Today's visit was quite different from our visits to the elementary and junior high schools. We had the opportunity to observe classes and talk to teachers at Yokkaichi Technical High School- what we would call a vocational school in the States. Before telling about my visit, it is important to establish some background information on Japan's compulsory education. As mentioned in a previous blog, students are required to attend elementary school (K-6) and junior high (7-9). All students must take an entrance exam in Grade 9. Upon passing the exam, they apply to high schools of their choice (depending on their interests). YTHS focuses on seven different areas: chemical engineering, machinery, electronics, computer engineering, architecture, automotives, and electrical machinery. Therefore students wanting to specialize in one of these areas apply to YTHS. The school has approximately 930 students (only 39 girls!). A quarter of the students choose to pursue higher education upon graduation, but the other 75% are guaranteed a job after graduation (Toyota and Honda aggressively recruit at this school). The school also has a huge sports program with current alumni playing in Japan's professional baseball league and running track in the Olympics.
I wish I had more time to tell you about this fascinating visit, but I am speed typing so I can finish this entry before I have to check out of the hotel and meet my host family. I will tell you that I was able to talk to an English teachers and some of her students about partnering with my Latin students for the Challenge 20/20 project. Here's a picture from our meeting:
I meet my host family this morning and will stay with them tonight and tomorrow. I will meet up with the group again on Sunday night and we will stay in a traditional Japanese hot spring resort (a ryokan). I'll write all about my weekend when I arrive back in Tokyo!
2 comments:
Connie,
We're continuing to read your blog and enjoying every minute of it. As descriptive as you are, it's almost like we're there with you, so keep up the good work. We've also enjoyed all the photos and video you've attached.
Continue to enjoy yourself and travel safe.
We love you.
Love,
Kathy & Ge
Wow, Connie. Your description of your day at the elementary school really moved me. It seems we are doing a disservice to our kids by not instilling in them the kind of pride and responsibility those children you met seem to have in themselves and their surroundings.
Betsy
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