A Comparison of the Educational Systems in Hatchet, Anne of Green Gables and The Great Gilly Hopkins
1. Introduction
The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the educational systems in three popular children’s books: Hatchet, Anne of Green Gables and The Great Gilly Hopkins. While all three books are set in different parts of the world (USA, Canada and Japan respectively), they all emphasize the importance of a free learning environment that allows learners to discover the truth for themselves.
2. A Comparison of the Educational Systems in Hatchet, Anne of Green Gables and The Great Gilly Hopkins
All three books present different educational systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In Hatchet, the protagonist Brian is sent to live with his father in the wilderness after his mother’s death. While this may seem like an unusual setting for an educational system, it actually turns out to be very effective. Brian learns how to survive in the wild and becomes a much more resourceful person as a result. He also learns a lot about himself and his capabilities, which is something that can be difficult to achieve in a more traditional educational setting.
The educational system in Anne of Green Gables is very different from that in Hatchet. In this book, Anne is sent to live with her Aunt Marilla and Uncle Matthew after an orphanage burns down. While she does receive some formal education from her uncle, who is a teacher, much of her learning takes place outside of the classroom. For example, she learns how to cook and sew from her aunt, and she also learns a great deal about nature from her friend Diana. This type of informal education is very valuable, as it allows Anne to develop a well-rounded set of skills.
The Great Gilly Hopkins presents yet another type of educational system. In this book, Gilly is placed in foster care after her mother abandons her. She is eventually placed with the Trotters, who run a daycare center out of their home. While Gilly does not receive any formal education while living with the Trotters, she does learn some important life lessons, such as the importance of being kind and helpful. Additionally, she also develops a strong bond with her foster family, which helps her to feel secure and loved.
3. The Importance of a Free Learning Environment
One common theme among all three books is the importance of a free learning environment. In Hatchet, Brian is only able to learn how to survive in the wild because he is given the freedom to do so. If he had been forced to stay in civilization, he would never have had the opportunity to develop his survival skills. Likewise, Anne is only able to learn about nature and cooking because she is not confined to a classroom. And finally, Gilly is only able to learn about kindness and helpfulness because she is not restricted by a formal educational system. This goes to show that learners need freedom in order to truly thrive; without it, they will never have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
4. Children’s Education in Japan
Japan has one of the most successful educational systems in the world. In fact, Japanese students consistently rank among the top performers on international tests such as PISA and TIMSS. There are several factors that contribute to Japan’s success in education; one of them is the country’s focus on developing well-rounded learners.
In Japan, students are not just expected to perform well academically; they are also expected to develop strong social and emotional skills. For example, students are taught how to resolve conflict peacefully and how to cooperate with others. These skills are essential for success in the real world, and yet they are often overlooked in traditional educational systems.
Another factor that contributes to Japan’s success in education is the country’s focus on developing lifelong learners. In Japan, education does not end when students graduate from school; instead, it is seen as a lifelong process. This is why many Japanese adults continue to take classes and participate in learning activities even after they have finished their formal education.
5. Children’s Education in Canada
Canada also has a successful educational system, although it is not quite as lauded as Japan’s. Like Japan, Canada places a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded learners. For example, Canadian students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs. This helps them to develop important social and emotional skills that will benefit them in the future.
Additionally, Canada also focuses on developing lifelong learners. Education is seen as a continuous process that should be enjoyed throughout one’s life. This is why many Canadians participate in adult education programmes, such as continuing education courses and night classes.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, all three books emphasize the importance of a free learning environment that allows learners to discover the truth for themselves. They also present different educational systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the most important takeaway from this essay is the fact that all three books underscore the importance of developing well-rounded learners who are able to thrive in the real world.