The Influence of the Compilation of "Rikai-no-mokuhyo (Objectives of Understanding)" (1947) on Elementary School Science Education Reform in Post-War Japan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify how the "Rikai-no-mokuhyo (Objectives of Understanding)" compiled by the Science Advisory Committee influenced elementary school science education reform in Post-war Japan. Through the study of documentary records, the following results were reached: (1) In the lower grades, "Rikai-no-mokuhyo" was composed of forty scientific concepts (upper concepts) in three fields: "living things", "the sky and the ground", and "machines and tools". In the upper grades, "Rikai-no-mokuhyo" was consisted of sixty-three scientific concepts (upper concepts) in above three fields, plus the field of "health". (2) Although "Rikai-no-mokuhyo" was different in terms of the school year grades and the content areas, it was compiled with reference to "Rika-no-hon (Science Book)" (1947) by the Ministry of Education, "Science for the Elementary School Teacher" (1940) by Gerald Spellman Craig, and "A course of study in elementary science, Spokane Public Schools" (1943). (3) The curriculum for elementary school science handed down by the Ministry of Education in February 1949 was compiled not on the basis of "Course of Study-Science (tentative plan)" (1947), but on the basis of "Rikai-no-mokuhyo". (4) The objectives for the elementary school science curriculum developed by the boards of education of Kagawa and Nagano prefecture were almost entirely based on "Rikai-no-mokuhyo". (5) The compilation of "Rikai-no-mokuhyo" not only clarified standards for elementary school science textbooks and curricula, but also fostered the democratic editing of science texts and curricula in local regions.