4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
[G03-12] Challenges and Solutions for Ocean Education in Japanese Schools
Keywords:ocean education, curriculum management, teaching materials
To investigate the future challenges that need to be addressed regarding the delivery and promotion of ocean education in Japan, this study analyzed the content of ocean education as well as problems faced in the field using practice reports from school participants in the Ocean Education Pioneer School Program during 2016-2020. Through the various hands-on activities according to local conditions and specialized delivery classes by outside lecturers from research institutions, etc., educational results were obtained in the children's learning. Meanwhile, the practice reports suggested different problems were encountered in terms of experiential activities, instructional plans and contents, and cooperation and collaboration with local communities and other institutions. To resolve problems in selecting activity themes, holding experiential activities, and creating instructional plans for ocean education, this study proposes the establishment of a support organization that would link the school and the community, which can be applied in curriculum management as emphasized in the new Courses of Study. In addition, as a tool to promote ocean education in more schools, we propose the preparation of teaching materials that conform to the Courses of Study, including ocean literacy, especially with schools that are starting ocean education for the first time.