China & Japan Education Reforms QuizOnline version Key Reform contrasts and Challenges by Shelly-Ann Black 1 What are the main educational reform drivers in Japan versus China? a Japan: School climate/Teacher burnout; China: Urban-rural gaps/Gaokao pressure. b Both: Economic stagnation. c Japan: Technology; China: Tuition fees. 2 What is the overarching goal comparison between the two countries' reforms? a Japan: Structural equity; China: Professional dignity. b Both: Increase college enrollment. c China: System flexibility/Mitigate pressure; Japan: Internal quality/Professional dignity. 3 MEXT's Third Basic Plan for Education in Japan emphasizes which two concepts? a “Active learning” and encouraging creativity./well-being. b Rote memorization and singular curriculum .focus. c Prioritizing STEM fields. 4 Japanese teachers' excessive workload is largely attributed to supervising what uncompensated activity? a Weekend Gaokao training. b After-school remediation sessions (Hoshu). c Time-intensive bukatsu (extracurricular club activities). 5 What is Japan's primary strategy for combating the exam hell/mental health crisis? a Banning all private cram schools (Juku). b Mandating a four-day school week. c Shifting testing focus from memorization to critical thinking. 6 What is the main sociocultural hindrance to fostering critical thinking reform in Chinese schools? a Deep sociocultural resistance to meaningful formative assessment. b Lack of available computer hardware. c Ban on project-based learning. 7 Japan's strategy to improve English communication skills focuses on which two key components? a Mandating all subjects be taught in English. b Reducing required English classes and eliminating grammar tests. c Increasing ALTs (native speakers) and shifting curriculum to spoken communication. 8 What is the core source of the excessive academic pressure/mental health crisis in China? a Low prestige of the teaching profession. b The Gaokao, creating a high-stakes, winner-take-all environment. c Over-supply of university spaces. 9 What structural Gaokao reform considers non-academic factors like community service? a National quota for rural students. b The Comprehensive Quality Evaluation (CQE) file. c Mandatory military service. 10 The Hukou system exacerbates China's Urban-Rural Disparity by forcing migrant children to do what? a Gain preferential entry to elite schools. b Return to less-resourced hometowns for the Gaokao. c Pay an annual urban tax. 11 Why does China's Vocational Tracking (TVET) often fail despite the 50-50 enrollment quota? a The TVET curriculum is too advanced. b Academic high schools refuse to share facilities. c TVET has low social prestige and a lower economic return. 12 What was the intended purpose of the '3+3' or '3+1+2' Gaokao subject model? a To give flexibility for specialization and interdisciplinary learning. b To reduce the total number of subjects required. c To eliminate science and math. 13 What is the primary distinction in the reform focus between the two countries? a Japan: English skills; China: Vocational tracking. b Japan: Financial barriers; China: Academic pressure. c Japan: Internal Quality/Well-being; China: Structural Equity/Flexibility. 14 What is the overarching humanistic shift observed in both Japan's and China's reforms? a A shift toward valuing individual well-being and critical capacity. b Complete elimination of all standardized testing. c A focus on industrial-era, efficiency models. 15 The success of the New Gaokao hinges on local high schools navigating resistance related to what practice? a Deep sociocultural resistance to meaningful formative assessment. b Parental preference for more homework. c Lack of technology funding.
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