Chapter 2
Spotlight on Japan

Performance Objectives
Students will be able to:

• list the reform efforts currently under discussion in Japanese educational groups.
• analyze the efficacy of these efforts
• determine if Japanese educational efforts would be appropriate for American education.

Material
Duplicate a class set of Worksheet A:Yomlurl Shimbun Opinion Survey on Education, and Worksheet B: Seven Recommendations to Revitalize School Education

Procedures:
Teacher will develop a semantic map based upon students' perceptions of Japanese education. Topics to discuss include:

• Quality of Curriculum
• Student Behavior
• Role of Family and Government
• Individuality

Teacher will elicit student responses and list on chalkboard.

In spite of the success of Japanese education, there has been a movement to make substantial reforms in the system.

Distribute Worksheet A: Yomiuri Shimbun Opinion Survey on Education. Teacher will debrief answers with class.

• What recommendations would you give to the Japanese to reform their schools?

In 1985, a "Blue Ribbon Panel" was assembled to discuss educational reform in Japan. They came up with several suggestions. Distribute Worksheet B: Seven Recommendations to Revitalize School Education. Teacher will debrief responses with class.

• If you could create your own school, which of these recommendations would you include during the development stage of your school? Why? Explain.
• Which of these recommendations would be most beneficial for Japanese students?
• Look at recommendation #7. Do you think American schools should be held responsible for moral education? Explain your answer.

Summary
One of the primary responsibilities of any society is educating the young people of it's nation. That educational mandate can often cross over into different areas of society.

Write a short essay discussing the role of schools in a society. In your answer, consider how schools help to shape a culture, which groups are included and which groups can be excluded as well as any other issues you consider important.

Students will share their responses.