This article explores the relationship between the freedom granted to teachers to shape curricula and the function of national standards. In recent years, many countries have begun to introduce standards-based reforms in education, such as standardized curriculums and high-stakes tests. As cultural diversity within schools increases, the tension…

Like all school textbooks, geography textbooks are authored. Almost all textbook research in and beyond geography has neglected their authors. This questionnaire-based multinational research project investigated the perceptions of 71 primary and secondary school geography textbook authors from seven countries in five continents. Though not…

Curriculum plays an important role in ensuring continuity and progression from early childhood education and care (ECEC) to primary education. The alignment of curricula and standards across these settings shapes children's early experiences with education systems, with implications for children's relationships and engagement in both ECEC and…

Much of the research on assessing and comparing teacher education has focused on schools of education in westernized contexts. While teacher training programs in East Asia have received comparatively less attention than those in North America, Europe, and Australia, they may also offer practical insight through their similarities and differences.…

Lists some of the citations in the ERIC database dealing with teaching global studies in elementary school. Includes teaching methods, works on individual countries, curriculum suggestions, and student activities. Suggests that students need a foundation for a consciousness and acceptance of multicultural realities. (DK)

This article features the standards and practice for K-12 physical education in Japan. Physical education in Japan has many similarities to, and differences with, programs in the United States. Many of the main objectives for the school curriculum are the same; both systems promote major outcomes related to fitness and lifelong sport and physical…

Surveys social, economic and environmental characteristics of Japan in the 1960s and 1970s and describes their influence on curriculum changes in secondary science education. Discusses Japanese attitudes towards nature as a foundation for environmental education, the impact of western culture on this attitude, and the future of environmental…

The Japanese educational reform movement is concentrating on increased individuality, lifelong learning, and the need to cope with societal changes, notably internationalization and the spread of information media. The American education system is admirable for experimenting with dropout programs, awards for improved student performance, magnet…

This paper describes two new family life curriculum development projects at Carnegie-Mellon University and presents the results of an evaluation of two mini-courses using a modified Solomon four-group experimental design. Based on historical, sociological, anthropological, and psychological research, the first unit presents family life in Japan…

This paper presents a culturally adapted curricular/pedagogical model of a traditional foundations of education course. It was developed as a result of a college of education's commitment to internationalize its curriculum and to broaden global and cross-cultural experiences for preservice teachers, in order to enhance the knowledge, skills, and…

Describes observations of art education in a Japanese junior high school during a three-month period in 1990. Discusses the teacher's role, classroom environment, course objectives, and teacher-student interaction. Identifies cultural differences and how they affect instructional methods and student achievement. (CFR)

This document contains 43 papers from a conference on researching inclusion. The following are among the papers included: "Include Me Out: Critique and Contradiction in Thinking about Social Exclusion and Lifelong Learning" (Paul Armstrong); "The Linking of Work and Education To Enable Social Inclusion" (Dave Beck);…