- Published: January 9, 2022
- Updated: January 9, 2022
- University / College: Stanford University
- Level: Doctor of Philosophy
- Language: English
- Downloads: 1
Sociology It would not be a mistake to suggest that living in society should be considered to be an important prerequisite for the development of the inner potential of a human being. Indeed, if it had not been for the presence of other people, a considerable number of features that are regarded as characteristic to our kind would not have developed. Nevertheless, the societies all over the world may be guided by different assumption, often contradicting one another. That is why it is essential to compare some ideas that people take for granted. This paper will compare the concept of asking question in the course of educational process in the United States and in Japan.
To begin with, one should note that in America question from the students are encouraged. This shows that the students are not only passive listeners, but they are quite interested in the topic and are willing to clarify something. In addition to that, they show that a person is thinking about the material that is being taught and critically reflects on it. Finally, questions are irreplaceable when it comes to engaging the students in a dialogue while teaching them. This way more knowledge can be conveyed.
On the other hand, in Japan students are, obviously, not discouraged to ask question, but there is a tradition that they would not ask them, though they might have them. This can be explained by the following: it is generally thought that if a student asks a question, then the teacher was not good enough in explaining the material. In other words, if students do not understand something, it is the fault of the teacher who was not able to convey the knowledge in the easier manner. In addition to that, the students are often asked to remember the material and recite it in stead of critically reflecting on it. In this case questions become redundant and, therefore, students do no ask them since this is not what is expected of them. Finally, the educational process in Japan does not focus on creating a dialogue between the teacher and the students. Of course, it is not regarded as a one way street either, but there is little significance in this form of interaction.
As one can easily see, something that feels as extremely natural in the West may not get the same reception in the East. There are several points that should be stressed with this regard. First of all, education as well as behavior in the United States is more oriented at creativity: people are expected to make their unique contribution to the world and to the society, while in Japan adhering to the traditional ways is more preferred. Secondly, one should keep in mind that the American culture is much more individualist than the Japanese one that features a lot of collectivism. Surprisingly enough, this is reflected in such small details as students asking question which is, ultimately, another form of social interaction that is guided by the socially accepted rules and regulations.