EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM & PRACTICE IN JAPAN

46	“VII Cooperation between School and Local Community”	Previous	Next	JAPANESE

	It is repeatedly said that school curriculums should be relevant to the actual conditions and characteristics of communities as evidenced by the new Curriculum Council and the new Course of Study. Specifically, during the period of integrated study, schools are required to make use of the characteristics, resources and educational functions of communities in such aspects as (1) learning subjects relevant to the characteristics of communities; (2) promoting experiences in society such as experience of nature, and volunteer and learning activities such as field trips and field studies; (3) integrating guidance systems in cooperation with community members and (4) actively using teaching materials about local communities and learning environments. It is premised that school staff understand the actual conditions of communities where schools are located and they reside, and that they can explain such characteristics through organization of school curriculums relevant to the actual conditions and characteristics of communities. Schools are also required to solicit information about local natural environments, social environments, facilities and talent in the local communities as well as the everyday life of children. It is possible to make use of Local Education Liaison Councils to get such information.