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PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture

When we consider the role of formal education in the context of internationalization, the most important issue is how to develop Japanese citizens who are trusted in the international community. To develop such citizens, it is crucial to have them understand the importance of the interdependence of nations and other countries' cultures and circumstances, it is also vital to foster in them an attitude of appreciation towards Japanese culture and traditions. The revised Courses of Study published in March 1989 stressed the importance of helping children increase their international understanding and develop an attitude of respect for Japanese culture and tradition.

In universities and junior colleges, there are an increasing number of faculties and departments related to international studies. In "social education" for adults and youth, an increasing number of lecture courses are now dealing with topics related to international understanding.

Another important issue is to help students develop the ability to communicate with people or other cultures in order to facilitate mutual understanding. To this end, the revised Courses of Study for lower and upper secondary schools placed more emphasis on foreign language teaching for helping students develop communication skills in foreign languages, as well as basic attitudes for international understanding. The Ministry is attempting to improve foreign language teaching by conducting the "Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program" under which a number of native speakers of foreign languages are invited to secondary schools to serve as assistant teachers of foreign languages. In addition, in order to help university and junior college students develop practical proficiency in foreign languages, i.e., speaking and listening skills, the Ministry facilitates the establishment of foreign language centers and the purchase of more and better language laboratory equipment in universities and junior colleges. The Ministry also designates pilot schools and organizations to study how to promote international understanding.