Empowering Students through Inquiry-Based Learning at TOSS Summer Seminar 2026

On August 2, 2026, the TOSS Summer Seminar will take place in a hybrid format at the Kawasaki City Convention Hall and online, aimed at educators and education professionals. Organized by the non-profit organization TOSS, led by Yoshiki Tani, this seminar will delve into the practical application of new curriculum guidelines in classrooms, focusing on developing the skills and abilities students need for the future.

The seminar not only emphasizes the significance of inquiry-based learning that encourages student autonomy but also discusses how educators can facilitate this process effectively. This is especially crucial as the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) underscores the importance of enhancing students' abilities to ask questions, gather and analyze information, and express their thoughts.

Throughout the event, participants will reflect on critical challenges in education, such as:
1. How to connect subject learning with inquiry-based education.
2. Strategies for drawing out and deepening students' questions.
3. Determining when to guide students and when to allow them autonomy.
4. Creating a collaborative learning environment that respects individual differences among students.

The seminar aims to demonstrate that inquiry learning isn't merely a hands-off approach but is grounded in solid subject knowledge and appropriate instructional strategies that promote student engagement and peer collaboration.

Features of TOSS Summer Seminar 2026

Starting in 2002, this seminar has become a pivotal training event for educators across various educational levels, from early childhood to high school. It typically attracts around 800 participants both online and in person, and the 2026 seminar promises to be equally impactful.

Bridging Education Policy and Daily Classroom Practice

In this seminar, participants will have the opportunity to explore actionable teaching strategies for integrating new curriculum guidelines into their daily instruction. This includes hands-on experiences modeled in a simulated classroom environment.

Learning from Actual Classroom Practices

Attendees will gain insights into effective questioning techniques, instruction, and methods for facilitating student discussions. Importantly, educators will learn how to merge subject knowledge with inquiry learning in practical, applicable ways.

Catering to a Wide Range of Education Levels

Educators from all sectors—including preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools—are encouraged to participate, fostering cross-educational collaboration and learning.

Hybrid Format with On-Demand Access

Scheduled for August 2, the live sessions will take place at the Kawasaki City Convention Hall and via Zoom. Additionally, there will be five courses with a total of 26 on-demand video lectures available from July 22, 2026, allowing participants to access content until March 31, 2027.

Simultaneous AI Education Awards Ceremony

Highlighting the integration of AI in education, the seminar will also feature the 4th AI Utilization in Education Awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding initiatives that leverage AI to enhance educational outcomes. This year saw an impressive submission count of 878 entries.

Notable Programs to Expect

- Essential Skills for Engaging Inquiry-Based Learning
- Teacher's Interpretation of Materials for Holistic Understanding
- World-Connecting Events for Students: An Insight
- Refining Teaching Techniques in Unified Class Settings
- Tailoring New Guidelines for Student Engagement
- Celebration of the 4th AI Education Awards

A detailed program overview can be found here.

Key Speakers

The seminar will feature prominent educators, including:

- Yoichi Mukoyama, TOSS Chief Advisor
- Yoshiki Tani, TOSS Representative and Professor at Tamagawa University Graduate School of Education
- Hiroyuki Hasegawa, TOSS Vice Representative and Middle School Teacher in Saitama Prefecture.

Seminar Overview and Logistics

In-Person Sessions

- Event Name: TOSS Summer Seminar 2026
- Theme: Making the New Curriculum Guidelines Work for Students: Grounded Inquiry-Based Learning
- Date and Time: August 2, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online)
- Venue: Kawasaki City Convention Hall, 2nd floor, Park City Musashi Kosugi The Garden Towers East
- Capacity: Approximately 800 participants (combined in-person and online)

Registration Fees

- In-Person Participation: Early Bird ¥19,000 (by July 31), Standard ¥22,000 (after August 1), Student Fee ¥9,000
- Online Participation: Early Bird ¥21,000, Standard ¥24,000, Student Fee ¥11,000
- Individual Video Lectures: ¥2,000 or discounted bundles available.

Registration Process

Interested participants can join the seminar by registering through:

- Hybrid Participation: Registration Link
- Video Lectures Only: Video Course Registration Link

About TOSS

TOSS stands for Teachers' Organization of Skill Sharing, dedicated to providing valuable education to all children. This organization specializes in developing teaching techniques and strategies that enhance classroom instruction and classroom management. TOSS operates an educational portal called TOSS Land, offering over 25,000 free educational resources including lesson plans and special education materials.

For more information about TOSS and its initiatives, visit TOSS Official Website.