In the West, we have long prided ourselves on our education systems. Since the era of colonial expansion, British and French institutions, in particular, have emphasised the superiority of their educational models.
In the West, we have long prided ourselves on our education systems. Since the era of colonial expansion, British and French institutions, in particular, have emphasised the superiority of their educational models. They have celebrated their focus on individual growth, nurturing creativity, and upholding the values of liberty.
While many Western schools excel in these areas, producing world-leading athletes, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and thinkers, there are glaring shortcomings in our systems that can no longer be ignored. For example, the teaching of mathematics has become a significant political issue. In the UK, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised improving maths education and hinted at making it compulsory until age 18 (currently, students must only study mathematics until age 16). The situation is similar in the US.
In contrast, Japanese education excels in areas where Western systems have lagged for decades, particularly in teaching collaboration, teamwork, and solidarity. Moral education is also central to Japanese schooling, with integrity, honesty, and fairness being foundational principles.
So, how can we strengthen our education system? How can we raise a future workforce that is both competent and ethical? At 360+ Learning, our Founder and CEO, Dr Siba Aldabbagh, is a strong advocate of Japanese educational methodologies and philosophies. In this article, she outline key techniques she implements into her learning platform, inspired by the Japanese system.
Embrace struggle and confusion
Neuroscience supports the idea that necessity is the mother of invention, and necessity often involves struggle. When students face challenges and limitations, and when these are rigorously analysed, their performance improves. Personal experience underscores this: I once failed an A-level English Literature exam, only to retake it and score one of the highest grades in the country. The same happened with A-level Pure Maths test. Failure, when embraced and studied, leads to greater achievement.
Spaced Learning, Spacing Effect, and Complications
Research shows that spaced learning is effective. Spending shorter, consistent periods over a longer time encourages forgetting and relearning, which strengthens memory pathways and aids long-term memory creation. Additionally, the spacing effect requires students to switch between tasks and navigate their confusion, enhancing their ability to handle being retested and fostering long-term memory.
Simplifying complex material helps in the moment but often fails to ensure long-term understanding. At 360+ Learning, we encourage students to engage with complex material, appreciate nuances, and communicate these complexities. For example, during Summer Camp 2024, we explored conflicting research on tomatoes’ impact on a footballer’s recovery, teaching even our youngest students to appreciate opposing views and navigate scientific nuance.
Teaching in Multiples and Humility
When addressing a problem, we explore multiple angles. For instance, in a group session on baking cookies, we analysed various issues like ingredient substitutions and material quality, teaching students to compare and contrast different approaches. This method introduced them to fundamental scientific principles through practical problem-solving.
Working with Japanese families, I’ve noticed a deep-seated humility in their approach to education. Regardless of a child’s talents, there is always room for improvement in knowledge, skills, teamwork, and social navigation. This humility is a cornerstone of Japanese education and culture more broadly.
With over 15 years of experience in the British education system, I have learned to adapt and integrate cross-cultural methodologies to create more effective and enjoyable learning experiences at 360+ Learning. Blending Japanese techniques has not only improved our students’ learning but has also made the process more engaging and fulfilling.
To learn more about how we integrate these approaches into 360+ Learning’s courses, sign up now.