SNU ICC(Institue of Cross-Cultural Studies) holds "From Failure to Refusing Mainstream: Hopes, Strategies, and Practices in Three Unique High Schools in Contemporary Japan" colloquium.
- Title: From Failure to Refusing Mainstream: Hopes, Strategies, and Practices in Three Unique High Schools in Contemporary Japan
-Lecture summary: In recent decades, Japan has experienced a series of substantial social changes that have rocked confidence in mainstream institutions. Changes in economic security and loss of confidence in the competence of the state have promoted a collective ennui and sense of anxiety, especially concerning the future. Economic stagnation, neoliberal social norms, and an exploitative labor structure reshaped youth aspirations and their hopes for the future that turned some people into alternative educational choices. This talk, based on my doctoral dissertation, investigates the epistemological shifts about the goal of learning, especially what kind of abilities are perceived to be essential for future survival. Findings are based on my 12-month ethnographic fieldwork at three private high schools; one general school, one international school built by Korean Japanese, and one corresponding school—all have reputations of being unique in various aspects. Although their cutting-edge pedagogy and curriculum present these schools as being unique, I argue that for the majority of students, schools being safe learning spaces matters more than what they teach. The trajectories of students who refused mainstream educational institutions show that they seek alternative ways of learning that are more individual-centered and not authoritative. Regardless of their level of academic achievement, interacting with others and participating in the space is essential to access the resources beyond the school settings. Alternative education in Japan is better characterized by how to learn, rather than what is being taught.
- Date & Time: 2020.11.3.(Tues) 12:30 - 14:00 (Seoul)
- Zoom link: https://snu-ac-kr.zoom.us/j/83412247150
- Zoom meetingroom ID: 834 1224 7150