Finland's No. 1 ranking in math and science in the 2006 Program for International Student Assessment is cited in the March 2 editorial "Education reform in reverse." Japan is implementing changes in its system of education that will do little in the long run to improve overall educational quality.
What works so well in Finland is the result of cultural, social and economic factors that are largely unique to the Finns. Unless Japan understands the connection between educational outcomes and these factors, its decision to increase the number of class hours in subjects deemed critical to the performance of its students on tests of international competition will backfire.
For too long, Japan has placed greater emphasis on rote memorization than on creative thinking. Since PISA and other similar tests are designed to measure the latter far more than the former, it comes as no surprise that Japanese students have fallen short.
If Japan wants to hold its own against Finland and other icons of educational excellence, it needs to overhaul its curriculum and instruction. That will take a commitment certain to rankle traditionalists.
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