Grades in Japan
You've probably heard that Japanese students get amazing grades. It isn't true. They don't study or do their homework a lot, and get pretty poor grades, but there is no hold-back program in Japan. They study for the major entrance exams, and that's about it. Granted, some subjects are easier than others.
All the kids took major tests last week, and in my first year classes, this is how they averaged in English:
1-1: 64%
1-2: 62%
1-3: 56% (and one kid took the test today, so that figure will either rise or fall)
That's pretty poor, if you ask me. One kid got an 8%. Another got 12%. Most had 50s and 60s, and there were only a couple in the 80s or 90s.
What's interesting is that some kids with bad grades leave it out on display for everyone to see, while others fold the lower right-hand corner of their paper in shame (that's where the grade total is). The weirdest part is that some of the kids with really GOOD grades also hide the mark. I have to wonder if it's b/c they're embarrassed they did well, as a safety measure for the day they don't do well, wanting to mind their own business, etc.
It was interesting, though.
....I think this is what gave me that YA novel idea that I mentioned on my main journal...*laughs*
The things that *inspire* us...
All the kids took major tests last week, and in my first year classes, this is how they averaged in English:
1-1: 64%
1-2: 62%
1-3: 56% (and one kid took the test today, so that figure will either rise or fall)
That's pretty poor, if you ask me. One kid got an 8%. Another got 12%. Most had 50s and 60s, and there were only a couple in the 80s or 90s.
What's interesting is that some kids with bad grades leave it out on display for everyone to see, while others fold the lower right-hand corner of their paper in shame (that's where the grade total is). The weirdest part is that some of the kids with really GOOD grades also hide the mark. I have to wonder if it's b/c they're embarrassed they did well, as a safety measure for the day they don't do well, wanting to mind their own business, etc.
It was interesting, though.
....I think this is what gave me that YA novel idea that I mentioned on my main journal...*laughs*
The things that *inspire* us...