This collection of short papers is an outcome of the third conference on virtual exchange in higher education hosted by the Pedagogical University in Krakow in April 2018. Following the focus of the conference on virtual exchange in service of social inclusion and global citizenship, the papers collected in this volume offer first-hand insights…

Developed by two United States educators after visiting Japan, and designed primarily for secondary students, this instructional materials unit includes lesson plans for approximately seven class-days; although the actual time necessary for implementation is flexible and may be adjusted. All of the activities focus on Japanese and American…

This secondary level unit, designed for use in a social studies or introductory economics course, has students participate in decision-making activities about global auto production. Although Japan-United States interaction is emphasized, the concepts, terms and activities employed in the unit apply to other countries as well. The unit includes 11…

This curriculum unit is the third part of a three-part curriculum. The focus of this unit is on the U.S.-Japan economic relationship. Increasingly, the world resembles numerous, linked sub-economies fitting into an overall global economy. The making of almost any product relies in some way on international trading. In an increasingly economically…

Comments on some fundamentals of trade, suggesting that the world economy has become essentially one transnational unit. Discusses the extent to which Japan and the United States are economically linked. States that protective measures against goods produced abroad are not a solution to any nation's economic problems. (KO)

Intended for use with students in grades 9-12, this collection of materials dealing with economics in Japan is based on and prepared from experiences and information gathered by a U.S.-Japan study trip. Materials focus on: (1) underlying values important to contemporary Japanese society, (2) Japan's rise from an "occupied country"…

This teacher's guide presents teaching suggestions and presentation materials about natural resources as economic assets contributing to national economic productivity. The term "natural resource accounting" or "green accounting" is introduced for valuing natural resources as capital in economic systems. The lesson is divided…

Four lessons in this inquiry unit introduce junior high students to the influence of geography on economics and way of life in Japan. Lessons are provided on the effects of overcrowding, the influence of space on Japanese farming, a Japanese product search, and Japanese cuisine. Each lesson includes time and materials required, rationale,…

This five-part unit, intended for secondary students, uses an activity-oriented approach in order to involve students in the workings of international trade. Part 1 introduces students to basic terms. Part 2 explores what would be missing from U.S. lifestyle if there were no international trade. Part 3 introduces students to the reasons why trade…

Focusing on the human element through a cross-cultural comparison of U.S. and Japanese modes of production, this resource guide features an assessment of the major factors that affect productivity performance. Each section contains a goal statement and an overview outline of the featured topics. The text includes primary sources, such as documents…

A compilation of lessons on Japanese history and cultural and contemporary issues is divided into sections for middle schools and high schools. A total of four lessons and a board game are contained in section one, lessons for middle schools. Lessons focus on Japanese schools; Japanese houses, past and present; and economic interdependence.…

Designed to assist elementary teachers in developing global understanding among their students, this publication contains a collection of activities for teaching about Japan. Material is divided into sections on the Japanese people and way of life, arts, natural features, economy, and transportation and communication. The 25 lessons include…

The most striking feature of the Japanese social studies curriculum at the elementary level is its role as the instructor of Japanese national values and attitudes. The social studies curriculum has gone through four major revisions since World War II. In the most recent revision, in the early 1980's, the focus has been on instituting new teaching…

Asserts that South Korea can be an excellent subject for an effective unit on history, economic development, critical thinking skills, and cross-cultural understanding. Provides background information and a list of teacher resources for planning a unit on South Korea. (CFR)

Asserts that the primary goal of economics education is to help students understand the economic world around them and make more informed personal and social decisions. Reviews comparative studies of economic education and student achievement in the United States, Japan, Germany, Austria, Australia, and the United Kingdom. (CFR)