article

The Japanese schools for the natives of Truk, Caroline Islands

Human organization20 (2) • Published In 1961 • Pages: 83-88

By: Fischer, John L..

Abstract
This is a brief description of the educational system on the Chuuk Islands during the Japanese Occupation (1914-1945). The Japanese colonial administers established two elementary schools (grades 1 through 5) and one regional trade school for carpentry. The purpose of the educational system was ostensibly 'to civilize the natives and to make them into loyal and economically useful citizens of the Japanese empire (84).' The two major subjects taught were Japanese and arithmetic. Drills and rote memorization were the prinicipal methods of instruction. Corporal punishment was severe and frequent. Some graduates were able to use their knowledge of Japanese languge and culture to manipulate the colonial system in their favor. Knowledge of Japanese carpentry did influence a general change in Chuuk house design and construction.
Subjects
Administrative agencies
External relations
Education system
Students
culture
Chuuk
HRAF PubDate
1999
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Micronesia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1997
Field Date
1949-1953
Coverage Date
1924-1939
Coverage Place
Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia
Notes
J. L. Fischer
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
47033317
LCSH
Trukese (Micronesian people)