Comparing and contrasting the classroom teaching style of MFWI and MWU

By Sae

My image of classroom teaching style at MFWI was completely different from reality. In my expectation of teaching style at MFWI was similar to Dr. Brooks’ class at MWU. However, American and Japanese have quite different attitude in the classes. Normally, Japanese students listen to classes quietly and just copy some explanations down from the blackboard. Many students don’t want to say their opinions and rarely ask questions in the class because they worry about mistake. For example, they don’t try to answer the questions even if their teacher asks. Therefore, classrooms are always quiet; on the other hand, they act on the defensive in the classes. If class is boring, many students always chat without caring about other students in the classroom. Even so, teachers will give us credits unless they have bad mark by the test.

In contrast, teachers at MFWI don’t want us to act like that at all. Teachers always wait for our responses, opinions, and actions. According to my RA, participation is very important in the U.S. Students need to say their opinions. Otherwise they get fail. Besides, there are many group discussions and group work in the class. These aren’t common in Japan because exams and attendance are important and almost assignments are independent work. In America, participation and cooperation are very important; therefore atmosphere of class is livelier and more vital in America. Although these are some differences, we must try to participate actively in classes at both MWU and MFWI.