The purpose of this paper is to describe the historical development of science teacher education in pre-service and in-service education in Japan with a focus on the systemic changes and teachers' professional learning culture. The characteristics of science teacher education generally are elucidated through an analysis of the system and…

The authors describe the present state of economic education in Japan. There is a larger number of undergraduate students who major in economics, but their purpose of studying economics and their economic literacy differ. Precollege economic education is regulated by the course of study and limited by the poor ability of teachers to teach the…

Wouldn't it be great if all your teachers were as good as your best? Teaching is often an isolated profession in which teachers work behind closed doors, doing their own thing. Peer coaching is a collaborative, ongoing process that can increase the effectiveness of all your teachers. This "Focus On" is designed to lead a faculty into the…

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…

Describes a three-month environmental preservation training program administered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency focused specifically on Brazil. (MDH)

Describes the Japanese professional development practice of lesson study and its articulation within the Japanese educational system, discussing insights gained from research that explored the feasibility of lesson study in a U.S. setting, noting challenges faced by American teachers trying to adopt the research focus that is inherent in lesson…

This monograph describes inter-institutional network structures in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, and the Philippines which were implemented to improve educational delivery systems at the primary level. Chapter 1, an overview, discusses the similarities and differences in three examples of networks in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. In the…

This paper describes research lessons, which form the core of a larger process called lesson study within Japanese elementary science faculty development. Research lessons are actual classroom lessons with students which are: observed by others; planned for a long time, usually collaboratively; designed to bring to life particular goals of…

Reviews teacher professional development in the United States and Japan, discussing similarities and differences. Faced with increasingly diverse and rapidly changing societies, both counties recognize flaws in their current systems and want to reform teacher education by finding ways of revitalizing professional development. The paper notes that…

This document is the result of two regional workshops (attended by representatives of 16 Asian countries) on the preparation of vocational and technical education teachers in Asia. Chapter 1 lists the objectives for the workshops, countries representated at each, and the officers for each. Chapter 2 gives an overall review of the present status of…

The first section of this monograph presents an outline of the inservice training regulations for teachers in Japan, focusing upon the legal aspects and the functions of the state. Inservice education is compulsory for teachers, and its administration is governed by the Local Public Service Personnel Law. Descriptions are presented of the roles of…

Fourteen innovative educational programs implemented by countries in Asia and the Pacific region are described to aid other educators engaged in planning and implementing innovative programs. The programs are: faculty-oriented breakfast programme (Australia); farm school on the air (India); multimedia, inservice teacher training for primary…

Many school-based inservice teacher training programs are available to Japanese teachers, including observing classes in other schools, inviting parents to observe and provide feedback, and conducting collaborative research on the teaching-learning process (Jugyou Kenkyu). This article highlights Jugyou Kenkyu, which is based on three steps…

A two-year professional development program in a Japanese junior high school is described. Schoolwide training institutes and individual practice sessions focused on behavioral methods of instruction according to a direct instruction model. Observed teaching behaviors changed following the program, and most teachers indicated the direct…

Analyzes the contemporary status and problems of the teaching profession in Japan, focusing on critical issues related to its roles and autonomy that have a significant bearing upon the teaching process. Discussions include the effects of governmental regulations and problems associated with class sizes and teaching conditions. (GLR)