UH Manoa College of Education Curriculum Research & Development Group staff member wins nationwide selection for fellowship in Japan

HONOLULU - Suzanne Acord, head of the social studies section at the College of Education‘s Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, is one of twenty teachers from the U.S. and Canada who was selected for an eleven-day study tour of Japan. The Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs), in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), is sponsoring the fellowship which will take place from June 29 to July 11.

The fellowship will enable teachers to learn first-hand about contemporary Japanese society in order to enhance their classroom teaching of global perspectives. For consideration, Acord submitted a letter of support from the school; a letter explaining her desire to participate; and a lesson plan, utilizing the knowledge she gains from the experience, which she will teach upon her return.

Acord, who also teaches 10th grade world history at the UH Laboratory School, said, "Our section seeks to create quality curriculum materials on Asia and the Pacific. I have worked as part of a team on three curriculum projects involving historical and contemporary Japan, but this will be my first time gaining practical experience in Japan."

During the educational excursion, the group will spend time in Tokyo, touring major industrial and corporate facilities; meeting with key business leaders, government officials, educators, and business people; visiting schools; having discussions with teachers and students; and experiencing a home stay with a Japanese family. Participants will also visit a city outside of Tokyo.