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Slowing down the pace of learning in Japan (Learning World: S5E38, 3/3)

3,222 views · Published 15 June 2015 · 2:57 · Indexed 26 October 2026

Channel: WISE Channel · 2015 · Education

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In 2002, the Japan's government established so-called "slow education" in public schools - a reform that aimed at slowing down the pace of learning for Japanese kids. 

The reform was unpopular with parents, teachers and the media who were critical of an emerging so-called "slow generation", incompatible with Japanese expectations of excellence and efficiency. Students in Japan are used to study, even during their holidays and for six days a week. Often, a slow pace is considered a lazy pace in Japan.

Ken Terawaki, Professor of Arts & Design, University of Kyoto, defends the idea of slow education, which he believes will teach the children how to think for themselves and to get pleasure from learning, rather than being passive and living up to teachers' expectations. Yet, the idea of slow education was abandoned in 2007, after just five years, as it was feared it would have serious impacts on the country's economy.

"Slow education" is a concept that takes into account that each pupil has a different learning speed and rhythm. Watch more about it in examples from Spain https://youtu.be/EKe8s14ZBHE and China https://youtu.be/v_ukxlUlGyI

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