Development of the GeoCapabilities project in Japan: furthering international debate on the GeoCapabilities approach. Issue 3 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, H.; Yamamoto, R.; Ito, N.; Shimura, T.
• Is Part Of: International research in geographical and environmental education. Volume 29:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Curriculum making -- educational reform -- GeoCapabilities -- geography teachers -- powerful disciplinary knowledge (PDK); Environmental education -- Periodicals; Geography -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 333.707
• DOI: 10.1080/10382046.2020.1749768
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1038-2046

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, in the interests of international debate, we introduce a Japan version of the GeoCapabilities project. In Japan, the current revision of the National Curriculum indicates that Geography will again become a compulsory subject in senior high schools. However, some unfavourable situations for the new compulsory subject still remain: such as the continuing shortage of geography specialist teachers. The GeoCapabilities approach can respond in new way to the situations facing Japanese geography education. The Japanese GeoCapabilities team was established in 2016, including teacher educators and teachers. Teachers themselves cooperate with teacher educators to create vignettes that involve "powerful disciplinary knowledge" (PDK). The project encourages teachers to embrace their role as the curriculum makers.