Despite fears about declining academic standards, Japan's elementary school system is functioning well and can act as a model for other nations, a leading British expert says.
Peter Cave of Manchester University believes the Japanese way brings out the best in 6- to 12-year-olds, although schools in Japan do face a new set of challenges, including the need for more parental support for youngsters.
In math, for example, teachers like their students to learn by solving problems through active discussions among themselves with the teacher being a facilitator, he said.
This contrasts with the Western stereotype of Japanese kids learning by rote. And in Japanese lessons, students are urged to openly discuss the issues raised in the literature.