THE ROOTS OF JAPANESE EDUCATIONAL-ACHIEVEMENT - HELPING CHILDREN DEVELOP BONDS TO SCHOOL

This article argues that Japanese schools succeed in promoting student s' academic achievement because they meet children's human needs, ther eby promoting strong, positive, emotional bonds between child and scho ol. Based on the author's research and other sources, nine qualities o f Japanese elementary education are outlined that make Japanese elemen tary schools extraordinarily responsive to children's needs for belong ing, contribution and competence.