PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 2 Promotion of Lifelong Learning
4 Lifelong Learning and Institutions of Formal Education
(1) Lifelong Learning and the Role of Institutions of Formal Education
Institutions of formal education play an important role in offering
a basis of lifelong learning. At the elementary and secondary educational level,
in particular, it is necessary to enable children to fully acquire essential
knowledge and skills and to enhance those educational programs whereby pupils
can fully develop their individuality. It is also necessary to place emphasis
on helping pupils develop their willingness to learn on their own initiative,
as well as their ability to adapt themselves to various changes in society. These
elements were included in the basic major principles in the revision of the Courses
of Study for elementary and secondary schools made in 1989. In addition, institutions
of formal education should serve as facilities for lifelong learning and offer
people diverse learning opportunities. The government is employing a variety
of measures, including those for facilitating the acceptance of working adults
into these institutions, conducting extension courses and opening school facilities
to the public.