#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Mirai #School Management #Code Takt

Understanding Psychological Safety in Education

As school absentee rates continue to rise, establishing a secure learning environment has never been more critical. A recent study by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology revealed that over 353,970 students in Japan were classified as absent from school in the past year alone. In response to this alarming trend, the Ministry has initiated various programs, including the COCOLO Plan, aimed at providing inclusive education solutions to prevent school absenteeism. A key initiative under this plan is the establishment of diversified educational institutions known as “learning diversity schools.” One such school is Tokyo Mirai Junior High School, which opened its doors in 2024 under the auspices of the Sanko Gakuen Educational Foundation.

Tokyo Mirai Junior High School has adopted the “School Takt” cloud-based teaching support system developed by Code Takt. This system is designed to improve students' psychological safety by reimagining traditional education methods and embracing innovative technologies. Together with the school's educators, the case study aims to illuminate how an inclusive and psychologically safe environment can be built, while focusing on removing barriers to learning through effective use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology).

Key Highlights from Tokyo Mirai’s Journey

Real-Time Learning Tracking and Self-Selection

One of the significant practices introduced at Tokyo Mirai is the real-time monitoring of students' learning conditions. Teachers can view students' progress from various learning settings—be it the classroom, home, or a different location—at a glance. This allows for personalized pacing in learning and incorporates diverse output formats, such as four-panel comics. Students can effectively choose the mode of learning that best suits their needs, which enhances their autonomy and engagement.

Minimizing Physical Strain with Technology

Another essential practice is the provision of real-time information-sharing regarding class notes. Students who struggle with switching their focus between a distant whiteboard and their tablet can benefit from accessing board notes directly on their devices. This alleviates visual strain and enables them to concentrate better on their studies.

Fostering Confidence with Anonymity

The School Takt system also includes an anonymous mode for participation, which allows students to voice their opinions without the fear of drawing undue attention. This gives students the chance to share their thoughts openly and gradually build their self-esteem in a safe environment.

Archive of Learning Materials

To address the anxiety associated with learning gaps due to absenteeism, the school provides access to an archive of past class notes and learning progress. This feature reassures students that they can catch up easily and reinforces a sense of belonging in the learning community.

Goals of the Initiative

Tokyo Mirai Junior High School’s leadership envisions a supportive and understanding atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of preemptively addressing school absenteeism. The knowledge and insights gathered from their innovative practices can serve as a vital resource for municipalities and educators seeking to improve support for students facing similar challenges. This initiative emphasizes the commitment to not leaving any child behind in education.

Open for Collaboration

The case study is intended to benefit various stakeholders, including:

• - Educators and policymakers aiming to modernize absenteeism support systems.
• - Teachers seeking to develop inclusive classroom management practices.
• - Educational professionals interested in enhancing students' psychological safety through ICT applications.

By promoting the insights from their successful programs, Tokyo Mirai Junior High School is paving the way for a more inclusive and secure educational landscape. The strategies outlined bridge the gap between traditional educational methods and modern technological advancements, creating a nurturing space for all students to thrive.

About School Takt

"School Takt" is an innovative teaching support platform that leverages AI to visualize collaborative learning in real-time. It operates smoothly on low-speed internet and is equipped with features tailored to support each student’s learning journey, lightening teachers' workloads while still fostering engagement in any educational setting. Having been recognized by various government bodies, the platform has been adopted in over 2,500 institutions across Japan. For additional details, visit School Takt.

Conclusion

Through its dedication to enhancing psychological safety in educational environments, Tokyo Mirai Junior High School stands as a beacon of hope for students facing challenges in their academic journeys. By harnessing the power of technology and innovative practices, they are not only meeting current educational needs but are also setting a precedent for future learning environments.