This article aims to build a frame of reference to reconsider the meaning of knowledge in line with collective value formation and to regain lost popular knowledge in comparison with paternalistic or scientific knowledge. Following a brief introduction of Japanese social education and a critical/creative review of Freire's concept of…

While global human rights knowledge has become a central facet of curricula used to shape multicultural societies and develop cosmopolitan citizenry, such knowledge is shaped by sociopolitical context. Japan has a long history of incorporating human rights concepts into its citizenship curriculum; however, this curriculum is produced in a…

This paper describes a mixed-methods investigation into whether an asynchronous, virtual collaboration with Japanese peers helped pre-service social studies teachers in the U.S. demonstrate civic competence as it relates to international and global education. After the collaboration, most students described themselves as better-prepared world…

Two international social studies teacher educators and researchers (from Japan and the USA) use qualitative methods to systematically examine the impact of the philosophy for children Hawai'i (p4cHI) approach to deliberative pedagogy on social studies teaching and learning in two countries. The study's participants are two secondary level social…

Purpose: This study introduces the idea of "Kyouzai Kenkyuu" and examines its potentiality as a conceptual tool to point to the curriculum design process with a case of social science education. By doing so, this study can contribute to expanding the target of reflection from the practices "inside" classrooms toward the…

Young people around the world are calling ever more urgently on policymakers to address today's global challenges of sustainability, structural inequality and social justice. So it is little surprise that learning in a global society, understanding sustainable development and being active global citizens are increasingly popular themes for…

The term "Asian values" became popular in the political discourse in the 1980s and 1990s. The most vocal proponents of Asian values are Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew and Malaysia's Mahathir and their deputies and government officials, as well as post-Tiananmen Chinese leaders. Most notable of all these three strands of the Asian values debate…

This paper interprets comments associated with an open-response item on an online survey of college students in the United States, Japan, and Canada. The item inquired about their interpretations of financial morality. The paper describes student understandings of appropriate behaviors in relationship to financial practice. The authors claim that…

The goal of this unit is to increase student awareness of current issues regarding relations between the United States and Japan. Eleven activities are designed to increase cultural awareness. The unit is introduced by discussing the reasons for study of other nations for multicultural understanding. Students complete a questionnaire concerning…

The role of the U.S. Constitution as a model for an influence on the establishment of governments in other nations offers an effective vehicle for expanding education about this nation's civic values, rights, and responsibilities. By studying how the ideas and principles of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights have been adopted, adapted,…

Early childhood education in Japan, which consists of non-compulsory kindergarten and day nurseries, focuses on social studies by encouraging young children to develop sound minds and bodies. Although play is considered an important element, kindergarten is at times characterized by the stress associated with the rigid competition of entrance…

Moral education, alternatively called religious or values education, traditionally has been viewed in countries of the Asia and Pacific region as a significant component of the social transformation process. The report describes current efforts to exchange information on the status and implementation of moral education for this region, to identify…

This annotated bibliography offers resources for teaching the social studies for grades 7 through 12. Subject areas include: (1) grade 7 - culture of Canada and Japan, as well as multicultural and bilingual Canada; (2) grade 8 - the geography of Canada, the United States, and the case of Brazil in South America; (3) grade 9 - economic perspectives…

Provides an overview of policies concerning civics education in Japan during the 50 years following World War II. Summarizes the problems in civics education, focusing on textbooks, teaching styles, and the marginalization of civics in the curriculum. Considers the future of Japanese civics education. (CMK)

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…