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Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN EDUCATION,SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1989 > PART1 Chapter2 2

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PART 1 lssues and Perspectives of Elementaryand Secondary Education
Chapter 2. Measures for the Enrichment of Elementary and Secondary Education
2. Improving the Content and Method of Education


On the recommendation of the Curriculum Council of December 1987, the Courses of Study for Kindergarten, Elementary School, Lower Secondary School and Upper Secondary School were fully revised on March 15, 1989.

This revision pursued the principle to lay the foundation of lifelong learning and aimed at the cultivation of independent and well-rounded personalities in charge of the 21st century. The structuring of academic subjects was amended and the content of each subject and the number of teaching hours were revised, according to the following guidelines : 1)nurturing well-rounded personalities, 2) nurturing competency for independent learning, 3) emphasizing the basics and promoting education for developing individual traits, and 4) appreciating culture and tradition and promoting international understanding. For example,"life environment studies"was newly established for the lower grades of elementary school, while"social studies"for upper secondary school was reorganized into"geography and history"and "civics,"and electives were much expanded for lower and upper secondary schools. This revision aimed at the cultivation of skills necessary for pupils to survive independently in the changing society. The new Courses of Study are scheduled to be implemented in stages from 1990.

In order to keep improving the standards for curriculum such as the Courses of Study, in response to the changes in society, experiential records of schools will be indispensable. Educational research and development based on these records will be expected to be pursued.

Concerning the five day school week, it is necessary to consider the maintenance of educational standard, pupils' academic work load. and the enrichment and stimulation of the extracurricular activities of pupils, as well as the public opinion.

A review by an advisory commission of knowledgeable persons has been initiated since August 1989.


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