#Japan #Tokyo #Study Valley #Asahi Shimbun #TimeTact

Introduction

Study Valley, an EdTech company headquartered in Edogawa, Tokyo, has announced a collaborative initiative with Asahi Shimbun, a major Japanese newspaper company. They are launching an innovative educational support program called the "Language Four Skills Practical Course" on their inquiry-based learning platform, "TimeTact." This program aims to strengthen language skills among high school students throughout Japan by utilizing insights and expertise gained from years of journalistic practice. Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry's subsidies will allow schools to adopt this program at no cost.

Background

In today's society, the ability to accurately comprehend information and communicate effectively is more crucial than ever. The four language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—are essential for fostering constructive dialogue and self-expression. With the introduction of mandatory inquiry-based learning in high schools from 2022, fostering these skills has become increasingly relevant. However, many educational institutions face challenges in designing effective lessons and managing their teachers' workloads.

Highlights of the Program

The "Language Four Skills Practical Course" developed by Asahi Shimbun aims to empower students to thrive in contemporary society. The goals include:

• - Balanced Development: Integrating the four skills to cultivate self and other understanding as well as self-expression.
• - Content Overview: Each student will receive personal IDs to access the digital edition of Asahi Shimbun, engage with contemporary issues, and participate in newspaper workshops, enhancing their research and writing skills. A unique feature includes manuscript review by experienced journalists who provide valuable feedback from a professional perspective. Students will culminate their learning by producing their own newspapers based on their journalistic work.

Support from TimeTact

"TimeTact" operates as a dedicated cloud-based platform for inquiry-based learning, enhancing students' engagement and easing the administrative burdens faced by teachers. The development of this platform has been successful across more than 200 high schools in Japan, receiving recognition with the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Award for excellence in career education.

Key Features of TimeTact

• - Efficient Lesson Planning: Teachers can easily distribute and manage resources through the platform's lesson navigation feature.
• - Smooth Teaching Execution: Access to teaching materials and submission management enhances class flow and incorporates ICT seamlessly.
• - Real-time Monitoring: Tracking student engagement and achievements allows for individualized support and guidance.
• - Facilitation of Collaborative Learning: Features such as whiteboards and comment-enabled notes promote group discussions and exchanges of ideas.
• - Portfolio Development: Documenting learning processes through structured outputs allows students to build their educational portfolios.
• - AI-driven Feedback: An AI interface suggests improvement areas and next steps for student projects, deepening their analytical skills.
• - Publishing Outputs: Students are able to publish their original newspapers easily on school websites.

Nationwide Implementation and Financial Support

The program will be available through the TimeTact platform to high schools nationwide. By leveraging government subsidies, schools can implement this innovative program without incurring costs through to the fiscal year 2025. For more information regarding the subsidy, resources are available through Study Valley.

Future Aspirations

Through this joint program, Study Valley and Asahi Shimbun aim to enhance students' language and inquiry skills. Utilizing TimeTact will also support teachers in promoting work-life balance and establishing a sustainable educational environment.

Statements from Leadership

In a recent statement, Yuuki Tanaka, CEO of Study Valley, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Asahi Shimbun to nurture the crucial expressive skills of future generations of high school students. He emphasized the importance of blending journalistic knowledge with digital learning tools to enhance student education while alleviating teacher workloads.

Correspondingly, Yoko Odakiri, editor of Asahi Shimbun's Teacher Connect, shared her excitement about delivering effective learning opportunities to high school students in partnership with Study Valley. Utilizing insights from the digital edition of Asahi Shimbun, this initiative aims to actively support students in cultivating their inquiry skills and self-expression.

About Study Valley

Founded with a mission to empower everyone with the skills to shape their futures, Study Valley has developed the innovative learning platform, TimeTact. Recognized for its contributions to inquiry-based learning amidst over 200 high schools, TimeTact is a recipient of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry's top education award.

For more information, visit Study Valley