Studies have shown that the Japanese have a way of teaching Mathematics that is highly effective to their students. What makes them different is their approach in their lessons and how they address their students.
Most countries have a hard time teaching Math because their methods lack building the foundation skills students need for learning higher-level math. On the other hand, the Japanese have found out that what is needed are two: it should be student-centered, and it should make use of structured problem-solving.
What is Student-Centered Teaching?
In this method, the teachers have a less active role when it comes to teaching their students. The students take center focus, and they are given story problems to solve. Structured problem solving goes hand in hand with this approach. Students are also given the freedom to think for themselves.
Moreover, teachers make use of lesson studies. The Japanese have invented this ingenious way of improving their teaching methods. Teachers have lesson studies with other teachers to help them develop their methods. Topics are thoroughly analyzed, and the way it is presented must also be criticized. In this way, teachers get to evolve and change according to the needs of their students.
What is Structured Problem-Solving?
Structured problem-solving is one of the reasons why the Japanese have come a long way with their methods of teaching Mathematics. Structured problem solving has two significant aims. First, through it, teachers want their students to gain interest in the subject. Second, they want their students to be engaged and analytical during collaborative activities.
There is a lot of emphasis on problem-solving activities to make their students learn the topics in a more in-depth way. They get to make their solutions according to the problems given to them. The teachers will be their guide in making them learn the lessons. They will help the students discuss how they came up with their answers with the whole class. With this method, the students get to understand concepts and procedures better.
4 Basic Methods of Teaching Math in Japan
1.) Always plan
What is important is that teachers must always plan the lessons they would teach and how they would teach them. Everything must be planned since day one. The problems that are given to the students must be appropriate to the topics.
2.) Give them the freedom to answer
The students must not be spoon-fed information. They must be able to think for themselves as to how they will approach and answer the problems given to them. Through this way, they will gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
3.) Have different solutions and approaches
Teachers must also be ready for other alternative answers. They must estimate how to approach the problem and the different solutions that could be made. This is how lesson studies can help. Teachers gather to find different ways to improve their methods.
4.) Teachers must be open-minded
As teachers, they must be able to accept and understand how other students would solve the problem. They must be able to show that they are open to any of their answers. Additionally, encourage students and make them think and come up with their methods. This is what is central to structured problem-solving. It engages the students to participate and learn.
Franchising an After School Program with Japanese Methods
Indeed, the Japanese method of teaching students differs from most countries and has been proven to be effective. You can introduce this method in your local area through an education franchise such as Izumi Philippines. Our program, Nippon Math, is based on the Japanese methods of teaching the subject. By franchising in your area, many parents and children can benefit and make use of the structured problem-solving method. Izumi has now opened five centers in the Philippines. You can be the pioneer center in your community. Franchise with Izumi today.
