Educating Hearts and Minds: Reflections on Japanese Preschool and Elementary Education

ISBN-13: 9780521458320 / Angielski / Miękka / 1995 / 262 str.

Catherine C. Lewis

Opis

The question of how children become eager, motivated learners and caring, responsible citizens has perplexed educators around the world. Educating Hearts and Minds, a portrait of Japanese preschool and early elementary education, offers a fresh perspective on these questions. Its thesis--which will surprise many Americans--is that Japanese schools are successful because they meet children's needs for friendship, belonging, and contribution. This book brings to life what actually happens inside Japanese classrooms. 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--somehow come to feel like valued members of the school community. Ironically, Japanese teachers credit John Dewey and other progressive Western educators for many of the techniques that make Japanese schools both caring and challenging, but that never caught on in this country. This book brings to Americans the voices of Japanese classroom teachers--voices that are at once deeply consonant with American aspirations and deeply provocative.

Recenzje

"Lewis brings forth these themes and conveys them through the use of indigenous paradigms and metaphors. She offers the average student some simple yet powerful ways to make sense of modern Japanese culture." Gerald LeTendre, Resources

Spis treści

Introduction; 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: 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?; 9. Summary: questions to ask ourselves.