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ERIC Number: EJ1391273
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 29
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2327-3585
The Impact of Teachers Sharing Their Opinions within a Semi-Controversial Class in Japan: A Case Study on a Discussion of Lowering the Age of Candidacy in a Junior High School Social Studies Class
Iwasaki, Keisuke; Murray, Don C.; Kuwabara, Toshinori
Journal of International Social Studies, v13 n1 p3-31 2023
This paper examines how teachers expressing their political views influence students' opinion formation and discussions in classrooms regarding controversial issues. We used the methods of Journell (2011) and built on the scholarship of Hess and McAvoy (2015) and Iwasaki (2021). As a case study, we observed a junior high school social studies class and the teacher's approach to a lesson on lowering the age of candidacy in Japan, especially concerning how and if the teacher's personal opinions influenced the students. Teachers' political neutrality is a growing issue of concern in citizenship education. Some Japanese educators and education authorities argue that teachers should avoid expressing their personal views on controversial issues because of how it may impact students. However, we found that teachers' opinions may have a limited influence on student opinions, thus adding nuance and insight to the existing literature. Namely, the impact of teachers' expressing political opinions in a classroom should be considered with factors such as their choice of teaching materials and methods. [Note: The publication year (2021) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct publication year is 2023.]
International Assembly of the National Council for the Social Studies. 8555 16th Street Suite 500, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Tel: 765-496-3029; Fax: 765-496-2210; Web site: https://www.socialstudies.org/international-assembly
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Japan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A