Describes a professional development initiative based on implementing Japanese lesson study in a U.S. school. Japanese teachers acted as lesson study coaches. Researchers documented processes engaged in by participants. There were many crucial differences between groups. American teachers found it difficult to sustain a vision of teaching as a…

In Vietnam, despite the introduction of a new curriculum based on a child-centred education approach, there exist many problems and challenges in the educational process. To overcome these problems, the Vietnamese and Japanese governments have been conducting an in-service teacher-training programme, including school-based observation and…

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…

Describes the major topics and discussions presented at a bi-national (United States-Japanese) seminar. Concludes that the overriding problem in both countries is the fact that available in-service training is reaching only a very small percentage of the practicing teachers. (MLH)

Discusses Japanese teacher professional development strategies, which are driven by a peer-based model using peer collaboration, planning, and management, exploring how the Japanese perspective of teaching as craft contributes to elementary professional development. Critical issues inherent in the Japanese model are discussed, noting its basic…

A collection of activities and teaching strategies provides a global approach to teaching about Japan at the elementary school level. Following a preface, material is divided into three main sections. The first section outlines interdisciplinary skill goals and attitudinal skill goals of global learning experiences. The second section, "For…

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…

This study compared several facets of teacher education between Japan and North Carolina. Similarities and differences in elementary science teachers' perceptions of the academic backgrounds in Japan and North Carolina were evaluated as well as similarities and differences in elementary teachers' perceptions of classroom practices in Japan and…

This paper traces the reorganization of Japanese colleges and faculties of education in response to the educational reform movement. This response includes establishment of graduate programs of teacher education and curricular changes to improve teacher competence. The first section of the paper outlines the evolution of public policy aimed at…