This study examined various elements of Japanese beginning teachers' first year as classroom teachers and investigated the extent to which Japanese beginning teachers experienced similar stages of development to U.S. beginning teachers. Stages of development included self-adequacy, task-related abilities, and teaching impact. Interviews with…

Is is said in Japan that worthy education becomes possible only with the presence of worthy teachers. With these words in mind, this publication examines strategies for the reform of preservice education and inservice professional development for teachers in Japan's compulsory elementary and junior high schools. The report discusses: needed…

This article examines how novice teachers in Japan and in the United States, specifically in the state of Ohio, are assessed, evaluated, and supported as they enter the teaching profession. Comparison of practices and tools which characterize the two countries' approaches toward assessment and mentoring reveals that important differences exist in…

The purpose of this research was to: (1) ascertain the existence and functions of practical thinking styles, illuminating teachers' thought processes; (2) identify practical thinking styles of experts (N=5) and compare them with those of novices (N=5); and (3) present several implications for rethinking teacher education in Japan. Qualitative and…

Most educators feel that it is important to provide novice teachers with in-service training at the beginning of their teaching careers, and to continue with such programs throughout their professional lives. With this in mind, this document outlines a proposed in-service teacher education program for Japan. The paper considers the creation of…