Building Bridges: Chinese Education Leaders Visit MST

Luminaries of the education field in China completed their study tour of Japan at MST. After presentations on the Montessori method, they feasted at the middle school's pop-up restaurant. The evening was capped off with Eucalyptans fielding questions about their own education experiences. Comparisons by the Chinese students to their schools back home were especially illuminating.

This is part of a week-long study tour organized by MST parent and education leader Yinuo Li (seated left on the picture above). Participants were in the education field from China, including teachers, investors, journalists, NGO workers, policy-makers and school administrators interested in learning about education in Japan.

From Microbiology to Education

Though a microbiologist by training, Yinuo has become a major voice in alternative education in China. Her interest in the field began in her previous stint as the director of the Gates Foundation in China. And as a mother of three, she began writing on education and parenting which has led to 1.5 million readers who follow her blog. After founding a school with her husband, she has become firmly rooted in the field.

Currently a visiting scholar at Tokyo University at the invitation of the Japan Foundation, Yinuo has used her position as a bridge for educators between China and Japan. The twice yearly tour of 40 participants is one of her most impactful projects.

Comparing Education in China to MST

During the Q&A with the students, one adolescent shared that in China she would get in trouble for drawing in class. So when she was “caught” drawing in Eucalyptus she thought she would get in trouble; but instead, she was surprised that the teacher was curious about what she was drawing.

Another student recalled that in her school in China, she felt teachers there were running ahead of the students, but at MST the teachers ran alongside them, guiding and encouraging.

The visitors noted that the catering and presentation were not merely for show but that it was integrated into the education. They were so eager to support the program that they ended up buying all of their microeconomy goods including their handmade soaps. Yinuo relates that “All of our guests  were blown away by the evening, especially by the students. It showcased the amazing education MST is creating through you all!”

Wind Edward Kim