Effective syllabus document design hinges on an alignment between learning objectives, teaching principles and curricular policy. Much of the work on syllabus design in the English Language Teaching (ELT) context focuses on the implementation of language teaching principles, such as those from the Communication Language Teaching (CLT) approach.…

This study explores the role of an online pre-sessional program in preparing students to matriculate into an English-medium bachelor's program at a Japanese university. The study covers two program sessions, the first of which consisted primarily of international students, and the second comprised mainly of graduates of Japanese high schools. To…

It is now widely recognized that assessment and the feedback play key roles in the learning process. However, assessment-based learning approaches are not yet commonly practiced in Japan. This paper provides an example of an assessment-based approach to teaching and learning employed for a course entitled "English as an International…

The literature suggests that teachers may rely more often on intuition when making course planning decisions than on informed assessment of learners' needs (Barkhuizen 1998; Spratt 1999). This article proposes a more principled alternative to the intuitive approach, based on the use of teacher-designed class-specific questionnaires intended to…

The following is a review of creativity courses and programs offered at universities in Europe, North America, Japan, and China. Creativity courses and programs occur in a variety of disciplines, but are found most frequently in fields such as business; education and psychology; and engineering, science, and technology. This paper provides…

This curriculum guide presents nine units for the study of world cultures in the ninth grade. The guide has been designed as one component of an ongoing comprehensive social studies program. Among the social sciences concepts which the units develop are cultural diffusion, prejudice, task specialization, urbanization, nationalism, and ethics.…

The course of study for students in elementary schools in Japan is outlined in this document. The first of four chapters puts forth general guidelines that a Japanese elementary school should seek to follow. Comprising the greater part of the document, the second chapter outlines the objectives to be achieved by students in eight subjects. For…

The course of study for students in lower secondary schools in Japan is outlined in this document. The first of four chapters puts forth the general provisions that Japanese lower secondary schools should seek to follow. Comprising the greater part of the volume, the second chapter outlines the objectives to be achieved by students in nine subject…

This Quinmester world studies elective course for grades 7, 8, and 9, focuses on the comparative study of three far eastern nations: China, India, and Japan. The study examines the successes and failures of each nation in dealing with the common problems of over-population, industrialization, and literacy education, leading to speculation as to…

Compares questionnaire results sent to elementary and secondary school teachers in Indiana and Japan. Surveys how and what is taught about World War II. Reports teachers in the United States concentrate more on Europe, Pearl Harbor, and fascism, whereas Japanese teachers are more concerned with Pacific theater. Concludes Japanese teach peace…

The course of study for students in upper secondary schools in Japan is outlined in this document. The first of three chapters puts forth the general provisions that a Japanese upper secondary school should seek to follow. Comprising the greater part of the volume, the second chapter outlines the objectives to be achieved in 18 subjects. For each…