Statistical literacy is complex and multifaceted. In every country, education and numeracy are a function of a multitude of factors including culture, history, and societal norms. Nevertheless, since the launch of the International Statistical Poster Competition (ISLP) in 1994, a number of patterns have emerged to suggest there are some common or…

Genuine worldwide movements for social change are rare in human history. Even more rare is the phenomenon of a worldwide movement for social change through art, with teaching artists at the forefront. This article presents the evolution of such a movement now, in the global blossoming of "El Sistema," a program that seeks to change the…

The English language is significant to the internationalisation of higher education worldwide. Countries in Asia are proactive in appropriating English for their national interests, while paying attention to associated national cultural identity issues. This article examines the ways in which the role of English is interpreted and justified in…

In its first decade (2001-2010) the OER movement has been carried by numerous relevant and successful projects around the globe. These were sometimes large-scale but more often not, and they were primarily initiated by innovating educational institutions and explorative individual experts. What has remained, however, is the quest for a sustainable…

The evaluation of government-financed research has become increasingly important in the last few decades in terms of increasing the quality of, and payoff from, the research that is done, reducing the cost of doing it, and lending public credibility to the manner in which research is funded. But there are very large differences throughout the…

Robinson and Stern describe the Management Training Program introduced by the U.S. Air Force in postwar Japan and its effect on Japanese industry. Roberts compares it with U.S. Training within Industries. Umetani comments that the discussion would have been more convincing had its relationship with other Japanese training programs been addressed.…

Explores the state-of-the-art of Japanese information activities, detailing the comprehensive national plan Japan has developed. The volume of scientific and technological publications is discussed: monographs and technical reports briefly, and periodicals in more depth, including subject areas, language of publication, and accessibility to…

Discusses the reform of the foster care system in Japan. Considers the reasons for reform, the former problems of the foster care system, the major points of the reform, and the "special adoption" system. (RJC)

The authors summarize the presentations and discussions contributed to the symposium "International Perspectives on Career Development" by members of Group 5, who considered the topic of the structure and organization of career development programs in different nations. A capsule picture of the national setting, primary goals,…

Describes Pennsylvania Research and Economics Partnership Network (PREPnet), which links research universities, Bell of Pennsylvania, and the State of Pennsylvania. Highlights include the U.S. communications and information infrastructure compared to other countries; and the need for national networks that will link higher education; business,…

Assesses the status and direction of Japan's approach to schooling. Questions the emphasis placed on rote learning and on attainment of high scores. Outlines potential themes and problems to examine for reforming Japanese schools. (ML)

Provides a historic overview of the development of outdoor education and conservation education in Japan. Outlines the current goals, program offerings, and facility designs of the national nature education resident centers. Also discusses user patterns and sets priorities for the future. (ML)

Japan is taking her place as a bastion of apparent linguistic stability. The basic concept used in this paper is "language correction." The assumption is that generative rules of language produce inadequate communicative acts that may be corrected through corrective rules. Japan in the last century has passed through a number of…

Presents an overview of the revised guidelines for kindergarten education and the syllabus for day-nurseries adopted in Japan in 1989 and 1990 to build a foundation for lifelong learning. Discusses the significance of the revisions in light of social and economic changes in Japan. Underscores the union of care and education in the day-nursery…

Discussion of information technology in Japan includes historical background, government-initiated movements for school reform backed by computer networks, and the introduction of an information technology course in senior high schools. Describes a nationwide open education project in Korea and the state of cyber universities supported by the…