Describes the efforts of post-World War II U.S. occupiers to change radically the structure, philosophies, content, and teaching methods of Japanese elementary, secondary, and higher education. Compares prewar and current conditions. Discusses cultural and political reasons why these efforts to transplant foreign institutions and values largely…

Indicators such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the Scholastic Aptitude Test, secondary school standardized tests, and state assessment programs all ignore the value added by America's postsecondary education system, including community colleges, trade schools, and universities. Spending and participation levels for U.S. higher…

Study of educational practices in five countries and the United States found the United States unique in depending heavily on local property taxes. Although none of these countries has devised perfectly fair system of educating their children, they are working toward that goal. New Jersey debacle is example of willingness of American middle class…

Discusses the Japanese approach to gifted education. Describes how the Japanese do not overtly accept the concept of giftedness and hold capable individuals in check for the benefit of the whole. The need for the Japanese to allow their gifted to be educated for excellence is urged. (CR)

Compares types of ability grouping (mixed, homogenous, acceleration/retention) used in educational systems in the United States, China, Japan, south Korea, France, Germany, and Quebec and how they reflect cultural patterns and shape educational outcomes. Discusses tensions between the competing demands of excellence and equity. (SK)

A recent Thomas B. Fordham Foundation report rated California Mathematical Standards first among the states and ahead of Japan. There was nothing in the midcentury precollegiate mathematics curriculum that is irrelevant today or not required by competent schools. A national mathematics curriculum is reflected in the nation's standardized testing.…

Ethnographic fieldwork and a study of major educational reform documents in Japan suggest that despite calls for reforms promoting children's socialization, creativity, and individual talents, little will change at the high school level. The Japanese public's diffuse desire for more freedom and choice in education has been translated into…

Provides information about the artist Katsukawa Shuntei and his artwork entitled "The Warrior Egara no Heita Battling with the Giant Serpent" that is a wood-block print. Describes how block prints are created and offers learning activities. Includes background information on the artwork. (CMK)

Investigates how the Rape of Nanking is reported in 88 Japanese high school history textbooks authorized by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Analysis of language used in the textbooks reveals that a consistent language pattern isolates knowledge of the Rape of Nanking from Japan and the Japanese. (Author/PAL)

At its core, a curriculum is what happens among learners and teachers in the classroom. TESOL's Language Curriculum Development Series describes how teachers, curriculum developers, and administrators have developed, adapted, or renewed a language curriculum. In doing so, they have responded creatively and realistically to learners' needs. The…

Paradoxically, Japan presents both a difficult and promising setting for the advancement of critical thinking skills. One deep-rooted obstacle stems from anti-rational ideological traditions and prejudices. Another comes from the rigidly hierarchical, conformist nature of Japanese society, which does not encourage divergent opinions or their…

This secondary level unit, designed for use in a social studies or introductory economics course, has students participate in decision-making activities about global auto production. Although Japan-United States interaction is emphasized, the concepts, terms and activities employed in the unit apply to other countries as well. The unit includes 11…

This report identifies approaches to providing for children with special educational needs in Japan. The report covers the following topics: the historical background of Japan's special educational system, compulsory education, centralization and teacher autonomy, number of children served in regular and special schools, classroom management,…

This paper discusses present trends and possibilities in the peace museum field. The document is based on a collection of written opinions of Japanese students on peace museums, visits to peace museums in other countries, and a position on a peace museum and center for peace education in Japan. Peace museums throughout the world show that they can…

This is an age of ascendency of the Pacific Rim area, especially the Asian sector. Recent decades have seen unprecedented economic growth throughout this area. By examining Japan, the region's pre-eminent nation and harbinger of future developments, the larger topic of the Pacific Rim can be explored. It is particularly important to teach about…