#Japan #Tokyo #education innovation #Visible Learning #KA International School

KA International School: Pioneering Visible Learning in Japan

In an exciting advancement for educational innovation in Japan, KA International School (KAIS) has been recognized as the country’s first school to receive the prestigious Visible Learning Certification. Established in Tokyo, this milestone marks a significant step towards redefining educational strategies and enhancing student engagement.

What is Visible Learning?

Visible Learning is grounded in extensive educational research spearheaded by renowned scholar Professor John Hattie. His work synthesizes over 2,100 meta-analyses and more than 130,000 research studies to identify the most effective teaching strategies that lead to student success. The core philosophy shifts the focus from mere teaching practices to student learning, aiming to clearly define learning intentions and success criteria that empower students to take control of their educational journey.

The framework emphasizes essential elements such as building metacognitive skills, encouraging self-assessment, and establishing a feedback-rich environment conducive to growth. As a result, students at KAIS are not only aware of what they are learning but also understand how to articulate their learning progress effectively.

Transforming Education at KA International School

Implementing the Practices
Since the introduction of Visible Learning, KAIS has committed to an all-encompassing three-year initiative aimed at making learning outcomes clear and measurable. Here’s a glimpse of some key changes implemented:

• - Clear Learning Objectives: Every lesson begins with specific learning intentions and success criteria that align with curriculum standards.
• - Student-Centric Methods: Students are encouraged to explain what they are learning and how they will assess their understanding.
• - Collaborative Teaching: Teachers actively participate in peer observations, providing feedback and refining their teaching approaches regularly.
• - External Validation: The school’s progress is evaluated annually through the School Capability Assessments (SCA) conducted by Corwin, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

Maha Sadi, the School Director, explains, “This certification is not just an accolade; it represents our unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of visible learning where students feel empowered to own their educational journey.”

Celebrating Student Success

The impact of integrating Visible Learning practices has been profound. Students report increased clarity regarding their learning goals and the steps necessary to achieve them. M.M., a Grade 11 student, stated, “Now I know what I’m supposed to learn and how to check if I’m getting there.” Another student, J.M., shared the realization that mistakes are valuable opportunities for growth, declaring, “Making mistakes is okay — it’s actually a good thing because it’s part of how we grow.”

The transformative effects also resonate with the parents, who observe not only academic development but emotional growth as well. A parent of a Grade 8 student remarked, “We’ve been truly moved by how much our child has grown, both academically and emotionally.” This reflects the nurturing environment fostered at KAIS while integrating innovative educational strategies.

Future Directions and Community Engagement

As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, KAIS is excited to announce the upcoming parent workshops focused on Visible Learning strategies and metacognition, further bridging the gap between home and school. Such initiatives aim to equip parents with the tools to reinforce this new learning culture at home.

In essence, KA International School exemplifies how educational frameworks like Visible Learning can revolutionize teaching methodologies. By centering education around student empowerment, KAIS not only elevates academic achievement but also fosters a lifelong love for learning among its students.

For more information on KAIS and its innovative educational approach, visit their official website.

Conclusion

The achievement of Visible Learning Certification is indeed a groundbreaking milestone for KA International School and serves as a beacon of hope for educational reform in Japan. As eligibility for this prestigious recognition remains limited, with only 17 schools worldwide currently certified, KAIS standsout as a leader in embracing advanced educational practices for the benefit of students' futures.