article

The Japanese schools for the natives of Truk, Caroline Islands

Human organization • 20 (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.

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)