A Study of Pedagogical Theories of Shigematsu TakayasuBefore World War Ⅱ

This paper examines the pedagogical theories of SHIGEMATSU Takayasu before WWII. He is one of the educators who created the Course of Study for social studies in the elementary school in 1947. This study analyzed his theories in his writings from 1938 to 1944. The main results are as follows: (1) In his model, it is important for teachers to focus on the realities of education as teachers with a prag- matic approach to education contextualize and provide solutions to real-life issues and problems: This education philosophy and approach is inherently important for all people in Japan. (2) He claimed the importance of educational contents that include the agenda against the conflicts in reality. Specifically, this means the teachers should manage arising conflicts together with the children. (3) He espoused a scientific approach to research in education, with the idea originating from the Society for the Study of the Science of Education, in which he had been a member since its inception. He tried to discern the reality in schools by using an empirical approach, instead of a subjective and philosophical one