Rote Learning IDENTIFIERS *Japan

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 for implementing local measures; liaisons and cooperation schemes for municipalities and prefectures; and criteria for delivering and assessing learning programs and needs. Many local governments have also subsidized "model projects " that promote lifelong learning. Despite these fiscal investments, problems of local implementation, coordination between private and public sectors, reorganization of non-formal education, and lack of administration exist. To foster lifelong learning, elementary and secondary curricula have been reformed to emphasize problem-solving and independent thinking skills, as well as cultivate children's individual needs. However, attempts to reduce school hours to help students learn more with their families have largely failed due to double schooling, or participation in cram schools. Though parents disapprove of these schools, intense competition leaves no room for lax attitudes. As a result, behavioral problems such as truancy and bullying have arisen. The ideal educational system would foster a "zest for living " in an atmosphere where children can achieve "peace of mind, " working to eliminate borders between formal and non-formal education. Contains 12 references. (YKH