#Japan #Tokyo #inquiry learning #Mitsubishi Foundation #IGS Program

IGS's Inquiry-Based Learning Program for Teachers

The Institution for a Global Society (IGS) has proudly announced its acceptance into the Mitsubishi Mirai Foundation's grant program for the 2025 fiscal year. This initiative aims to support teachers in fostering inquiry-based learning that transcends subject boundaries. The program, officially named “Support Program for Teachers: Subject x Inquiry,” will focus on empowering educators to experience the joy of inquiry firsthand. The funding will commence from July 2025 through March 2026, with an extension expected through the 2027 fiscal year.

Background: The Growing Recognition of Inquiry in High School Education

In today’s VUCA world, there is an increasing demand for students to develop skills such as confronting unanswered questions, generating their own inquiries, and collaborating creatively. Although inquiry-based learning has become more popular, many educational settings still confine it to a limited scope, often isolated from regular subjects.

Recognizing these challenges, IGS believes that when teachers experience the excitement of inquiry within the disciplines, it transforms not only their teaching methods but also enhances the learning experiences of their students. This program aims to ignite educators' “heart engines,” encouraging them to deepen their understanding and, in turn, influence their colleagues and students positively.

Program Overview: From Experiences to Practical Outcomes

The “Support Program for Teachers: Subject x Inquiry” is tailored for middle and high school educators nationwide. It provides opportunities to boost their practical skills in integrating inquiry into their curricula. Key components include:

• - Experiencing Project-Based Learning (PBL): Participants will engage in activities where they assume both teacher and student roles to better understand the impacts of PBL.
• - Cross-Disciplinary Lesson Planning: Workshops where teachers design lessons that seamlessly incorporate inquiry while sharing ideas through discussions.
• - Assessment Tools: Participants will learn how to measure educational effectiveness using IGS's proprietary resources, including Ai GROW, which evaluates non-cognitive skills.

Key Program Features

• - Target Audience: Educators from middle and high schools as well as educational committees across Japan.
• - Capacity: A total of 200 educators will be accepted.
• - Duration: July 2025 to March 2026.
• - Format: In-person sessions across Tokyo, Osaka, and other locations, combined with online assessments.

Expected Outcomes and Future Projections

IGS anticipates that teachers who participate in this program will become key players in advancing inquiry-based learning within their communities. The aim is to cultivate a widespread culture of inquiry that enhances teaching and learning across disciplines.

IGS is committed to sustaining this program over the next three years with support from the Mitsubishi Mirai Foundation, intertwining teacher and student efforts to realize more impactful, engaging educational experiences.

About Mitsubishi Mirai Foundation

Established in 2019 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Mitsubishi Group, the Mitsubishi Mirai Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the next generation. With an investment of 10 billion yen over ten years from 24 Mitsubishi companies, the Foundation supports various educational programs, reaching around 227,000 participants across 384 institutions by the end of the 2024 fiscal year.

About Institution for a Global Society (IGS)

IGS is an EdTech/HRTech company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, focused on visualizing non-cognitive skills essential for success from childhood to adulthood. It provides tools aimed at creating a more unified and sustainable society. IGS went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Mothers Market in December 2021.

For inquiries regarding the program or media coverage, please reach out as detailed below:

Contact Information

Program Inquiries: IGS Education Division, Email: [email protected], Phone: 03-6447-7151

Media Relations: IGS Brand Communication, Email: [email protected]

Mitsubishi Mirai Foundation: Website: Mitsubishi Mirai Foundation, Email: [email protected]