Presents a portrait of Japanese elementary schools--stressing close human connections, social and ethical development, and an indepth curriculum--that differs profoundly from the U.S. mainstream media's version. In Japanese elementary schools, learning is cooperative; success depends on setting and meeting rigorous personal goals and performing…

Describes a typical day in a Japanese third-grade classroom, focusing on the need to address social and academic growth. Shows how although students work in groups of 6 or 7 and take on responsibilities as a group, students' individualism is not suppressed. Describes the teacher's goals of developing students' thinking skills, ability to express…

Compares educational practices in Japan that involve educating the "whole child" by teaching values and behaviors through small group activities, to U.S. practices that focus mainly on academics. Japanese practices involve extensive and clear roles and procedures, routinization of activities, and peer pressure, all aimed at developing…

Highlights descriptions of actual school and classroom settings in Japan for comparison with U.S. schools as well as exploring teachers' work situation and their roles and responsibilities. Summarizes classroom life from the students' perspectives to provide a backdrop for understanding the teaching context in Japan. (GLR)

Japanese methods of teaching subtraction to first graders, which emphasize the involvement of the children in developing and solving problems, are discussed. The conventional vertical format for solving problems was not introduced immediately. Some results encountered by American teachers using these methods are also discussed. (IS)

Describes two studies that examined the nature of Japanese elementary and junior high school students' perceptions of different media, the effect of teachers on these perceptions, and the relationship between perceptions and student learning. The studies of fifth graders and eighth graders also addressed gender and class differences. (Contains…

This study examined teachers' use of professional time when not directly with students, describing alternative time use in Germany and Japan. The study involved 21 German, Japanese, and U.S. elementary schools. Researchers collected background information on teachers' professional lives and conducted case studies of teachers' daily work, examining…