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December 23, 2007
Tokyo Calling Episode 106
Recorded on my way to and from a Saturday make-up lesson at the science university, this 30 minute he's-at-it-again-cast features thoughts on my second daughter's recent attempt to enter a national elementary school and how that effort impacted our family. Also included is a debriefing on the lessons in which I showed and asked the engineering and business management students to write about some holiday videos I'd recently found online.
The most popular video among the students seemed to an excerpt from the Robot Chicken Christmas special which features a send-up of DragonBall Z (note: the linked-to video is of a mature theme).
Unfortunately, I didn't have the energy include the TCTC segment I mentioned during the cast. That will have to wait until the next episode. At the current rate the podcast is going, that should be sooner rather than later.
As always, thanks for listening!!
Posted by scott at December 23, 2007 05:52 PM
Comments
Have you considered home-schooling your girls? From your description, the Japanese education system sounds utterly sick.
I'm young enough to remember my schooling; it was a painful waste of time. I'm certain that if I had been smart enough to drop out earlier, I would be in a far better place than I am now.
- Karamoon
"I never let my schooling get in the way of my education" - Twain
Posted by: karamoon at December 23, 2007 10:17 PM
There is only one country where there is more of an emphasis on education than Japan. That country? Korea... oh, the stories I could tell you! I get your concerns and I also understand where your wife and her family are coming from. In the end, I think you probably have the best result.
I think there are many good points in Japan's education system especially at the primary level and I am not sure the extra pressure is what a young person needs. Plenty of time for that at Senior High School :( Hopefully Number 2 can get on and enjoy being a kid!
Merry Christmas Scott! Always a pleasure!
Posted by: San Nakji at December 24, 2007 06:49 PM
Scott - I see many Japanese Moms here in Northern Cal. jostling to get there kids into the best school district, even if it means moving and spending 50% more for the same house. I (and fortunately also my enlightened Japanese wife) prefer not to subject my kids (about same age as yours) to unnecessary pressure. I'd rather they feels learning is fun as opposed to a cause of stress. You are a wonderful father and I have confidence you have instilled in your daughters some of your anti-establishment (question Authority) Pacific Northwest roots before your girls get pushed through the meat grinder (image of Pink Floyd "The Wall" movie).
Shine on!
David
Posted by: David at January 27, 2008 01:35 PM
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