“Kids these days…”: A Day in The Life of a Learning Specialist in Tokyo
Updated: Oct 6
Growing up in Toronto, Canada, I always used to hear my parents say, “Kids these days…”
They used to tell us that back in their day, they walked 10 kilometres to school through the snow and ice in minus 60-degree weather, past polar bears and wild wolves. (smile)
They respected their teachers, always did their homework, and never had to be reminded.
They were completely independent and incredibly responsible.
Oh, the stories our parents used to tell us.
Now that we're raising children of our own, and when we look back at our own experiences, I don't think there has ever been a time in human history when children didn't need support and guidance before they developed independence.
This is one of the reasons the work we do with students is so successful.
When we get an email from a parent saying, “My child did it on their own,” or “They actually emailed their teacher themselves,” those are the moments that matter.
I've worked in international schools in Tokyo for many years, and I've taught students from Kindergarten through Middle School. I've seen how much changes as students get older.
Schools expect students to gradually take more responsibility for their own learning.
Students need to ask questions when they don't understand.
Communicate with their teachers.
Keep track of their assignments.
Speak up when they need help.
Take ownership when something goes wrong.
These things may look like simple expectations, but they don't always come naturally to every international school student in Tokyo.
What I enjoy about my work with students is that I'm not just helping them get through today's homework. I'm helping them develop the skills they need to become a more independent student. Kinota Braithwaite - Learning & Assessment Specialist
More Than Just Tutoring Tokyo
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