This publication is comprised of 43 papers on the topic of promoting lifelong learning. The papers in Part 1, Overcoming False Dichotomies, are "Lifelong Learning in the North, Education for All in the South" (Torres); "Practice of Lifelong Learning in Indigenous Africa" (Omolewa); "Gender and Information Societies"…

Masafumi Ogawa cares deeply about improving music teacher education and has grave concerns about Japan's current music education and teacher training system. He notes reduced instructional time, cuts in teaching positions, and classroom management issues resulting in the devaluing of music education by administrators, students, and the general…

This paper examines efforts to save rapidly declining indigenous languages around the world. The entire process of language preservation and revitalization is a massive undertaking that requires immense long-term planning and support. These problems extend well beyond the linguistic concerns of the language itself. Language policy is inherently…

Discusses the linguistic and cultural challenges faced by Japanese students who are receiving their education in U.S. schools. Provides a historical perspective on education in Japan and discusses parent involvement, the culture of Japanese schools, differences in the teacher/student relationship, group identity, gender distinctions, personal…

Argues that a multiscience perspective on science education affords richer implications for reflection and practice than does multiculturalism. Recognizes the existence of various types of science at play in all science classrooms, especially personal science, indigenous science, and Western modern science. Discusses implications for curriculum…

Emphasizes the need to redefine goals of "communicative competence," specifically for secondary-level students of English in Japan. Since students do not feel a pressing need to use English, such goals seem too distant for them. Some basic classroom language teaching methodology is suggested that is aimed at fitting in with the overall…

This monograph outlines public policy responses to deal with the effects of forced worklife changes fashioned by government in the United States, Japan, and Western European countries. From the Morrill Act of 1862, through New Deal policy initiatives and on to the "active" manpower policies operating in Europe, the record of government…

This paper describes a study which examined the effectiveness of explicit instruction in English intonation in listening tasks in an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) course taught to four Japanese high school students. The students' exposure to real-world English listening situations had been limited, and the majority were focusing more on…

Although Japanese society has long valued and practiced lifelong learning, it has not yet been successful in building an ethic that prizes learning, teaches creativity, and includes everyone. Bureaucratic and legal mechanisms undertaken in Japan to promote lifelong learning have included the establishment of Lifelong Learning Councils, a system…

Delineates the process of how a Web site called the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) was created to meet the language learning needs of a group of learners at a graduate school in Japan. The focus of discussion is on factors that influenced the design and evolution of the VLE site. (Author/VWL)

Describes an on-going action research project in which information and communication technology (ICT) is being employed to equip students with the tools for autonomous learning. Results of surveys given to determine previous experience and attitudes towards ICT and language learning--both before and after intervention--are reported. (Author/VWL)

This article features the standards and practice for K-12 physical education in Japan. Physical education in Japan has many similarities to, and differences with, programs in the United States. Many of the main objectives for the school curriculum are the same; both systems promote major outcomes related to fitness and lifelong sport and physical…

The following papers are included: "JFK's Four Consumer Rights" (Lampman); "Product Safety" (Gerner); "Use of Cost-Benefit Analysis in Product Safety Regulation" (Crandall); "CPCS's Voluntary Standards" (Ault); "Consumer Safety and Issue Emergence Process" (Mayer); "Reflections on Research in…

Shimizu Yasutaka is President of the National Institute of Multimedia Education (NIME) and Professor Emeritus at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. After meeting with Shimizu in December 2005 in Washington, D.C., and in January 2006 in Tokyo, Japan, EDUCAUSE Vice President Diana G. Oblinger asked him some questions about NIME, about IT in Japanese…

Provides an overview of the national education system today and presents some background to the latest round of reforms in Japan. Highlights new emphasis being placed on diversity and individuality in schools and on the promotion of lifelong learning. (ASK)