Empowering High School Students with Negotiation Skills Through Business Education

Fostering Skills in Young Minds through Business Contests

In an innovative approach to education, the Teenage Business Association (一般社団法人ティーンエイジャービジネス協会) has initiated a collaboration with BizTrain (株式会社ビジトレ) to enhance entrepreneurial literacy among high school students. This effort kicked off with an engaging workshop at Kanda Women's Academy Middle and High School, aimed at teaching students essential business concepts while fostering camaraderie.

The Kickoff Event

The recent workshop was designed to provide a hands-on experience of what business entails and to encourage students to engage and learn about each other as they prepare for an upcoming business contest. Utilizing a board game format, the event was interactive and allowed students to immerse themselves in activities that highlighted the core elements of business, including negotiation and decision-making.

Over the span of 90 minutes, students actively participated in exercises that illustrated the importance of negotiation skills, showcasing their ability to think critically and plan ahead. Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. One remarked, "This was my first experience with negotiation, and it was enlightening!" Another noted, "I realized how crucial it is to look beyond the immediate situation and foresee potential challenges." Many students expressed how, despite initial difficulties, they gradually adapted and improved through teamwork and creativity.

Insights from Educators

Teachers present at the workshop echoed the sentiments of the students. They noted that understanding the present situation is just as important as anticipating future events. One educator shared, "While we designed this for high school students, I can see how these insights and methods could benefit middle school career education and inquiry-based learning as well." The emphasis on practical experience and reflection in the classroom is a significant step in modern educational methods.

BizTrain’s Educational Offerings

BizTrain is committed to providing dynamic and flexible educational programs that align with career education and inquiry-based learning initiatives. They cater to a range of group sizes, from a minimum of three to a maximum of a hundred participants, ensuring that various educational environments can benefit from their workshops.

They primarily aim to serve schools in the metropolitan area, including various elementary and high schools. In 2025, they have already achieved successful partnerships with institutions like Izumi Elementary School in Komae City and Kanda Women's Academy.

Conclusion

Through such initiatives, the Teenage Business Association and BizTrain are not only developing critical skills in high school students but also nurturing a sense of community and collaboration. As these young individuals prepare for their future careers, the lessons learned today will undoubtedly be valuable assets in their personal and professional lives. By investing in their education and providing real-world experiences, we can help shape the next generation of innovative thinkers and leaders.