Kobe City: Toward the Realization of “Learning in which the Child Plays the Leading Role

In the “Fourth Kobe City Basic Plan for Education Promotion,” the City of Kobe has set forth a vision for education “to create the future autonomously with respect for oneself and others,” and is promoting “learning in which the child takes the leading role” as a pillar of its basic policy. In preparation for uncertain times of accelerating technological innovation and globalization, we are actively working to improve classes in order to nurture the individuality and diverse abilities of the children and students who will be the leaders of the future.

Integrated promotion of “optimal individualized learning” and “collaborative learning

In order to realize child-centered learning, we promote “individualized learning” and “collaborative learning” in an integrated manner. By reviewing the conventional one-size-fits-all teaching style and providing daily opportunities for self-selection and self-determination of learning methods, we aim to realize deep learning.

Characteristics of Individualized Optimal Learning

• Development of strengths through inquiry-based learning based on interests and concerns
• Independent selection and determination of learning methods suited to each individual
• Reflection on the learning process and establishment of an improvement cycle

Characteristics of collaborative learning

• Acquisition of knowledge and appropriate expression of thoughts
• Deepening of learning through sharing, comparing, and cross-referencing diverse opinions

Three points for class improvement

• Creation of opportunities to come into contact with diverse thinking through the use of ICT terminals
• Setting up opportunities for self-determination of learning methods according to individual learning situations
• Promote self-regulated learning through goal setting and reflection activities

Learning process using ICT terminals

We promote the effective use of learning terminals as an important means of realizing child-centered learning.

Five-step utilization process

1. Assignment setting

   

   • Immediate sharing of individual learning goals
   • Problem-finding process through exchange of opinions

2. Information collection

   • Collaborative collection of data from diverse sources
   • Systematization of information through collaborative editing

3. Organization and analysis

   

   • Reference and application of others’ thought processes
   • Structuring ideas through collaborative editing

4. Summarizing and expressing

   • Creation of individual artifacts through cross-referencing
   • Mutual stimulation through continuous sharing of work

5. Reflection

   

   • Self-improvement based on accumulation of learning history
   • Continuous evaluation and optimization of ICT utilization methods

Flexible implementation according to class content and classroom conditions

Media Coverage

• July 16, 2025 broadcast Sun TV “NEWS x Info Catch+”
  Special feature “Self-determined learning to foster independence”
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-R-fEmnkl8