Christian Education and Nursery School and Kindergarten Teacher Training Based on a Survey Over Three Consecutive Years

-Abstract-　From 2004 to 2017 about 600 nursery school andkindergarten teachers have graduated from Niijima Gakuen Junior College, atwo-year college in Japan. The course is the only nursery school andkindergarten teacher... [ view full abstract ]

-Abstract-

　From 2004 to 2017 about 600 nursery school andkindergarten teachers have graduated from Niijima Gakuen Junior College, atwo-year college in Japan. The course is the only nursery school andkindergarten teacher training course in Gunma prefecture that is based onChristian values. The purpose of this paper is to think about the future directionof the college’s Department of Community Childhood Studies and appropriatecurriculum development.

　For three consecutiveyears from 2015 to 2017, a survey was conducted about the importance ofChristian values and their importance in the community. The survey was done eachJanuary, the end of the academic year. The questionnaire targeted 161 sophomorestudents. 44 students participated in 2016, 56 students in 2016, and 61students in 2017. The questionnaire consisted of six multiple-choice questionswith answers based on a one-to-six scale, and one open-ended question to whichstudents responded freely.

　An analysis of the surveys reveals that, in general, the average in 2017 was lower than in 2015 and 2016. The main reason for the decline could be due to high enrollment, which was over the department’s capacity. Because of the over-enrollment, faculty members could not cherish each individual student, and it might have impacted the decline.

-Key Words-

Expertise in Early Childhood Education and Care ・ Mind education ・ Cherish each individual ・ Attitude toward lifelong learning