title: The educational philosophy of Sosaku Kobayashi

authors: Edwards, Alexander

abstract: This thesis discusses the educational philosophy of Sosaku Kobayashi, the principal and founder of Tomoe Gakuen, the innovative school featured in the novel Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window. It begins with an introduction to the novel and its author, situating Tomoe Gakuen within the broader context of early-20th-century Japanese education. After discussing the features of the progressive education movement, I then explore the key principles, values, and teaching style that Sosaku Kobayashi employs, as illustrated through the anecdotes in the novel, and the goals they are intended to achieve. Following this, I discuss how learner-centered education has influenced modern curricula worldwide since the Second World War and examine the ongoing dialogue between its detractors and advocates. This segues into a comparison between the learning philosophy of Sosaku Kobayashi and other prominent styles of progressive education, namely Montessori, Steiner, and outdoor-focused education. Finally, I explore what Kobayashi’s philosophy might have looked like had it developed into a broader educational movement and continued to flourish into the 21st century beyond Tomoe Gakuen.

text: The educational philosophy of Sosaku Kobayashi This thesis discusses the educational philosophy of Sosaku Kobayashi, the principal and founder of Tomoe Gakuen, the innovative school featured in the novel Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window. It begins with an introduction to the novel and its author, situating Tomoe Gakuen within the broader context of early-20th-century Japanese education. After discussing the features of the progressive education movement, I then explore the key principles, values, and teaching style that Sosaku Kobayashi employs, as illustrated through the anecdotes in the novel, and the goals they are intended to achieve. Following this, I discuss how learner-centered education has influenced modern curricula worldwide since the Second World War and examine the ongoing dialogue between its detractors and advocates. This segues into a comparison between the learning philosophy of Sosaku Kobayashi and other prominent styles of progressive education, namely Montessori, Steiner, and outdoor-focused education. Finally, I explore what Kobayashi’s philosophy might have looked like had it developed into a broader educational movement and continued to flourish into the 21st century beyond Tomoe Gakuen.

year: 2025

title: The political economy of a productivist agriculture: New Zealand dairy discourses

authors: Jay, Grace Mairi M.

subjects: agri-environmental practices

abstract: The New Zealand dairy industry faces political and commercial pressure to improve its environmental performance on the one hand while maintaining economic efficiency and commercial competitiveness in a global marketplace on the other.   The growing scale and intensity of dairy production have caused significant cumulative environmental impacts.  Productivist constructions of environmental improvement by the industry are an example of ecological modernisation by a large international agri-food organisation in the face of global trade competition and domestic political pressures. This paper explores the productivist constructions of environmental management by the New Zealand dairy industry in the context of global economic competition and notes an alternative response inspired by an ethic of sustainability.  It suggests that despite global pressures of economic competition it is possible to incorporate non-material values into farm management provided these are recognised and rewarded.

text: The political economy of a productivist agriculture: New Zealand dairy discourses The New Zealand dairy industry faces political and commercial pressure to improve its environmental performance on the one hand while maintaining economic efficiency and commercial competitiveness in a global marketplace on the other.   The growing scale and intensity of dairy production have caused significant cumulative environmental impacts.  Productivist constructions of environmental improvement by the industry are an example of ecological modernisation by a large international agri-food organisation in the face of global trade competition and domestic political pressures. This paper explores the productivist constructions of environmental management by the New Zealand dairy industry in the context of global economic competition and notes an alternative response inspired by an ethic of sustainability.  It suggests that despite global pressures of economic competition it is possible to incorporate non-material values into farm management provided these are recognised and rewarded.

year: 2006

title: Māori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2010

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Māori and Psychology Research Unit

abstract: Annual report of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2010. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

text: Māori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2010 Annual report of the Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2010. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

year: 2011