A Study on the Foundation of Modern Time Structure in the Primary Schools in Meiji Era Nagano

1996 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary

• Project/Area Number: 07610236
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Educaion
• Research Institution: The University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: MIZUMOTO Noriaki The University of Tsukuba, Institute of Education, Assistant Professor, 教育学系, 講師 (90239260)
• Project Period (FY): 1995 – 1996
• Keywords: MEIJI / MODERNITY / TIME / SCHOOL / SCHOOL EVENT / HOLIDAYS AND VACATIONS

Research Abstract

In this study I investigate the foundation of modern time structure in Hino Primary school in Meiji Era Nagano on three aspects.
1 The cycle and rhythm of time. There was a continuous contradiction between the modern school time and the traditional custom. The calender year had been more important for the school than the school year (from April 1 to the end of March) until late Meiji.
2 School entrance age and garde system. In the early years of Meiji Era, school entrance was officially restricted to twice or once a year, but children entered a primary school various day. Until the end of the Meiji 20's the flexibility of school entrance age and school entrance day had been disappeared. The examination for promotion was abolished in 1900 and actually year-grade system was established after that.
3 Time management. In the last half of Meiji Era the school time came to be managed more instructively. For example primary school children were given a schedule and homework during the summer vacation, and the day for checking the homework was set up during the vacation when the children had to attend school.