Present Situation and Problems of Technology Education in Japan: With Focusing on Technology Education as General Education

Abstract

This paper summarized the present situation and problems of technology education in Japan, particularly focused on technology education in general education. It was shown that technology education was carried out for a variety of purposes depending on grade and age. On the other hand, it was shown that technology education as general education is limited to the "Technology" of junior high school "Technology & Home Economics". The study of "Technology" in junior high school covered the basic elements of engineering. In addition, "Technology" was placed on the roles of character formation as well as academic achievement. This paper also discussed the problems related to technology education in general education in Japan in light of international comparisons and the present situation. It was shown that the amount of time dedicated to technology education in Japan was extremely small by international standards.