ED382383 PS023278
Title: Educating Hearts and Minds: Reflections on Japanese Preschool
and Elementary Education.
Author(s): Lewis, Catherine C.
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 1995
ISBN: 0-521-45832-3
Available from: Document Not Available from EDRS.
Availability: Cambridge University Press, 40 West 20th Street, New
York, NY 10011-4211 (hardback: ISBN-0-521-45197-3; paperback: ISBN-0-521-45832-3).
Language: English
Document Type: Book (010); Reports--Research (143)
Geographic Source: U.S.; New York
Journal Announcement: RIESEP1995
Based on observations
of more than 50 Japanese preschool and elementary classrooms over
a 14-year period, this book offers a fresh perspective on how children
become eager, motivated learners and caring responsible citizens.
In a sharp departure from most previous accounts, this book suggests
that Japanese education succeeds because all children--not just
the brightest or best behaved--come to feel like valued members
of the school community. The book notes that Japanese teachers credit
John Dewey and other progressive Western educators for many of the
techniques that make Japanese schools both caring and challenging.
The introductory chapter notes that, like their Japanese counterparts,
American teachers see friendship and belonging as central to children's
growth, but that the American school system is not designed with
these goals in mind. This chapter also describes observation techniques,
and a reinterpretation of the roots of Japanese educational achievement,
noting some of the shortcomings of Japanese education. Chapters
in the book are as follows: (1) "A Brief Background on Japan's
Educational System"; (2) "The Preschool Experience: Play,
Community, Reflection"; (3) "The Whole Child Goes to Elementary
School"; (4) "The Small Group: A Home Base for Children";
(5) "The Roots of Discipline: Community and Commitment";
(6) "Discipline: How Peers and Teachers Manage Misbehavior";
(7) "Learning and Caring"; (8) "What Is a Successful
School?"; and (9) "Summary: Questions to Ask Ourselves."
Characteristics of the preschools studied are appended. Contains
169 references. (HTH)
Descriptors: Academic Achievement; *Classroom Environment; Classroom
Observation Techniques; Cultural Differences; Educational Environment;
*Educational Philosophy; Educational Policy; *Elementary Education;
Elementary Schools; Foreign Countries; Government Role; Peer Relationship;
Play; *Preschool Education; Student Adjustment; Student Attitudes;
*Student Motivation; Teacher Student Ratio; Teacher Student Relationship
Identifiers: *Japan
