“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” -Nelson Mandela
As we know, education plays a vital role in building the nation as well an individual. No nation can survive without providing quality education to it’s citizens. This is because education helps an individual grow mentally and emotionally, which in return helps turning a nation to become a “super power”.
In this article, we will study about the Indian education system and compare it with the Japanese education system and what we can learn from it.
Indian education system –
If we talk about our Indian education system, then we must be knowing that due to the influence of the British, we adopted English education system.
Secondly, on the recommendation of the Education Commission of 1964-66, we adopted 10+2+3 pattern of education. This means, study of 10 years school, then 2 years of junior school and then 3 years of graduation.
Thirdly, to promote education, various articles from the Indian Constitution state that free and compulsory education must be given to children till 14 years of age as it is their fundamental right.
Another important feature of the Indian education system is that along with academics, equal focus is given on extracurricular activities which includes, sports, art, dance, music, National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps etc.
In fact, our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi said in an interview that our education system should learn from the Japanese education system when he paid a visit to the Taimei Elementary School in Japan. He also said that one should learn “moral education” and “discipline” from Japan.
Japanese education system –
Now, coming to the Japanese education system, they adopted French education system.
Secondly, Japan follows “6+3+3+4” pattern of education. This means, 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, then again 3 years of senior high school and in the end, 4 years of graduation. In fact, 9 years of education is compulsory in Japan which includes, 6 years of elementary school and 3 years of junior high school. After this, a student is free to decide whether he/she wants to continue studying or not.
Just like in India, Japan too focuses on extracurricular activities. In fact, extracurricular activities does not only include dance, art, music etc but also, cleaning the classroom, gardening etc which is done by the students itself. The main motive behind this is that the Japanese focus on the importance of “Group Consciousness” as it is the core of the Japanese society.
One of the most significant feature of the Japanese education system is that, they not only impart knowledge in the students but also make them loyal to their culture and tradition. This is the reason why Japanese calligraphy and poetry is taught to the students after the school hours to keep them in touch with their art, culture and tradition. Apart from this, you will also find that only some percent of the population in Japan can speak English. This is because, the Japanese speak their own language and they feel proud of it. But, as this act has it’s own disadvantage, therefore, in April 2011, a rule was passed which said that English language must be taught to the students and it should be the mode of instruction as well.
Therefore, in the end we came to know that there is not much difference between the Indian education system and that of the education system of Japan. But, the most significant difference is that the Japanese education system imparts knowledge in the students along with making them known to their society, culture, art and tradition. Whereas, in our Indian education system, we lack in this aspect because we run towards “westernization” and hence, leave our society, culture, art and tradition.
Hence, this is what we should learn from the Japanese education system- how to love and respect our own country and it’s art, culture and tradition.Â
