Educational Impact in Japan

Imagine a scenario where thousands of text books are soiled, equipment damaged, chairs and tables caked with mud and you have just stepped into many classrooms in Japan - on the second and third floors! And that is the visible evidence of an earthquake and tsunami. But what about the mind of a kindergartner who saw it, felt it, and heard it? With no understanding of what is happening or any comprehension on how to deal with loss of all kinds.

It s fair to say that children will need counseling for a long time to come. In the mean time teachers are just trying to keep kids busy - cleaning up muddy walls and removing debris. Schools resumed this week in the epicenter area of northeastern Japan. Many classes are held in makeshift spaces, providing some kind of safe haven for children to reunite with friends.

Experts expect the worst-effected people to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and believe that younger students will find it harder to articulate their distress. As a result, psychiatrists are being sought to volunteer at hospitals, clinics, and evacuation centers still teeming with occupants. We can expect that the physiological impact of this disaster will last as long or longer than the current nuclear fall-out.

In the mean time, the UK's Guardian's Teacher Network is now incorporating world events into lessons to help parents and children understand major global phenomena. For example it recently showed  a tectonic map of Japan's sea floor complete with fault lines and animations of the tectonic plates moving that resulted in the earthquake and tsunami. This goes a long way to explain real reasons for disasters and started a very useful resource - for free.
Michael Cordier
Source: ASCD wordwide Edition 3/22/2011

International Education

On a recent trade mission to South Africa it became apparent that there is a strong relationship between practices in America and those on the international education front. In our area of physical education for example, South Africa just approved a law mandating physical education twice a week in all grade levels. This after an absence of 12 years from promoting physical activity amongst students. Interesting to note is the fact that obesity amongst children under 18 has increased by 3% over the past three years - this in a country where a huge emphasis is placed on sports participation.

Like the US, the government of South Africa looks at physical education from various vantage points. The economic impact of increased costs associated with preventative diseases related to obesity, the issue of readiness in a global economy, and the proper application of individual skills to compete internationally. Sadly, no one is mentioning the mental benefits derived from frequent physical activity. As reported in several studies here in the US, physically active students perform better academically than inactive students.

Some schools in the US go as far as a 30-minutes physical education class before any math or core subject test. Results from such assessments confirm the notion that activity contributes positively to academic performance. This case is still being made to the Department of Basic Education in South Africa in conjuction with incredible curricula and equipment to support a vibrant physical education program.

After a year-and-a-half of reporting on trends, legislation, and practices in health and physical education in America, this blog will increase the reporting and discussion on international education trends for a balanced delivery in a world that is getting smaller every day.
Michael Cordier