Japanese Education Ministry proposes 70 hours of English studies for incoming 5th and 6th grade students by the year 2020. The education proposal, presented to an advisory board of the Central Council for Education, is set to be carried out nationwide. Such significant English instruction advancement will affect the curricula taught in primary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The proponents suggest that English studies should start as early as 3rd grade. At present, English classes start during the 5th grade. Furthermore, 5th and 6th graders will have 70 hours cumulative of English classes, according to the proposal, all in the hopes of reducing the “cram” study habit.
One of the changes include revisions in the subject. Students will get a more general subject, Japanese history with world history called General History, alongside revisions on the separate subjects of Geography, Japanese History, and World History. Changes will also take effect in the modification of Japanese Entrance Examination. The new curriculum will focus on active learning, more specifically, on the students’ thinking and communication skills. Proponents argue that the changes are all in a bid to raise the East Asian country’s literacy in English, and ensure that graduating Japanese students will be able to keep up with the demands of modern society. However, the reform – as of yet – is still on the table and up for discussion. After endorsements from special working group, the ministry will seek the public’s opinion before any move is green-lighted. Should the proposal receive the green light from public and government stakeholders, it is scheduled to take effect in 2020 for primary schools, 2021 for middle schools, and 2022 for high schools.
Vocabulary:
| advancement | improvement |
| proponent | advocate, supporter |
| ensure | secure |
| reducing | decreasing |
| habit | practice, pattern |
True or False:
- Japanese Education Ministry proposes 20 hours of English studies for incoming 5th and 6th grade students by the year 2020.
- The proponents suggest that English studies should start as early as 1st grade.
- Revisions in subjects are included in the modification of the curriculum.
- The new curriculum will focus on active learning, more specifically, on the students’ thinking and communication skills.
- The changes in curriculum are scheduled to take effect on 2018.
Defend your argument:
- Do you think having an advancement in curricula will make the Japanese students be globally competitive? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that Japanese students should learn the English language in an earlier age? Explain.
- Why do you think there is a need to reduce the “cram” habit of the students?
Express your opinion:
- What do you think are other initiatives that the government can do to improve the English skills of students aside from increasing the lesson hours for English?
- What are the effective ways of learning a new skill?
- What are the things that will motivate a person to learn?