Lesson Study and Tokkatsu: A Special Conference Strand

Have you ever wondered how Japanese schools build the teacher collaboration that underlies Lesson Study? Have you ever wondered how Japanese teachers nurture students’ willingness to engage in challenging learning? Tokkatsu (literally, “Special Activities”) are part of Japan’s official curriculum, implemented in all schools. Tokkatsu focuses on development of important student qualities that go beyond academics, such as problem-solving with a clear vision in mind, contributing to the community and achieving self-fulfillment.

WALS 2022 is fortunate to have three presentations in a Tokkatsu strand co-sponsored by Nihon Tokubetsu Katsudo Gakkai and JICA, on September 21.

Keynote

A KEYNOTE by Dr. Ryoko Tsuneyoshi’s will reveal the Japanese curriculum’s strong emphasis on both cognitive and non-cognitive learning–including social and emotional learning, life skills, citizenship, and character education.

International Symposium

An International Symposium will feature educators from Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan using elements of Tokkatsu.

Workshop

A Workshop co-designed by Japanese classroom teachers will highlight Kakari activities (student-initiated committees to enhance classroom life) that teachers can try in their own classrooms.

All three sessions will explore how Tokkatsu and Lesson Study can support each other.