ERIC Number: EJ747219
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Dec
Pages: 7
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-3301
EISSN: N/A
An Investigation of Japanese and American Early Care and Education
Nagayama, Mariko; Gilliard, Jennifer L.
Early Childhood Education Journal, v33 n3 p137-143 Dec 2005
Staff interviews and classroom observations based on predetermined observation criteria and open-ended questions were conducted at early care and education programs in Kakunodate, Akita, Japan; Tazawako, Akita, Japan; Butte, Montana; and Missoula, Montana. Differences in curriculum, classroom structure and educational strategies were found. For example, group instruction was more prevalent in Japan and individual instruction was more common in the United States. Physical environments reflected these differences; Japanese schools had gymnasiums, swimming pools, pianos and televisions for large group activities and American schools had learning centers and computers for individual and small group activities. American teachers reported developing curriculum and activities based on individual child development and Japanese teachers reported developing curriculum based on promoting community and regard for others. Further study of Japanese early care and education is suggested to assist American educators in partnering with Japanese and Japanese-American families in providing more culturally relevant curriculum.
Descriptors: Interviews, Foreign Countries, Early Childhood Education, Ethnic Groups, Educational Strategies, Group Instruction, Individual Instruction, Comparative Analysis, Educational Facilities, Child Development, Curriculum Development, Comparative Education
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Japan; Montana; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A