“Soaking ” Model for Learning: Analyzing Japanese Learning/Teaching Process from a Socio-Historical Perspective

Analyzing how Japanese people learned in the Edo Period (1603-18670), one realizes that Japan had one of the highest literacy rates in the world in the 17th century. By studying this period, I will introduce traditional non-directive teaching and learning theories which still influence educational practices in today’s Japan. I will further propose that, although most people are not consciously aware of these ancient learning styles it is important to understand and recognize them when designing teaching/learning process