Navigating English Policy and Practice in Japan’s Primary Schools

Name: Navigating English Policy and Practice in Japan’s Primary Schools
Price: 241.14 AUD
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ISBN: 9781836681519

Peter Ferguson

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Hardback

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English

Multilingual Matters
16 September 2025

ELT: teaching theory & methods; Educational strategies & policy; Primary & middle schools

Series: Early Language Learning in School Contexts

This book investigates recent changes in language education policy and the implementation of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Japan’s public elementary schools. Through interviews with policymakers, school principals and elementary school teachers, it examines the challenges in creating, transmitting and applying this new language policy. It reveals not only the contents of language policy documents, but the political and socioeconomic rationale for introducing EFL into Japan’s national curriculum. This book will aid understanding of various macro-level discourses, such as progressive and conservative views of schooling in Japan and how globalization has affected attitudes toward English education. It will be of interest to researchers in language policy and planning, second language acquisition, second language teacher education and Japanese studies.

By: Peter Ferguson
Imprint: Multilingual Matters
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 15mm
Weight: 470g
ISBN: 9781836681519
ISBN 10: 1836681518
Series: Early Language Learning in School Contexts
Pages: 195
Publication Date: 16 September 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction: Ethnographic Insights into Elementary English Language Policy in Japan Chapter 1. Language Classrooms: Competing Ideologies on Language, Culture and Identity Chapter 2. The Politics of Policy Formulation: Acceptance and Resistance Chapter 3. The Players: MEXT, the Board of Education and Schools Chapter 4. Policy or How the Ministry of Education Controls Language Learning Chapter 5. The Role of Textbooks Chapter 6. Teachers Bringing English Language Policies to Life Chapter 7. English Lessons Reimagined: Making Policy More Meaningful for Young Learners Conclusion

Peter Ferguson is Associate Professor of Languages and Education at Kindai University, Japan. Following 30 years as a language teacher in Japan, his work explores educational linguistics, language policies, English education for young learners and language teacher education.

Reviews for Navigating English Policy and Practice in Japan’s Primary Schools

Employing multiple case study methods, Ferguson colorfully illustrates and critically examines how social structure, power and ideologies shape policy implementation, focusing on English education in Japanese elementary schools. Presented with conceptual clarity and accessible language, the study offers valuable global insights and profound implications for understanding educational reforms. * Yuko Goto Butler, University of Pennsylvania, USA *