I am a cram school teacher in Japan, with 15 years of experience teaching social studies, Japanese, and English to students ranging from elementary school to high school.
Exams have always been a significant part of my life. I took entrance exams for junior high school at 12, high school at 15, and university at 18. Because of this, I started attending Kumon, a worksheet-based learning program, at the age of three and continued going to cram schools from the age of eight until I took my high school entrance exams at 15.
As an adult, I once considered pursuing a career in music. However, I eventually returned to my roots in the world of cram schools. Every day, I dedicate myself to thinking about how to help students improve their academic performance.
After focusing solely on how to boost students’ grades, I realized something profound: the key to improving test scores, achieving career success, or even succeeding in dieting is fundamentally the same.
While the essentials are the same, just as every person has a unique face, the approach must also be tailored to each individual.
I excel at observing each student’s personality and thought process and adapting my methods flexibly to help them achieve better results. Through my experience, I’ve also gained insights into human thought patterns.
In this blog, I hope to share my experiences as a cram school teacher, my thoughts on entrance exams, the keys to success, and insights into the world of Japanese cram schools.
I hope this will serve as a helpful resource for anyone who reads it.
Below is a timeline of my learning journey:
・Age 3: Started attending Kumon, a worksheet-based learning system
・Age 9: Began attending a cram school to prepare for entrance exams and stopped Kumon
・Age 12: Took junior high school entrance exams
・Age 15: Took high school entrance exams
・Age 18: Took university entrance exams
・Age 22: Graduated from university and started working as a cram school teacher
Having spent my life surrounded by exams, studying, and cram schools, I have come to understand the essence of learning.
Topics Covered
- My thoughts on entrance exams
- The keys to success
- Educational Tips
- My Experiences as a Cram School Teacher
- Insights into the world of Japanese cram schools
About Japanese Cram Schools
You might not have cram schools in your country, so let me explain what they are. A cram school is a place where students primarily study for entrance examinations. Classes usually start in the evening after students finish their regular public school classes.
There are several types of cram schools. The most common type today offers individualized teaching. In addition, group classes are also popular among parents and students aiming to get into top-tier schools.
I’ve been teaching social studies, Japanese, and English at a cram school for 15 years. My students range in age from 7 to 20 years old, which is somewhat unique. Most cram schools typically cater to junior high and senior high school students (ages 12 to 18).
My cram school is small and located in the suburbs, so it focuses on serving the local community. In contrast, cram schools in urban areas are often large organizations aimed at increasing the number of students who pass entrance exams for prestigious schools.