Describes three trends that are thought to be important in shaping the Pacific Rim and discusses the significance of each. The first is the continuing economic and military influence of the United States in the region; the second is the increasingly dynamic Japanese expansion; and the third trend is the diffusion of Chinese people throughout the…

Points out problems in planning a social studies curriculum that will prepare Japanese society for the 21st Century. Claiming that the current curricula is ethnocentric, looks at objectives and teaching strategies for developing a global approach. Recommends development of a global information network to increase awareness of the interrelatedness…

Discusses using the changing conditions of life within the United States as the starting point for developing global perspectives in social studies teaching and curriculum transformation. Suggests that the Pacific Century will require people of the United States to function in a multicultural world. Examines the history of Asians in the United…

Reports that social studies has declined in the school curriculum of Japan because of its failure to keep pace with the changing orientation of Japanese society toward the future and the emergence of an internationalized society. Summarizes recent policy initiatives and curriculum developments designed to accommodate these social changes. (JDH)

Discusses the influence of Japan on educational reform in the United States. Identifies economic self-interest and global competitiveness as the motivations for increased U.S. instruction about Asia and the Pacific region. Expresses concern that such a competitive outlook is unlikely to produce a global perspective. (DK)

Reports on the views of 73 secondary school Japanese students toward the United Nations. Finds that most tend to think of the UN as relevant to conflicts. Describes how the hunger issue was used in an English-as-a-Second-Language class to teach about the United Nations. (CFR)

Describes a National History Day project based on students' grandmothers' experiences with prisoner of war communications during World War II. Relates how brief communications from prisoners were relayed to soldiers families through U.S. War Department channels. Discusses development of historical research and interpretation skills. (CFR)