The teacher asks the class to evaluate individual students' solutions to math problems. When given seatwork, those who understand usually offer to help those who do not. Learning how to interact with others is so important to the Japanese that they consider it a form of studying. The Japanese classroom's competitive but cooperative atmosphere serves to motivate all students to learn from their classmates. This common sense of purpose is reinforced by classroom mottos such as If there is a good thing to do, all of us will do it together.
Individual students feel motivated to learn when they identify with class goals.
When students feel that they are given a chance to achieve as long as they work hard, the subject matter is interesting, the classroom environment is encouraging, and the class is working together toward the same goal, they identify positively with school values and are motivated to learn. Japanese adolescents do not spend more time than U.S. adolescents on homework, but the structure of their daily routines provides more consistent support for educational experiences. Over half of all Japanese junior high students spend 2 to 3 hours per day after school and on weekends in student-organized school clubs, such as broadcasting, Japanese fencing, or brass band. Teachers and parents see club participation as academically motivational because it makes for a more well-rounded school experience. They emphasize the clubs' role of providing opportunities for physical activity and socialization within a school setting.