Bullying in Japanese Classrooms: An English Teacher’s Insight

Japanese classrooms, much like those in other cultures, sometimes face the challenge of bullying. Through my own experience as an English teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how the dynamics within a class can spiral into behavior that disrupts the educational environment. In this article, I will share a case study of bullying within a typical Japanese classroom, discuss the measures taken to address the issue, and provide an update on how technology is modifying the educational experience in Japan.

A Case Study of Bullying in a Japanese Classroom

During my time as an English teacher, I witnessed a form of bullying that revolved around a vertical caste system established among the girls. At the top was the leader, followed by a sub-leader, and below them were the rest of the girls. On one occasion, a girl at the bottom of this hierarchy said something that displeased the leader, which sparked a chain of verbal attacks.

The girl who was being targeted began to avoid school, a clear sign that something was amiss. It was the Japanese teacher who eventually noticed the change and approached me, my fellow English teacher, for help in resolving the issue. Through our combined efforts, we worked on addressing the bullying behavior and facilitating a healing environment for the affected student. To our relief, the situation was brought under control, and the girl eventually returned to class.

Addressing Bullying in the Classroom

Once the bullying ceased, we as educators took a proactive approach to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. One significant step we took was to make use of an online platform called WebQU, which employs artificial intelligence to evaluate student engagement in active learning. This technology not only helps in monitoring the learning process but also provides insights into potential issues like bullying that may arise.

WebQU’s artificial intelligence modules analyze comments and behaviors, providing real-time feedback to teachers. This not only supports our role in maintaining a positive classroom environment but also allows for quick intervention when necessary. By integrating technology into our teaching methods, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational setting, fostering growth and development among all students.

Challenges and Perspectives on Bullying in Japan

Despite the progress made, it’s worth noting that the topic of bullying in Japan can be challenging to discuss openly. Often, negative and one-sided stories tend to dominate the narrative, portraying a harsher image of the country. However, it’s important to remember that these stories do not encompass the entirety of the Japanese educational experience.

While bullying does occur in Japanese classrooms, the situation is certainly not as dire as some might suggest. Efforts to address and prevent bullying are being actively pursued, with both traditional and technological methods playing significant roles.

4 December 2022 Update: Active Learning and Technology in the Classroom

With the third year of the pandemic now in full swing, and my fourth year of teaching active learning to Japanese elementary school kids, some changes in educational technology have been implemented. The school now utilizes an online version of WebQU, which includes an AI function to assess whether students are engaged in active learning based on their comments.

This new technology plays a crucial role in our efforts to promote a positive and inclusive learning environment. It allows us to track the level of participation of each student, providing real-time feedback and facilitating timely interventions when needed. By leveraging AI and digital tools, we can better understand student needs and create a more dynamic and supportive educational experience.

Through my experiences and observations, it’s clear that while bullying can be a challenge in any classroom, the efforts being made in Japan aim to create a safer and more harmonious learning environment for all students. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions to support and enhance the educational journey of Japanese students.