Japan’s innovative approach to professional learning

Abstract

The high performance of Japanese students, as demonstrated on international tests, is well-known, but the professional learning of Japanese teachers has received less attention. Ruth Ahn, Yasuko Shimojima, Hisayoshi Mori, and Shigeru Asanuma describe the professional development requirements for teachers across their careers. Novice teachers are required to engage in at least 300 hours professional learning, with additional learning requirements at the 10-year mark and again for license renewal every 10 years. These learning programs received mixed reviews from teachers. However, teachers consistently praised the more informal learning that took place in shokuin shitsu, or teachers’ room. This space serves as a home base for teachers throughout the day, and as they move in and out of the space, they are able to seek advice and support for pressing problems. This collegial learning benefited not just beginners but also veteran and midcareer teachers.

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“…Tempat bernaung bagi semua guru, shokuin shitsu membantu para guru untuk mengembangkan hubungan kolegial satu sama lain karena mereka bekerja di tengahtengah rekan kerja dengan berbagai pengalaman mengajar, mata pelajaran, tanggung jawab yang diberikan, dan kepribadian yang berbeda-beda. Bekerja dalam jarak yang dekat menghasilkan komunikasi yang lebih efisien dan lingkungan yang nyaman (Ahn, 2018). 3.…”

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“…Research by Ahn, Shimojima, Mori, and Asanuma (2018) found that informal training through collaborative learning which occurred in the shokuin shitsu was considered of greater value than officially sanctioned professional development training. In fact, teachers at differing stages in their careers "unequivocally endorsed the critical role of shokuin shitsu (teachers' room) as a necessary space for their professional growth" (Ahn et al, 2018).…”

“…Research by Ahn, Shimojima, Mori, and Asanuma (2018) found that informal training through collaborative learning which occurred in the shokuin shitsu was considered of greater value than officially sanctioned professional development training. In fact, teachers at differing stages in their careers "unequivocally endorsed the critical role of shokuin shitsu (teachers' room) as a necessary space for their professional growth" (Ahn et al, 2018). Because all schoolteachers in Japan are based in a common teacher's room, it provides an excellent physical environment for them, throughout all stages of their careers, to learn, grow, challenge, and improve their skillsets making it an extremely effective "continuous shared learning space" (Ahn et al, 2018).…”