The purpose of this study was to investigate elementary teachers' experiences of physical education professional development in depopulated rural school districts in Japan to provide future directions to offer effective support for teachers in unique teaching contexts. The study was situated in the framework of andragogy theory. Participants were…

Over the last few years, almost all local education boards in Japan have redesigned their teacher evaluation methods. Consequently, questions then arise as to whether the new policies and practices are control measures for teachers' performance and competence or do they represent an opportunity for authentic professional development? With this in…

In this book, leading scholars in the field examine the available research on the use of evidence in education and provide suggestions for strengthening the research-to-practice pipeline. Critics within and outside the field of education often point out the absence of a strong reciprocal connection between research and practice. The emergence of…

This paper describes implementation of a Lesson Study project with third grade teachers in a small school district to study the development of the critical lenses (perspectives) necessary for meaningful lesson study work. Adapting the Lesson Study process to meet school system needs, two outside facilitators stimulated teacher thinking with math…

Under Allied influence following World War II, the Japanese educational system was reorganized on a 6-3-3 basis, with the first 9 years compulsory. The lower secondary curriculum established in 1947 included many compulsory subjects--Japanese, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Music, Drawing and Fine Arts, Physical Education, and Vocational…

A visitor to Japanese secondary schools in the Tokyo area with a tour group sponsored by NASSP, this writer explains what he learned after observing schools and speaking with educators and officials. He found the Japanese student generally highly motivated and well-disciplined. (Editor)

Discusses the recent development of the educational system in Japan, highlighting a number of serious problems plaguing the stability of the school system and the government. (RK)

Article faced the formidable challenges that must be solved within the Japanese education system in order to bring educational practice and standards into line with educational needs. (Author/RK)

Universities and prefectual and local boards of education share responsibility for Japanese inservice teacher education. Results from teacher surveys and analysis of some 2,300 dissertations from the first university (established in 1983) to offer master's degrees for inservice education indicate teachers' preferences in research topics and types…

This book contains seventeen thumb-nail sketches of schools in Europe, the United States, Asia, Britain, and Australia, as they appeared in the eye of the author as a professional educator and a journalist while travelling around the world. The author considers the schools described to be good schools, and not necessarily the 17 best schools in…

A two-week staff development seminar in Japan enabled teachers and administrators to make a visible impact as staff development leaders. The program involved an orientation, the seminar, and subsequent intercultural programs in district schools. Immersing participants in another culture taught them to appreciate diversity within their own schools.…

These three journals include articles on issues related to language learning. The fall 1998 journal presents: "Attention! Are You Seeking a Position with Excellent Long-Term Benefits? Be an Advocate!" (Mary Lynn Redmond); "National Town Meeting Energizes Support for Early Language Learning" (Marcia Harmon Rosenbusch);…