Introduction
教育課程 (きょういくかてい) and カリキュラム (curriculum) are two terms that are often used interchangeably in Japan. However, there are subtle differences between the two that are important to understand. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two terms and why they matter.
教育課程 (きょういくかてい)
教育課程 (きょういくかてい) refers to the overall educational program of a school or educational institution. It includes the goals, objectives, content, and methods of instruction that are used to teach students. The 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) is usually set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and is followed by all schools in Japan.
The 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) is divided into three levels: elementary school, junior high school, and high school. Each level has its own set of goals and objectives that are outlined in the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい). These goals and objectives are designed to prepare students for the next level of education and for life in general.
カリキュラム (Curriculum)
カリキュラム (Curriculum) refers to the specific courses and activities that are offered to students within the framework of the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい). It includes the textbooks, lesson plans, and assessments that are used to teach each subject. The カリキュラム (Curriculum) is created by the school or educational institution and is based on the goals and objectives outlined in the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい).
The カリキュラム (Curriculum) can vary from school to school and even from class to class within the same school. This is because each school and teacher has the flexibility to create their own カリキュラム (Curriculum) within the guidelines set by the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい).
Key Differences
The key difference between 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) and カリキュラム (Curriculum) is that the former refers to the overall educational program of a school or educational institution, while the latter refers to the specific courses and activities offered within that program. The 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) is set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and is followed by all schools in Japan, while the カリキュラム (Curriculum) is created by the school or educational institution.
Another key difference is that the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) is standardized, while the カリキュラム (Curriculum) is not. This means that all schools in Japan follow the same 教育課程 (きょういくかてい), but each school and teacher has the flexibility to create their own カリキュラム (Curriculum) within the guidelines set by the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい).
Why It Matters
Understanding the differences between 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) and カリキュラム (Curriculum) is important for several reasons. First, it helps to ensure that all schools in Japan are teaching the same basic skills and knowledge to their students. This helps to create a level playing field for students regardless of their background or the school they attend.
Second, it allows schools and teachers to have the flexibility to create their own カリキュラム (Curriculum) that is tailored to the needs and interests of their students. This helps to keep students engaged and motivated, which can lead to better academic performance and overall success.
Finally, understanding the differences between 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) and カリキュラム (Curriculum) can help parents and students to make informed decisions about which schools to attend and which courses to take. By understanding the goals and objectives of the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) and the specific courses and activities offered within the カリキュラム (Curriculum), parents and students can choose schools and courses that best meet their needs and interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the differences between 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) and カリキュラム (Curriculum) is important for ensuring that all students in Japan receive a basic education that prepares them for life. While the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい) is standardized and set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the カリキュラム (Curriculum) is created by each school and teacher within the guidelines of the 教育課程 (きょういくかてい). Understanding these differences can help parents and students make informed decisions about which schools and courses to choose.
