Describes a course of Japanese language study as a second language in Japan. Focuses on the cultural environment in the country and the friendliness of the people there. (Author/CK)

Workplace needs are often difficult for English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teachers to assess due to a variety of obstacles that can restrict opportunities to analyze the existing needs. Nevertheless, the workers' needs may be recognized by employing techniques aimed at extracting information from the workers themselves. Japanese university…

This report examines the results of an international study of higher education systems, based on surveys of approximately 1,000 faculty in each of the following nations: United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Israel, and Australia. Findings are organized around seven…

In a social dilemma situation, a group member who takes defecting choice gains more self-interest than a member who takes cooperating choice. Thus, inequity of members' individual interests would be produced depending on whether a member takes cooperating choice or defecting choice. To study effects of the perceived inequity and attributional…

This plan, worked out in accordance with the Comprehensive National Land Development Act of 1950, provides the basic direction for national development based upon a long range and comprehensive viewpoint. The broad purpose of the plan is to create a desirable environment while attempting to adapt to the new society and deal with current regional…

Hypothesizes that stereotypes of Japanese workers as diligent, loyal, dedicated, and possessing high morale are false. The author maintains that the Japanese workplace will increasingly come to resemble that of the United States and other western industrialized nations, including less paternalism, more job mobility, more individualism, and greater…

Research on playground design in Japan and England offers challenges to the logic behind how playgrounds in the United States are designed. This paper presents observations of outdoor environments for children and youth in Japan and England where the space is not only useful and safe but also contributes to learning and play that reflects the…

Recalls the experiences of a group of high school social studies educators who traveled to Japan for an educational conference. Although impressed by the dedication and seriousness of the pupils, the group also was struck by the limited and outdated facilities. Includes many observations refuting stereotypical assumptions. (MJP)

As higher education has grown and state funding has been constrained, the financial sustainability of institutions of higher education (HE) has become an issue for policy makers and for those who govern and manage these institutions. The challenge for governments is to ensure that increasingly autonomous institutions respond to public interest…

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)

This paper presents information from a project that examined what Japanese and U.S. teachers valued most about the culture of teaching and learning in each others' countries. Teachers participated in global partnership schools in which they had the opportunity to directly observe all facets of school operation in the other country. Data come from…

Used surveys, interviews, field observations, and village documents to examine the influence of social and cultural context on the second language acquisition and acculturation efforts of Filipina wives of Japanese husbands living in a small Japanese village. Results indicated that there were significant relationships among…

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)

Notes survey findings highlighting the great diversity of Japanese preschools in terms of teachers' norms, expectations for children, and teaching methods. Discusses three distinct patterns of early schooling, particularly preschools that emphasize academic preparation within a large-group context characterized by strict discipline and few…