Although no one doubts the value of extracurricular activities for students, few realize how much time and effort are required from teachers in Japan and the United States in supervising them. With pressure mounting for evidence of educational quality beyond test scores, it's worthwhile taking a closer look at this issue.
Despite their unofficial status in the education system in Japan today, club activities (bukatsu) are indispensable for students. Whether these clubs meet before or after school, during the week or on weekends, they still must be supervised by teachers because they come under the school aegis.
The problem is that the current education ministry's guidelines recognize them as voluntary activities, despite their history. Originally known in 1970 as kurabu katsudo, club activities were designated an official subject. But under the yutori education policy beginning in the early 1980s, the activities became informal. As a result, teachers are not paid for their involvement. Depending on the kind of club, the time devoted is not insignificant.