Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Contents of school education are defined by curriculum standards in each country or territory. Though it is not easy to meet all the demands, the standards are based on years of discussions, therefore, the standards indicate what all teachers should know; we already have the answer. On the other hand, there are difficulties teachers face in teaching astronomy. Based on papers and interviews with teachers about their work in Japanese classrooms, I will present what general teachers in Japan want to know about astronomy for their teaching work. The presentation focuses on primary and lower secondary education because many teachers in the levels are not always well versed in astronomy, therefore, what they want to know indicates what all teachers should know from the perspective of teachers.

About Tomita Akihiko

Graduated from Faculty of Science, Kyoto University, March 1991; Master Course of astronomy, School of Science, Kyoto University, March 1993; Doctor Course of astronomy, School of Science, Kyoto University, March 1996; Post-doc fellow, Institute of Astronomy, University of Tokyo until March 1997; from April 1997, Faculty of Education, Wakayama University, from April 2020, professor of Faculty of Education, Wakayama University. Contact person of Universe Awareness Japan.

Watch a recording of this talk (external link)