Encouragement at every turnーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Praise-Based Teaching Method: A pedagogical approach emphasizing positive reinforcement and compliments to enhance learning and student confidence.
• EAO Praise Driving School: A driving school in Mie Prefecture, Japan, known for its unique praise-focused instruction.
• Cultural Adaptation and Language Barrier: The challenges faced by international individuals in Japan, particularly concerning language proficiency and understanding cultural nuances.
• Driving Instructor Certification: The rigorous examination process for becoming a driving instructor in Japan, which is conducted entirely in Japanese.
• Mentorship and Support for International Instructors: Providing guidance and resources to new instructors from abroad, focusing on cultural differences, traffic laws, and effective teaching strategies.

EAO Praise Driving School: A Unique Approach to Driver Education

The EAO Praise Driving School, located in Mie Prefecture, Japan, has garnered significant attention for its distinctive teaching methodology. Unlike traditional driving schools that often employ strict disciplinary tactics, EAO prioritizes a positive and encouraging environment, centered around consistent praise.

Instructor Doanson's Praise-Centric Method

Instructor Doanson, a Vietnamese national in his third year at the school, exemplifies this philosophy. His teaching style is characterized by an abundance of compliments, focusing on specific areas of improvement. As one student noted, "I was complimented on how I scan the road. He explains the key points of my driving skills so I can understand what I improved on. His teaching is really great." This approach not only boosts student confidence but also clarifies the progress made.

The effectiveness of this method is particularly evident among Vietnamese students, who feel more at ease learning from an instructor who shares their cultural background. "Having a Vietnamese instructor makes me feel at ease," a student shared.

Rationale Behind the Praise Method

The school's name, "EAO Praise Driving School," directly reflects its core belief: that encouragement is a more effective teaching tool than strictness. All instructors at EAO are committed to showering their students with compliments.

Doanson's Journey and Motivation

Doanson's dedication to this method stems from his personal experiences. He arrived in Japan eight years ago with minimal Japanese language skills. After attending language school and university, he successfully passed the driving instructor exam, a feat made more challenging by its entirely Japanese format. His own struggles with the language underscored the profound impact of positive reinforcement.

His boss commends Doanson's character, describing him as "sincere, humble, and earnest. He also has a strong sense of responsibility and a deep desire to train safe drivers."

Supporting New International Instructors

Beyond his direct student instruction, Doanson actively supports new Vietnamese instructors. He guides them through cultural differences, Japanese traffic rules, and crucially, the implementation of the praise-based teaching method. His mentorship is characterized by kindness and patience, offering "plenty of kind words to his student drivers."

Conclusion: Enhancing Road Safety Through Positive Reinforcement

Doanson's commitment extends to ensuring safety on Japan's roads. By fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment through his unique praise-based teaching method, he not only helps students become confident drivers but also contributes to a safer driving culture in his adopted country.