning. This approach seems to be more mainstream in the U.S.
 –  I observed that the school has strong connections with the local community and that teachers work in pairs, supporting each other.”
 –  Regarding teaching materials, in Japan, it seems that teachers either create worksheets from the ground up or use existing materials, often handed down from senior teachers. In contrast, it appeared that in the U.S., teachers use online resources and other methods to prepare lessons more efficiently. I would like to learn more about the key points and practical aspects of creating teaching materials.
 –  Teaching methods varied among teachers, and there was a high degree of flexibility. Similar to university classes in Japan, where students can choose their own classes, this approach helps students maintain a sense of independence.

Give your overall impressions on the US education.

 –  I was very impressed by the active communication between teachers and students.
 –  In Japan, students are required to learn at the same pace as their peers, and those who are either faster or slower are often pointed out by teachers. In contrast, I was deeply impressed by how students in the U.S. are able to learn at their own pace.
 –  The social conditions differ between the U.S. and Japan, and the issues that arise in education also differ.
 –  There were issues not directly addressed in Japan, and it seems that education on such topics will become increasingly necessary for today’s children.
 –  I observed that education in the U.S. offers teachers a high degree of freedom and autonomy. Teachers approach their work with a strong sense of responsibility, which seems to enhance their enthusiasm for teaching. This high level of responsibility appears to be a characteristic of both American education and broader societal norms.
 –  In Japan, there is a strong sense that adults teach and children learn. In contrast, it seems that in the U.S., this distinction is not as clear. Through open and close communication, children are encouraged to learn actively, and teachers are seen more as supporters of learning rather than as authority figures.

Do the experiences and learnings affect your future profession?

 –  Yes, I believe they will have an impact. American education differs from Japanese education in many ways, and I would like to bring the positive aspects of these differences to Japan. The experiences from this program have clarified my vision for what I want to do in the future.
 – Through this program, I had the opportunity to think about how I should actively support students and what role I should play. This has strengthened my resolve to become a teacher once again.
 – Knowing that there are various approaches to education, being able to start teaching next month has broadened my perspective and enriched my skills. The knowledge and experiences I’ve gained both inside and outside Kanazawa University have become significant strengths and sources of confidence for me.

Give your feedbacks on this program. Any comments are to be high appreciated.