My Hero Academia: Aizawas Teaching Philosophy, Explained

Key Takeaways

Shota Aizawa emphasizes realism in teaching aspiring heroes at U.A. High to prepare them for the harsh realities of the profession.
Aizawa’s teaching style is intense and effective, focusing on practical skills, discipline, high expectations, and teamwork.
Aizawa’s impact on his students goes beyond academics, instilling resilience, duty, and practicality to navigate the challenges of heroism.

As a dedicated educator and former hero myself, I must say that Shota Aizawa stands out as one of the most impactful teachers in U.A. High School’s history. His unique teaching style may seem gruff to some students, but the lessons he imparts are invaluable.

In the universe of My Hero Academia, Shota Aizawa, also known as Eraser Head, is neither a naturally born hero nor a passive figure. Instead, he’s a powerful pro-hero and an impactful educator at U.A. High School who has a knack for creating heroes. Despite his occasional lazy appearances and frequent naps, Aizawa’s teaching style is anything but conventional, and he maintains a strict, no-nonsense attitude that commands respect.

In his teaching method, Aizawa emphasizes a practical perspective on shaping the skills and mindset of his students. Instead of promoting an idealized notion of heroism, he exposes them to the raw, challenging aspects of being a hero – such as unexpected deaths, life-threatening wounds, teammates lost in action, missions that don’t go as planned, sacrificing one’s own life for many, and so on. Aizawa strives to prepare his students for the harsh realities they might face as heroes by molding them not only to use their powers skillfully but also to grapple with the ethical and physical challenges inherent in the hero profession.

Shota Aizawa’s Journey

How The Death Of His Friend Shaped Him

My Hero Academia: Aizawas Teaching Philosophy, Explained

Despite any contrary opinions, Aizawa was always fated for a career in teaching, even during his days training to become a hero at UA High. His close friend and fellow trainee, Oboro, suggested he consider teaching, particularly after he assisted some nursery children during their work-study program. Oboro noted that Aizawa has a knack for working with kids, and years later, Aizawa indeed becomes a teacher, just as Oboro predicted. However, his path to this profession is not an easy one.

After Oboro’s passing, Aizawa chose to forge his own path as an autonomous hero, dedicating himself to solitary training and establishing his hero agency upon graduation. Aizawa’s heroic journey prospered, yet a meeting with fellow pro-hero Midnight sparked awareness of the discrepancies within the educational sector. In jest, he suggested that Midnight should become a teacher due to her unique attire, but she encouraged him to join her, as she was about to begin her teaching career at UA High, his former school. Aizawa initially showed reluctance, yet Midnight recognized his potential and recommended him to Nezu, the headmaster. Consequently, Aizawa received an offer for a teaching position at UA High, which he chose not to accept.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about Aizawa’s journey. He finds fulfillment in his professional heroics, apprehending villains and upholding justice. Yet, the call to educate holds a deeper resonance within him, eventually drawing him back. Midnight reaches out to reveal that Yamada is joining UA High as an instructor, a crucial piece they’ve been waiting for. Aizawa, Yamada, and Oboro—a trio renowned in UA High’s halls—were once inseparable friends. Though Aizawa may have brushed off Midnight’s call, it was the catalyst that set his decision into motion.

Realism Over Idealism

After the passing of his friend and comrade, Oboro, Aizawa found himself confronting the harsh truths of being a hero – realities that his instructors had not prepared him for. Moved by this experience, Aizawa decided to dedicate his teaching career towards ensuring his pupils were fully aware of the hazards associated with their chosen profession. This is why he petitioned for the authority to dismiss and re-admit students.

Being a hero involves life-or-death situations; making a mistake could prematurely end a hero’s career. Aizawa’s teaching approach emphasizes practicality and realism. His belief is that heroes need to be well-prepared for the harsh truths of their job—not just the physical perils, but the ethical and emotional struggles they will encounter.

Shota Aizawa’s Teaching Style

Harsh And Intense But Very Effective

As I stepped into the role as a teacher at UA High, it didn’t take long for my firm approach with students to earn me a reputation. Before accepting this position, I had one condition: Nezu must grant me the authority to expel and re-enroll students, so they could push themselves harder. My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in realism, striving to prepare my students for the tough, unforgiving nature of the hero profession.

Distinct from other teachers at UA High, Aizawa’s approach stands out, particularly when compared to All Might. While All Might emphasizes the ideal of heroism, Aizawa focuses on the realities. He pushes his students to understand what it truly means to be a hero, not just in concept, but in practice. His high standards are evident as he challenges each student, highlighting their areas for improvement and guiding them on how to enhance their strengths. Often, he presents tasks that test the boundaries of his students’ abilities. His willingness to fail students who fall short of his expectations is integral to his teaching style, serving to instill discipline and a strong work ethic. This is why he petitioned for the power to expel and re-enroll students; it serves as a reminder of the gravity and immediacy of their career decisions as heroes.

During the unconventional Quirk Apprehension Test instead of the traditional first day school orientation, Aizawa warned his students that the student who performed the worst would be dismissed. This threat made them anxious and they gave their all in the tasks Aizawa had planned. Aizawa was prepared to fail any student he felt wasn’t trying hard enough, which seemed to be Izuku Midoriya’s fate. However, Midoriya demonstrated control over his quirk to Aizawa, which slightly touched Aizawa and spared Midoriya from expulsion.

In terms of education, Aizawa finds traditional classrooms ineffective because he values hands-on skills over academic theory. His goal is to prepare his pupils for any situation they might encounter, given the unpredictable nature of villains. To achieve this, he structures his coursework around realistic scenarios that closely resemble or simulate the challenges and decisions heroes face in real life. These activities are both physically taxing and mentally exhausting, as they demand strategic thinking and immediate decision-making from students.

In the final examination period, Aizawa discussed with the teachers about enhancing the realism and challenge level of practical tests. He proposed making these tests more hazardous, mirroring contemporary situations and the ruthless tactics villains might employ. Many teachers opposed this idea due to concerns for student safety, but from Aizawa’s perspective, villains wouldn’t hesitate about student safety during an attack, so he felt there was no reason they should. Nezu supported Aizawa’s viewpoint and transformed the nature of the test to help students grow stronger, fostering teamwork rather than relying solely on their individual quirks. When students went to the forest for training, questions arose about Aizawa’s rigorous training regimen; however, he aimed to develop his students’ quirks sufficiently so they could protect themselves from potential villains.

A key aspect of Aizawa’s approach to teaching is providing personalized guidance to his students, focusing on their specific areas of struggle. He never overlooks any student and maintains constant vigilance over all of them. This individual attention helps each student concentrate on the aspects they need to strengthen most, thereby fostering comprehensive growth. Instead of a typical classroom orientation on his first day teaching Class 1-A students, he administered a quirk apprehension test to evaluate their potential, assess their proficiency with their unique abilities, and identify areas for improvement.

During this test, it becomes apparent to him that Izuku Midoriya struggles with managing his power. He informs Midoriya that he may not be fit for hero work, but Midoriya refuses to let Aizawa’s tough words discourage him. Instead, he demonstrates that he can handle his quirk more effectively by sending his quirk through his finger and launching the ball over a distance of seven hundred meters, which leaves Aizawa in awe.

In addition to recognizing Bakugo’s potential, Aizawa found that his frequent temper tantrums and immature behavior when defeated were holding him back. Aizawa was able to identify this because he took the time to closely observe each of his students. During the final exam arc, Aizawa intentionally grouped his students into teams to facilitate their growth. He paired Bakugo with Midoriya in an attempt to repair their strained relationship, and Momo and Todoroki together due to their heavy reliance on their quirks. This demonstrates how deeply Aizawa understands his pupils, their strengths, and their shortcomings.

Though Aizawa’s approach might appear strict, it is aimed at helping his students excel in their hero duties and adapt to their roles effectively. His teaching style, which could be perceived as tough or unyielding, is thoughtfully designed with the utmost concern for his students’ success and well-being. He prepares them for future challenges by providing them with essential skills they will truly value once they encounter real-world difficulties.

Impact On His Students

His Students Are Way Stronger Than When They Started

Despite some doubts about Aizawa’s teaching methods, his approach effectively equips his pupils with the essential skills for hero work, such as resilience, strategic thinking, emotional fortitude, and a strong foundation. The progress of Class 1-A students, both as heroes and individuals, is truly impressive – they not only gained physical strength but also formed close bonds that are crucial in the hero profession. During the Dark Hero Arc, the members of Class 1-A demonstrated an exceptional level of teamwork when they came together to prevent Deku from acting recklessly and confronting All For One alone, thus ensuring everyone’s safety. Team spirit is indeed paramount in this line of work.

Aizawa’s unique approach to teaching has significantly prepared his students for real-life challenges, particularly in unpredictable situations. His teaching philosophy emphasizes readiness, as being a hero often means being ready to confront danger without warning. Villains typically aim to catch heroes off guard, and Aizawa instills in his students the importance of staying alert and always being prepared. The life of a hero can be harsh, uncertain, and perilous, and Aizawa ensures that his students are well-equipped to handle it. During the USJ Arc, the students experienced firsthand just how unpredictable villains can be when the League of Villains disrupted their training. This event served as a valuable lesson for the students, teaching them the importance of acting swiftly and staying prepared at all times.

During their confrontations with villains, particularly during the USJ arc, the students realized the significance of swift decision-making for survival when faced with danger. This was particularly clear at the UA Sports Festival where all the top leaders in the initial race were from Class 1-A. Their encounters with the League of Villains taught them to act without hesitation, knowing that quick action is crucial if they wish to survive.

Long Lasting Impact On All His Students

At U.A. High School, Shota Aizawa’s teaching style transcends mere academic and combat instruction. Instead, he emphasizes values such as a strong sense of responsibility, perseverance, and pragmatism – qualities indispensable for dealing with the intricacies of life in the role of a hero. Aizawa aims to prepare his students for the practical realities of heroism, shaping them into adaptable individuals who are well-prepared to face whatever life may present them.

My Hero Academia is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

2024-10-09 19:34