<論文>就学前教育における「学習意欲向上」への試み --米国のHighScopeプログラムを事例に--

Abstract

In this paper, we will focus on the problem of learning motivation at pre-primary education stage in Japan and aim to explore effective teaching methods to improve it. As a reference case, I will highlight the Highscope Perry Preschool Program (HighScope) in the USA, and clarify guidance policies, teaching methods and evaluation criteria that has involved in improving learning motivation in HighScope. Specifically, we will consider policy trends about pre-primary education in Japan to begin with. Next, we will discuss the contents, features and tasks of pre-primary education curriculum in Japan. Afterwards, we will introduce the outlines, features, effects, teaching methods and evaluation criteria of HighScope. Ultimately, we put forward suggestions on policy reform for improving learning motivation at pre-primary education stage in Japan. As a result of the analysis, we have clarified how to develop and evaluate learning motivation in HighScope. Firstly, HighScope was found to be effective at each educational stage from the perspective of lifelong learning. Secondly, looking at the contents of the curriculum at pre-primary education stage, items related to learning motivation are not set in "Course of Study for Kindergarten". Thirdly, regarding the evaluation, the "Course of Study for Kindergarten" stays within the general guidelines and detailed provisions concerning its evaluation means, teaching methods, and evaluation criteria are not given. Teaching and evaluation methods like HighScope could be expected to suggest policy reforms for improving learning motivation. Respecting the autonomy of children is also correspondent with the development of "Zest for Living" attracting attention in Japan. In order to solve these problems, it is also necessary to actually see the kindergartens, nursery schools, accredited kindergartens and obtain more practical knowledge from now on. I will focus on these subjects in the future.