#Japan #Tokyo #Study Valley #TimeTact #inquiry learning

TimeTact Split Step: Bridging Inquiry Learning and Career Development

Introduction
In today's rapidly shifting job market, the ability to seamlessly connect educational achievements with career opportunities is crucial. Study Valley, a Tokyo-based company, has recently launched an innovative service, "TimeTact Split Step," aimed at helping university students leverage their high school inquiry-based learning experiences as they navigate the complexities of the professional world.

This new service addresses the urgent need for a systematic method to visualize and utilize the non-cognitive skills acquired during high school, thus facilitating a more informed career choice among students. TimeTact Split Step allows users to maintain their personal growth records, dubbed "Career Passports," and enhances their connections to potential internships matching their skills.

Background and Challenges

The Importance of Non-Cognitive Skills

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry defines essential core competencies as comprising three key abilities: the ability to take initiative, to think critically, and to work collaboratively. These skills are paramount for thriving in the modern workforce. Inquiry-based learning, now a compulsory part of the high school curriculum, fosters these competencies through a hands-on learning process where students identify questions, collect and analyze information, and collaborate to derive answers.

Despite the inherent value of these skills, their recognition in higher education and career readiness has been limited, primarily being acknowledged only during entrance examinations. High school graduates often find themselves unprepared to demonstrate these capabilities in the workforce, leading to a gap in confidence and capability as they transition to university and beyond.

Changing Industrial Structures and Career Decision-Making

The rise of AI and the acceleration of digital transformation are rapidly altering industry structures, making it increasingly difficult for students to identify the specific roles that align with their skills and interests. Students face uncertainty as they are pressed to make career choices without a clear understanding of how their strengths align with industry demands.

Moreover, many university students engage in part-time jobs primarily for financial reasons. According to research by the Japan Student Services Organization, a significant percentage of students opt for employment based solely on wage considerations rather than alignment with their majors or career aspirations. This misalignment often leaves students feeling lost regarding their future pathways after graduation.

Features of TimeTact Split Step

Visualizing and Validating Core Competencies

TimeTact Split Step serves as a bridge that connects the skills attained during high school with actionable steps taken in university. By utilizing data from the TimeTact platform—such as students' inquiry activities, self-assessments, peer evaluations, and earned badges—students can visualize their non-cognitive abilities and core competencies on their profiles. This visual representation substantiates students' capabilities in ways beyond conventional academic metrics, thereby providing a more holistic validation of their readiness for the real world.

AI-Driven Internship Matching

With an AI engine analyzing accumulated interest and skill data, TimeTact Split Step recommends tailored internships and project opportunities in companies seeking proactive individuals equipped with inquiry skills. This personalized matching allows students to gain hands-on experience aligned with their strengths, while employers can identify and engage with talented candidates early in their career journeys.

Seamless Career Passport Integration

One of the most notable features of TimeTact Split Step is the ability for students to retain their TimeTact accounts as they transition from high school to university. This continuity ensures that their cumulative learning and inquiry achievements are seamlessly integrated into a comprehensive portfolio, which can enhance their credibility and preparedness during job searches.

Comment from Study Valley CEO Yuuki Tanaka

"The power gained through inquiry-based learning directly correlates with the core competencies demanded by society. Current systems reset valuable data with high school graduation, leaving students to restart their search for their vocational fit during college. TimeTact Split Step ensures that the efforts students put into their inquiries are not wasted, connecting them effectively to the social landscape. Our goal is to empower youth to navigate their futures with hope and direction by utilizing the skills they have developed throughout their educational journeys."

Conclusion
TimeTact Split Step stands as a pioneering solution that bridges the gap between education and professional life, offering students an invaluable opportunity to make meaningful career choices based on their unique skills and interests. As our workforce evolves, services like TimeTact will be essential in preparing the next generation for success.

For more information, visit the Study Valley website or their blog.
For inquiries, contact: Study Valley (Support Team)
Email: [email protected]