Notes the factors preventing the progress of internationalization in Japanese society in general and in the educational system in particular. Topics include traditional attitudes towards other countries, the prevalence of economic strength as a national goal, and the school system's preoccupation with preparation for entrance examinations. (JHZ)

Considers the inclusiveness of Japanese commitment to education and the intensively educative society's influence on schools. Notes global interest in Japan's self-appraisal of education, pointing out that it will shed light on the question of how far school systems devised for more limited purposes can measure up to today's requirements. (JHZ)

Two charts show school type, course length, and qualifications for admission in terms of age and previous education. The 10 school or course types are kindergarten, elementary school, lower secondary school, upper secondary school, special schools for the handicapped, technical college, junior college, university, special training schools, and…

Summarizes administrative roles from the Ministry of Education to boards of education elected by each prefecture and municipality. Discusses local autonomy in relation to national measures promoting educational equality. Identifies educational needs resulting from Japan's world trade, progress in science and technology, and changes in family life.…

A distinctive difference between Japanese and most Western education is the breadth of curricular offerings in Japanese schools, which all include academic subjects, moral education, and special activities. Teacher training programs include specially developed courses that address moral education and special activities as well as regular academic…

Examines the effects of culture on educational practice in Japan, focusing on three salient aspects of the cultural basis for achievement: (1) teachers and parents stress educational environments conducive to learning; (2) achievement is attributed to effort, not to innate ability; and (3) group expectations and standards are considered paramount.…

Provides historical background for understanding social changes and the resulting problems facing Japan's schools. Topics include resistance of youth to society and its schools, the breakdown of regional communities, the impact of competition for grades, and the changing role of teachers. (JHZ)

In the debate on educational reform in Japan, the government's version of free choice would lead to commercialism and privatisation of education and an even more competitive system creating technocratic elites. In contrast, the Japan Teachers' Union has proposed reforms based on the people's right to justice in education. (JHZ)

Focuses on the role of African universities in national development and outlines economic and political problems hindering them from realizing their role. Suggests ways to improve the universities' effectiveness including greater cooperation between universities and government agencies, upgrading of curriculum, and basing university appointments…

African governments have immense power over their universities and are often tempted to tinker with the workings of these institutions, ostensibly to make them more responsive to the requirements of the nation. Such interference can be dangerous. Academic freedom is vital if the university is to truly serve society. (JHZ)

Explains a theoretical framework for interpreting educational policy-making and, on the basis of that framework, identifies educational policy makers and policy changes in Hungary in the 1960s and 1970s. Tests the theory by examining controversies about secondary education and the structure of the educational system. (JHZ)

Compares secondary education in France and England and argues that the content and meaning of both education and educational attainments are significantly different in the two countries. Summarizes educational history, status of the teaching profession, resistance to vocationalism, and educational strategies in both countries. (JHZ)

On a needs assessment survey, 377 Togolese school administrators and teachers ranked the importance of 10 different administrative activities. Supervision and evaluation of personnel and instruction was ranked most important by administrators and least important by teachers. Teachers gave high rankings to planning instruction, in-service training,…

Points out problems of access to schooling in Zambia, especially at the primary and secondary levels and discusses existing types of alternative schooling such as night schools and supervised study groups. Argues that recent private school initiatives are not providing educational opportunities except for a few wealthy urban families. (JHZ)

Reviews literature supporting "cultural deficit," the idea that membership in ethnic minority group is linked with academic achievement or, more specifically, failure. Examines ethnic paradigm of Asians as high achievers. Suggests researchers committed to ideas of cultural deficit support ethnicist conceptions of reform, institutionalizing ethnic…