This research is based on an approach that looks at cross-cultural research design as a "lens" for a deeper understanding of what goes on in the classroom. The research question is how a cross-cultural study like this one can lead to identifying the cultural script of teaching and help educators reflect on their practice. In this…

In this paper, the author considers the organisation and the recontextualization of "Rika" (School Science) in the second half of the nineteenth century in Japan. In considering developments, the author set up analyses points based on curriculum politics and concluded that the organisation and the recontextualization of "Rika"…

Compares elementary school science curricula in Japan, Thailand, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines. Tables summarize data for some of these countries concerning general characteristics of the curricular design, general objectives of elementary and secondary science curricula, teaching units covered, and hierarchy of process skills. (CS)

Summarizes chemical education in Japan, involving the educational system, foreign language training, curriculum materials, professors' research-teaching roles, and graduate and undergraduate programs. Indicates that the Japanese system is undergoing considerable changes and differs in many ways from the U.S. system. (CC)

Presents the transformation in the models of science teaching from 1945 to the present; compares current science education in Japan with that in the United States. (Author/GA)

Describes the major topics and discussions presented at a bi-national (United States-Japanese) seminar. Concludes that the overriding problem in both countries is the fact that available in-service training is reaching only a very small percentage of the practicing teachers. (MLH)

This paper was developed to describe and discuss the characteristics of educational settings and school science curriculum in Japan as compared with the United States. Three major aspects of the role of science education are presented. The first is the cultural and societal expectations placed on education. This represents external influences on…

Compared were the integrated process skills of American youngsters who studied for several years in an activity-based, materials-oriented program to a group of Japanese pupils who studied in a similar program and to an American group whose program was textbook oriented. Implications are discussed. (Author/CW)

The status of pre-college science education in Japan is reviewed and analyzed in this paper from four different perspectives having to do with the impact of the national syllabus and with social problems, teacher problems, and the changes occurring with students. Japan's national syllabus is explained and elements related to its implementation,…

Considering the rapid advancements in scientific knowledge and technological improvements, this paper calls for a reorientation of the curriculum and instruction of science education in Japan. The document encourages the development of a science education program which focuses on a few major concepts and then teaches children how to think…

Different methods of teaching using the computer in a Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) system are discussed and illustrated with sample courseware in mathematics, physics, and elementary science. (DS)

This document reports the state of science achievement of Japanese students based on the Second International Science study conducted in 1983-84. Results are compared to the first study conducted in 1970. The target populations, samples, and structure of the second study are described. Test results including score distribution and high and low…

Most educators feel that it is important to provide novice teachers with in-service training at the beginning of their teaching careers, and to continue with such programs throughout their professional lives. With this in mind, this document outlines a proposed in-service teacher education program for Japan. The paper considers the creation of…

This paper discusses the development of new curricula, materials, and equipment in Japan. The first section, "The Development of New Curricula," discusses the National Curriculum Council and the improvement of the content of instruction, including basic directions for improvement, the structure and content of school subjects, and the…