Shirabe-Gakushu: A Japanese Trial of Resource-Based Teaching in Large Classes

Abstract

Shirabe-Gakushu, a Japanese version of information skills instruction through resourcebased teaching, is introduced as an effective and economical teaching method to establish habits of free voluntary reading, independent study, and critical thinking among schoolchildren in large classes. The theory, planning methods, procedures, and actual practices are explained in detail. Also described in the article is a successful case of Shirabe-Gakushu implemented as an experimental project at Seishin Primary School in Sagamihara City, Japan.