Navigating English Policy and Practice in Japan’s Primary Schools

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.

• AcknowledgmentsNote on Name ConventionsIntroduction: Ethnographic Insights into Elementary English Language Policy in JapanChapter 1. Language Classrooms: Competing Ideologies on Language, Culture and IdentityChapter 2. The Politics of Policy Formulation: Acceptance and ResistanceChapter 3. The Players: MEXT, the Board of Education and Schools Chapter 4. Policy or How the Ministry of Education Controls Language LearningChapter 5. The Role of TextbooksChapter 6. Teachers Bringing English Language Policies to LifeChapter 7. English Lessons Reimagined: Making Policy More Meaningful for Young LearnersConclusionAppendicesReferencesIndex

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.