Abstract
The objective of this report is to examine the background behind, and grasp the present situation of and issues for, reduced class sizes for home economics classes in Tokyo high schools. This was accomplished through analysis of Tokyo High School Home Economics Education Research Committee (THR) activity reports (1966~2013), and by interviewing teaching staff. In 2015, in order to gauge the present circumstances and issues concerning reduced class sizes home economics teachers were mailed questionnaires and 73 responses were attained. The following was discovered. Reduced class sizes for home economics classes in Tokyo high schools has been progressively implemented and developed due to continued petitions and requests from the THR based on generational issues in home economics classes and through proven success of the initiative. Furthermore, a 2015 survey on reduced class sizes showed that its implementation prevents home economics credits being lowered and helps limit reduction of full-time teachers of home economics. 87.7% of home economics teachers that experienced class size reduction reported that it was ‘good’ because it encourages active learning. However, there is significant variation in the understanding of class size reduction amongst teachers. Therefore, teacher training in this initiative remains an issue.
