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5 clusters · 10 sources · 16 days · First seen · Last updated

Inquiry-based learning initiatives in Japanese schools

Overview

Educational institutions in Japan are implementing various programs centered on inquiry-based learning and community engagement.

Elementary school students have participated in field trips to historical and scientific sites. At Nihon University Fujisawa Elementary School, fifth-grade students visited Kamakura to study the Kamakura period, while sixth-grade students visited the Miraikan and the National Diet Building to participate in a mock House of Councillors program. To encourage cross-grade interaction, Seto SOLAN Academy has reorganized fourth and fifth-grade students into theme-based groups, focusing on innovation through cross-disciplinary thinking, such as creating products from vegetable waste.

At the secondary level, high schools and junior high schools continue to host specialized inquiry programs. Funabashi Gakuen Toyo High School conducted a poster tour where students investigated the connection between university research and contemporary social issues. Additionally, Kitasato University Junten Junior and Senior High School organized a science inquiry trip for seventh-grade students, which included geological observations, trekking at the Hoei crater, and hands-on activities in forest and farm environments.

Recent developments show a shift toward professional development and systemic implementation through educational seminars. IGS is scheduled to hold a seminar on November 30 to explore school management and training design aimed at enhancing ‘teacher agency’ and the realization of appropriate evaluations. Furthermore, Inspire High, the Shibuya City Board of Education, and Sasazuka Junior High School will host a seminar on October 27, 2026, regarding the ‘Shibuya Future Studies’ initiative.

Expanding these efforts, Tokai University and Tokyo City University held a joint seminar focused on research human resource development, discussing the management of research through to social implementation. Meanwhile, Fukuyama University hosted an interim presentation session for 9th-grade students from Sosei Gakuen, where 61 students presented individual inquiry projects to university faculty for professional guidance.

Entities

Sasazuka Junior High School · National Diet Building · Sosei Gakuen · Tokai University · Funabashi Gakuen Toyo High School

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Japanese universities hold research and student inquiry seminars

    Japanese academic institutions Tokai University, Tokyo City University, and Fukuyama University held events focused on research development and student inquiry partnerships.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Japan educational seminars to focus on teacher agency and inquiry-based learning

    Upcoming Japanese educational seminars will focus on enhancing teacher agency and implementing inquiry-based learning initiatives, such as Shibuya City’s ‘Shibuya Future Studies’ program.

  3. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Japanese schools conduct student inquiry and field programs

    Japanese schools conducted student inquiry programs, including a high school poster tour on social issues and a junior high school science field trip involving geological and biological exploration.

  4. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Japanese elementary schools conduct field trips and inquiry learning

    Japanese elementary students engaged in diverse educational activities, including historical field trips to Kamakura and the National Diet Building, and new theme-based inquiry learning.

  5. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Japanese students present research at educational summits and open schools

    Students in Japan are participating in educational summits and open schools to present research on inquiry-based learning, community well-being, and regional development.

Sources

fuji-ichiritsu.jp · fujisawa.es.nihon-u.ac.jp · fukuyama-u.ac.jp · ict-enews.net · junten.ed.jp · prtimes.jp · seto-solan.ed.jp · shiroi-match.jp · tokai-sports.com · toyohs.ed.jp

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history