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Published on January 7, 2008

The New York Times reported that Japan is also suffering a sense of insecurity over whether the nation's schools will be able to produce a young generation to compete with its Asian rivals, China and India.

The alarm was sounded last month when the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development announced that that in a survey of math skills, Japan had fallen from first place in 2000 to 10th place, behind Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea. From second in science in 2000, Japan dropped to sixth

place.

What a shame for a country that's an economic superpower and trying to reform education to respond to globalisation.

The Japanese educational system was known for placing high emphasis on school attendance and for the popularity of cram schools. Japanese schools later adjusted their curriculum

to emphasise more individuality, an outward perspective and creativity in their students.

Some Japanese parents, however, think they have found a solution to their educational problems. A number of them have turned to the Indian system. Japan's few Indian international schools are reporting a surge in applications from Japanese families.

The New York Times reported that, for instance, at the Little Angels English Academy & International Kindergarten, the textbooks are from India, most of the teachers are South Asian and classroom posters depict animals out of Indian tales. The kindergarten students even colour maps of India in the green and saffron of its flag.

China and India may emerge as big rivals but Japanese parents apparently prefer to follow the Indian model.

Although China is becoming a new political and economic superpower, India is obviously more successful in the technology of the future: software development, the Internet and knowledge-intensive industries.

The irony of this trend is that the aspects of Indian education that Japanese parents now praise are similar to what once made Japan famous for its work ethic and discipline. The Indian system encourages learning at an early age, an emphasis on memorisation and cramming, and a focus on the basics, particularly in math and science.

Although the old system had problems, particularly the very high pressure it put on students, some Japanese parents obviously think that it's worth a try again.

At least they are trying to do something to boost educational standards. This story from Japan should encourage Thai schools and parents to think of ways to revitalise our own standards at home.

Jeerawat@nationgroup.com