5:15 PM - 6:45 PM
[MZZ46-P20] Expansion of Learning Programs Provided to Elementary and Junior High School Students in the Unzen Volcanic Area UNESCO Global Geopark
Keywords:Hometown Education, Learning Demand, Learning Programs, Shortage of Learning Facilitators, Guide Training and Development
1. Introduction
The number of elementary and junior high schools offering Geopark education on the Shimabara Peninsula, known as 'GeoLearning', has been increasing due to hometown education promotion and a busier school scene. In 2023, there were a record of 71 programs. This rise is credited to the efforts of the Council of Unzen Volcanic Area Geopark, which provides these programs. They distribute an Information Leaflet summarizing study plans to schools through the Board of Education and conduct annual GeoLearning programs for teachers. This effort aligns with the promotion of GeoLearning since the Global Geopark recognition in 2009.
The Council analyzed the educational impact of GeoLearning based on current activities and research but has not delved into detailed discussions on program types and methods. This presentation will introduce five key programs by the council and explore future challenges and prospects for GeoLearning based on their features.
2. Types, Content, and Learning Methods in Learning Programs
2 – 1. Indoor Lecture
The lecture, lasting 40 to 80 minutes, educates on disaster prevention and local pride via volcanoes and earth activities. Led by Geopark specialists and certified guides, it employs visuals like photos and props.
2 – 2. Bus Tour
This tour showcases the region's attractions through visits to Geosites and sightseeing from the bus window. Visitors are guided along courses like 'The Origin of the Shimabara Peninsula' to understand the topography and 'Tracing the Heisei Eruption' to learn about the Mt. Unzen disaster. Students solve on-site riddles at each stop. The tour lasts from half a day to a full day.
2 – 3. 'Walking Through the Town' Learning Activity
Students explore local scenery and resources, known as 'treasures,' near their schools using a designated 'Treasure Map' for noting observations and impressions. Tailor-made courses developed by specialists accommodate the needs and schedules of schools. Unique courses are designed for each school based on the local resources available.
2 – 4. Science Learning Activities
This program offers hands-on science learning activities, with duration tailored through school consultation. It aims to spark students' enthusiasm for learning by showcasing landform formation and rock observation.
2 – 5. SDGs Learning Activity
The relationship between the SDGs and Geopark activities is conveyed through a 120-minute workshop with game elements themed on climate change. Using familiar food ingredients from the Shimabara Peninsula as a case study, participants learn that it may disappear due to climate change, emphasizing its impact on local lives.
3. Consideration
The council has been offering learning programs with diverse content and methods to enrich the learning experience of students. A review of program development since 2012 shows that initially, only indoor lectures and bus tours were available. The science learning started in 2014, town walking in 2015, and SDGs learning in 2020. This expansion reflects the specialist's central role in GeoLearning activities.
The shortage of facilitators, predominantly specialists, and the aging of guides pose challenges for many activities. Between fiscal years 2012 and 2023, specialists engaged in various activities, while guides mainly led bus tours, comprising approximately 70% of total participation. However, their advancing age complicates the management of these tours annually. To tackle this issue, recruiting new guides, enhancing guide skills, and nurturing guides capable of leading diverse learning activities are urgent priorities for the future.
4. Prospects of GeoLearning Activities in the Future.
The council emphasizes local pride and Earth-environment connections in children through GeoLearning. With 15 years since Global Geopark certification, the social landscape around Geoparks has evolved. Strengthening sustainable organization for GeoLearning facilitation is crucial to meet future learning needs.
The number of elementary and junior high schools offering Geopark education on the Shimabara Peninsula, known as 'GeoLearning', has been increasing due to hometown education promotion and a busier school scene. In 2023, there were a record of 71 programs. This rise is credited to the efforts of the Council of Unzen Volcanic Area Geopark, which provides these programs. They distribute an Information Leaflet summarizing study plans to schools through the Board of Education and conduct annual GeoLearning programs for teachers. This effort aligns with the promotion of GeoLearning since the Global Geopark recognition in 2009.
The Council analyzed the educational impact of GeoLearning based on current activities and research but has not delved into detailed discussions on program types and methods. This presentation will introduce five key programs by the council and explore future challenges and prospects for GeoLearning based on their features.
2. Types, Content, and Learning Methods in Learning Programs
2 – 1. Indoor Lecture
The lecture, lasting 40 to 80 minutes, educates on disaster prevention and local pride via volcanoes and earth activities. Led by Geopark specialists and certified guides, it employs visuals like photos and props.
2 – 2. Bus Tour
This tour showcases the region's attractions through visits to Geosites and sightseeing from the bus window. Visitors are guided along courses like 'The Origin of the Shimabara Peninsula' to understand the topography and 'Tracing the Heisei Eruption' to learn about the Mt. Unzen disaster. Students solve on-site riddles at each stop. The tour lasts from half a day to a full day.
2 – 3. 'Walking Through the Town' Learning Activity
Students explore local scenery and resources, known as 'treasures,' near their schools using a designated 'Treasure Map' for noting observations and impressions. Tailor-made courses developed by specialists accommodate the needs and schedules of schools. Unique courses are designed for each school based on the local resources available.
2 – 4. Science Learning Activities
This program offers hands-on science learning activities, with duration tailored through school consultation. It aims to spark students' enthusiasm for learning by showcasing landform formation and rock observation.
2 – 5. SDGs Learning Activity
The relationship between the SDGs and Geopark activities is conveyed through a 120-minute workshop with game elements themed on climate change. Using familiar food ingredients from the Shimabara Peninsula as a case study, participants learn that it may disappear due to climate change, emphasizing its impact on local lives.
3. Consideration
The council has been offering learning programs with diverse content and methods to enrich the learning experience of students. A review of program development since 2012 shows that initially, only indoor lectures and bus tours were available. The science learning started in 2014, town walking in 2015, and SDGs learning in 2020. This expansion reflects the specialist's central role in GeoLearning activities.
The shortage of facilitators, predominantly specialists, and the aging of guides pose challenges for many activities. Between fiscal years 2012 and 2023, specialists engaged in various activities, while guides mainly led bus tours, comprising approximately 70% of total participation. However, their advancing age complicates the management of these tours annually. To tackle this issue, recruiting new guides, enhancing guide skills, and nurturing guides capable of leading diverse learning activities are urgent priorities for the future.
4. Prospects of GeoLearning Activities in the Future.
The council emphasizes local pride and Earth-environment connections in children through GeoLearning. With 15 years since Global Geopark certification, the social landscape around Geoparks has evolved. Strengthening sustainable organization for GeoLearning facilitation is crucial to meet future learning needs.