What is homework? What value and benefit does it have for students? Some common perceptions from the students' perspective is that it is busy work, it takes away from other activities (i.e. sports, clubs, hanging out with friends, jobs, etc.), and/or it prevents them from getting as much sleep as they would like. From the teachers' perspective: it…

This paper presents composite indicators of the institutional and policy characteristics of educational systems, collated from the questionnaire responses of 26 Member countries. These indicators provide an overview of the institutional framework in the primary and secondary education sector and are constructed so as to be used for the analysis of…

Teaching about countries and regions of Asia is the topic of this annotated bibliography. The following kinds and amounts of materials are cited: (1) 11 citations from "Resources in Education" (RIE); (2) 13 citations from "Current Index to Journals in Education" (CIJE); (3) 22 commercially available "Student and Teacher…

Discusses how the upper secondary science curriculum in Japan has been revised, and reasons for this revision. Describes the objectives and content of the new curriculum. (MLH)

The United States fulfilled its desire to be the country that reopened trade with Japan through the Kanagawa Treaty (1854). Japan reluctantly rejoined the world community at a time when their culture and economy were in disorder. While grappling with the changes within their borders they tried to keep the ways of the "barbarians" from…

The study was conducted utilizing the instrumental approach to the development of study behaviors. The hypothesis was that a pupil's academic performance, study motivation, and creativity can be improved by encouraging his/her study skills. The practical aims were delineated and explained. The research was conducted in stages. These included…

This paper summarizes a report focusing on the concepts of lifelong education and the learning society as guidelines for education in the future in Japan. Chapters 1 and 2 give a general outline presenting the meaning and concept of lifelong education, and consider the necessity of such education in light of the social and economic background of…

A study was conducted to analyze the attitudes and English teaching methods of some Japanese teachers of English in secondary schools in Japan. Questionnaires were sent to 50 junior high teachers and 50 high school teachers of English as a second language (ESL). The data analysis is based on responses from 20 junior high teachers and 32 high…

Social scientists have only recently begun to explore students' conceptions of their world and the relationship of these conceptions to their success in school. In particular, investigators have found that students who perceive themselves to be more in control of their environment are more successful in school than are students who feel less in…

The paper describes special education programs (both in special schools and in special classes within ordinary schools) for handicapped children in Japan. Sections cover the following topics: the history of Japanese special education, system of special education, present status of special education, teacher training, and future plans and trends.…

Reviews the various conflicts that have occurred between the traditional and reformist elements in Japanese moral education since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the time when Japan began to shift toward a modern society and political system. Attempts to clarify the special characteristics of moral education in Japan. (GEA)

Overviews a section in the same "Educational Leadership" issue on improving teaching productivity. Highlights Harold Stevenson's article comparing mathematics education in the U.S., China, and Japan and Bruce Joyce's summary and analysis of the research literature on effective instructional strategies. (MLH)

Educational change, as called for in "Tomorrow's Teachers" and other reports, is compared briefly with changes taking place in the Soviet Union, India, and Japan. Teacher education in developing nations is touched upon. (Author/MT)

Summarizes the survey responses of Japanese and non-Japanese environmental experts on aspects of environmental science and education. Provides perspectives on the concepts, roles, and relationships of environmental education and environmental science. A listing of survey participants is included. (ML)

Reviews current Asian educational systems, pointing out that comparison with the United States system is not possible. The educational systems reflect the societies' needs, which differ from culture to culture. (MD)