#110 Mino City, Gifu Prefecture: A New Form of Growth Seen Without Report Cards—What Is the Power of 'Dialogue' That Is More Important Than Numbers?
“School life without report cards”—how do you feel when you hear that? Can a child’s vibrant growth be nurtured even without numerical evaluations? A bold decision made by five elementary schools in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, is currently creating quiet ripples across educational settings nationwide. “To look closely at a child’s individuality and strengths, and to convey them through ‘dialogue’ rather than numbers.” What is the sentiment behind this new experiment? We will delve deep into a theme that both parents and teachers will want to think about together.
The abolition of report cards was driven by a strong desire in the educational field to “avoid ranking and raise children in a relaxed, free environment.” By stopping the distribution of report cards for first graders, the schools aim for free learning that is not bound by evaluation. As you read this article, haven't you also wondered, “What kind of impact do grades and numbers have on children?” Memories of elementary school days spent feeling happy or sad over scores and evaluations... In fact, the way evaluations are communicated can significantly change a child’s motivation and confidence.
Now, the question that comes to mind is, “What happens to the evaluation itself?” Although report cards have been abolished, learning outcomes and school life are covered through “parent-teacher conferences” where teachers communicate directly with guardians. In these conferences, held twice a year, the “true face” of a child’s growth, which cannot be seen through numbers or tiered evaluations, is clearly conveyed. Furthermore, rest assured that the “guidance record,” a formal record of growth, is still being maintained as before. What is important is to “rely not on numbers, but to listen to the story of each individual child.”
Many parents have expressed that “in the lower grades, we want them to learn in a relaxed way rather than focusing on rankings or evaluations,” and the schools are valuing this feedback. However, there is naturally also the feeling that “it’s unsettling without a report card...” To address this anxiety, the schools provide solid follow-up by “thoroughly communicating the child’s growth and challenges during conferences.” Rather than categories like “Very Good,” “Good,” or “Needs Improvement,” daily efforts, cooperative attitudes, and a spirit of challenge are now being shared in depth. The worry of feeling discouraged by comparing oneself to friends or being swayed by rankings may also decrease.
Overseas, an increasing number of countries are moving away from numerical evaluations and instead using written descriptions to convey a child’s growth and attitude. As the Mino City initiative spreads nationwide, the form of “children’s learning” is likely to become more flexible and free. Instead of scores on a report card, looking into eyes and speaking, and conveying through words—I have a feeling that “true growth,” which cannot be measured by numbers, begins here.
Through this decision, the message that “it’s okay not to be the same as everyone else” may reach the children. With the increase in conference opportunities where teachers and parents share in “finding the good,” each individual’s personality and growth are being watched over more carefully than ever before. This challenge is scheduled to expand to second graders in the future. How do you feel about this frontline of education that relies on evaluation without numbers and trusts in the power of children?
“Even without report cards, learning can certainly be communicated.” This episode is packed with hints for such new education. If you would like to know more about the honest opinions of parents on the ground, the thoughts of the teachers, and the future spread of this initiative, please be sure to listen carefully to the full podcast episode. Why not think together about the “true growth” that cannot be seen through numbers?
#EducationReform #AbolitionOfReportCards #ChildGrowth #MinoCityGifu #FutureOfEducation #ParentChildDialogue #NatureOfEvaluation #EnjoyingLearning