[Session 1] Introduction “Course Description”
- Preface -

Education is defined as an activity to develop humans as species into humans as a member of society. As zoologist Adolf Portmann pointed out in his theory of “premature birth,” the human should be born about one year later than is actually the case. Humans seem to be born much earlier than other mammals.

While other animals can walk on their own just after birth, humans are born helpless and may die without protection of parents. Thus, there could be a significant difference between humans according to the way they are brought up. Without education, human beings cannot be humans in the true sense of the word. The case of Kamala and Amala, girls brought up by wolves, indicates how much impact the way children are brought up has on the way they grow up, although William Ogburn’s investigation[1] eroded the credibility of the story.

Tadpoles become frogs by the providence of nature even if they are left alone. However, human children do not develop a well-rounded character when care or attention is not provided. Education is indispensable for children to proceed from the stage of animals to that of humans. It is premature birth that offers children a great possibility. Since grown-ups are able to instruct themselves, only humans can choose ways to live on. Lessons about Humans (Kokudo-sha, 1973) is a work of Takeji Hayashi[2], an educational philosopher, who had urged people to think about ways of life and ideal education by demonstrating lessons across the nation. This book involves a message strong enough to give pride and a sense of urgency to professionals engaged in education.

In this course, let’s deepen our ideas concerning education. Basic matters which you may have already studied in the teacher-training courses are to be reviewed. Then we can restore our pride and confidence in teaching as professionals in education.。

The assignment for Session 1 is to understand the syllabus well. When you have questions about how to obtain credits or about the way of learning, solve them by asking a lecturer individually or posting public questions on the discussion board, if you think it is something that other participants should know about. By following this procedure, you will learn how to submit Assignment 2. At first, find where the syllabus is and read it well. Ask questions and make requests without reservation.

Next, post a brief self-introduction or your plans, goals, concerns, expectations, and/or requests, on the discussion board just before starting this course, as proof of your having read the content (You are asked to post comments in every session: Assignments 2-4).

Note: [1] “5 Links” in the table of contents in the left column of this page includes a link to a site “a myth of girls brought up by wolves (by the “Inchiki”(Fake) Psychology Research Laboratory)”
Note: [2] When he was the President of Miyagi University of Education he traveled nationwide on foot to demonstrate his lessons about humans, insisting children have immense potential, and that teachers have to develop it. He became famous for this pilgrimage. An NHK program, “Pilgrimage of lessons: what philosopher Takeji Hayashi had left (NHK ETV8, broadcast on February 15, 1988)” is impressive viewing. How about holding a video show? Reference: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Takeji Hayashi. (Japanese only)