Japan's employment model has been that of "lifetime employment," especially for male college-educated workers. Under such a system, an individual becomes employed by a firm upon graduation and remains in its employ until retirement. (Author/SSH)

This article comments upon James and Pollard's contribution in comparison with perspectives on pedagogy in Japan, where the concept has tended to be discredited by academics. TLRP's clusters of 10 principles are reviewed and found to be persuasive and meaningful, especially in relation to the following points: the emphasis on recognising…

The articles in this cross-cultural journal deal with practical issues in second language instruction, English education, the needs of the language learners, principles governing the creation of word pairs, and the process of building in-service language programs. The following articles are included: (1) "The Role of Redundancy, Function, and…

Examines the role of Japanese universities in educating Japan's teachers. After an overview of the teacher-certification and professional-development processes in Japan, the paper identifies several propositions that might explain why Japanese universities play a relatively small role in preservice and inservice opportunities and suggests three…

Three issues related to Japan's recent passage of an amendment designed to reform two teacher education regulations are discussed: (1) circumstances surrounding implementation of the amendment; (2) essential points of the amendment; and (3) some controversial issues that emerged from consideration of the amendment in the national legislature. (IAH)

This article examines the introduction of teacher education into Japan; the manner in which foreign, governmental, and industrial influences have affected the development of teacher education; and the nature of current educational reforms. (IAH)

Harold Stevenson, author of "The Learning Gap," describes differences between schools in the United States, which he feels are in crisis, and those in Asia. The article includes important differences in staff development and in the working conditions of teachers in those countries. (SM)

Japan produces more technicians and engineers than the U.S. as a result of higher standards for high school graduation and college entrance, highly effective teacher inservice training, and public support for science and technology. However, the reliance on imitation and rote learning remains a weakness in the Japanese educational system. (WD)

Ten papers and four abstracts of papers from the University of South Africa's Conference on Distance Education are presented. They include: "Access to Higher Education and Training in the South Pacific: The Role of Telecommunications and Distance Education" (Som Naidu); "Distance Education in Japan" (Takashi Sakamoto);…

When compared to its counterparts in Europe and the United States, teacher education in Japan can be distinguished by its special characteristics in three areas: administration, structure and curriculum, and students. Preservice and inservice education in Japan are discussed with regard to these areas. (IAH)

Considering the rapid advancements in scientific knowledge and technological improvements, this paper calls for a reorientation of the curriculum and instruction of science education in Japan. The document encourages the development of a science education program which focuses on a few major concepts and then teaches children how to think…

This selection of the papers presented at a conference includes 6 introductory papers, 32 papers dealing with innovations and experiences in the authors' own countries, and reports from 6 working groups. These working groups addressed the six key topic areas of the conference: (1) relationships between new technologies and labor relations and…

The United States-Japan Cooperative Science Program was initiated for the purpose of conducting research and exchanging ideas for the improvement of science education. A seminar was held in Honolulu in 1986 to discuss efforts and future directions of this cooperative program. This paper reviews the outcomes of the seminar in three areas. These…

Attracting worthy teachers to the compulsory education system in Japan requires attention to three issues: teacher salaries, strengthening initial teacher preparation, and expansion and systemization of teacher training. The one-year beginning teachers' inservice training program began in 1989 in response to the third issue. (IAH)

This document traces the history of Japanese education since World War II and explains how the Japanese educational system operates today. Included in the discussion is information about: (1) the 1947 Fundamental Law of Education (which called for equal educational opportunities and compulsory education for nine years); (2) the development of the…