Research and Development of Next-Generation Educational Models in Japan

‘Research and Development of Next-Generation Educational Models in Japan’ Project (hereinafter called “the Project”) has been established to develop new educational models through its three-year operation during 2015–2017, with the cooperation of Tokyo Gakugei University, the OECD, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and The University of Tokyo, as a part of ’Japan/ OECD Joint Initiative Project "New Educational Model 2030."’

Installation spirit, history and goals

In Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has been aiming to foster ‘solid academic ability’, ‘well-rounded character’, and ‘health and physical strength’ in a balanced manner, setting the goal of fostering a ‘zest for life’ since the 1998 Course of Study. Efforts have been undertaken for numerous achievements, including the improvement of results in PISA since 2006. Nevertheless, various problems remain: confusion over what should be fostered as abilities to think and to judge, and a wide variation of teaching ability in the Period for Integrated Studies and moral education. Based on the achievements and problems, reforms for better education have continued at the policy level (e.g., revision of the Course of Study) and at the field level (e.g., emphasis on active learning).

These facts engender the idea that school education in Japan is a leading example of the development of cross-subject skills and character that is necessary for future education. Analyzing what and how they are fostered at educational sites in Japan and what problems come to light there will contribute greatly to the vision of education in Education 2030 that the OECD embraces.

"New Educational Model 2030," with cooperation between Japan and the OECD, develops new educational models to foster qualities and abilities to meet children’s future needs. Sharing educational models with other countries that have common problems, it aims to contribute to school education reform in each country. As a part of the project, Japan and the OECD jointly conduct investigation and research of educational methods as well as of a variety of know-how data that the OECD possesses, designating Tokyo Gakugei University as the main body of the Japanese side. In this way, we expect to produce results contributing to educational reform at school sites. In addition, with an eye toward the new Course of Study that will be newly revised, we reconstruct and reorganize educational goals, contents, and methods transcending subjects from a perspective of qualities and abilities that should be fostered. At the same time, we aim to construct new class systems with educational and class models.