ABSTRACT

This detailed ethnographic study of fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms offers new insights into Japanese culture, as many aspects of daily social life are embedded in the educational system. Additionally, this book provides new perspectives on educational reform in the U.S., since many current issues and programs focus on notions of community, collaboration, and systemic reform, all of which are central to understanding Japanese teaching-learning processes in schools.

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|28 pages

Setting the Stage

chapter 5|57 pages

Two Classrooms, Two Realities

chapter 6|46 pages

Classroom Instruction

chapter 7|30 pages

Equality and Equity

The Japanese Case

chapter 8|22 pages

Conclusion