Education Independent-thinking 'democratic' schools on the rise in Japan

The first "democratic school" in Shiga Prefecture opened this month, reflecting a growing national interest in education prioritising self-directed learning and personal initiative. This educational approach, which began in the United States, encourages children to explore and build knowledge independently rather than being guided or managed by adults.

Schools like Himawari follow the model of Sudbury schools, initially established by American educator Daniel Greenberg. Rooted in the belief that individuals naturally possess the ability to learn, students at these schools are granted the freedom to make their own choices. They are treated as equals to adults in decision-making processes, including creating school rules and overseeing the school's management. Similar institutions have been established in various parts of Japan.

Akita started with the ideas of fun learning and lifestyle education from his eight-year experience as an elementary school teacher. After being surprised while playing games or programming with kids by their ability to think for themselves, he got a keen sense of their independence. "Will their skill in subjects like Japanese and arithmetic really lead to children's happiness? Is getting into college and working in society really the goal?" Akita wondered. He added, "I don't think the education we provide in schools is good for anyone. I want them to make their own decisions about their lives, not be influenced by adults' values."

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I think it was Voltaire who said, 'rote learning is the trellis upon which free thinking grows' and I do think academic learning requires semantic knowledge.

Self-directed learning is difficult, especially in a subject in which one isn't particularly enthusiastic! Self-directed learning is used in British universities, mainly because of high numbers of students and dwindling numbers of academic teaching staff, but students, at that point, have a solid higher educational basis. School children may well struggle with self-directed learning because of their lower level of knowledge so firm guidance would be required. If it is successful, the student would be very well-equipped for higher education.

I really hope it is successful.