The unit “Neighborhood Studies «MIJIKA NA CHIIKI»” in the junior high school geography curriculum has played on important role in the study of geographical methodology and approach such as in the interpretation of maps and data. It also contributes to the development of intellectual concepts and social understandings.
The purpose of this paper is to examine the tentative curriculum plan focusing on the unit “Neighborhood Studies”, on the premise that it is useful as described above.
In the study of Japanese regional geography, this unit has much to recommend itself as the central and initial unit. Firstly, the geographical approach, cocepts and methodology learnt from this unit can be applied to other units. Secondly, the values that the students have learnt from this unit will form the basis for study in other units.
These two points can be clearly seen from auther's experiences. As a result, he is proposing a tentative curriculum plan focusing on this unit. The outline of which is described below.
1) To incorporate of Japanese geography curriculum in the Social Studies course structure on the basis of the “Synthesis” point of view.
2) To combine methodological studies with ploblem solving skills in this unit.
3) To plan lessons where the students can positively apply in other units what they have learnt from this unit and thier personal experiences.
4) To modify other units in Japanese geography curriculum from topographical studies to theme studies.
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