School Visits
School Visit
The School Visit program of WALS 2025 will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Participants will have the opportunity to visit Japanese schools actively engaged in Lesson Study, with classroom observations and on-site discussions providing valuable insights into educational practice.
A total of 8 schools are available: 4 in Hiroshima City and 4 outside Hiroshima City.
We will close applications once all available spots have been filled.
Schools in Hiroshima City
Hiroshima Municipal Fujinoki Elementary School｜広島市立藤の木小学校
Fujinoki Elementary School, located in Saeki Ward, Hiroshima City, is a public school with around 200 students. The school is known for its innovative use of ICT in lesson design, focusing on expressive activities called “Kaku Katsudo” (writing, drawing, and digital input). Through these activities, the school aims to develop students’ thinking, judgment, and communication skills. Fujinoki has developed a lesson model called the “Fujinoki Style,” which integrates tablet PCs and interactive whiteboards. The school conducts in-house training and lesson studies to refine lessons that combine ICT use with meaningful student expression. Public research lessons include the development of instructional plans, mock lessons, and the collection of teaching records. These efforts aim to deepen student learning through ICT-supported, student-centered instruction.
Visit the school website for more information.
- Full Day Course
- School Lunch included
- Capacity: 40 participants (Two research lessons, 20 participants each)
- Participation fee: $55
Schedule
10:00 – Meet at Hiroshima International Conference Center (bus rotary)
10:15 – Departure
11:00 – Arrival at the school
11:15 – School Introduction
11:45 – School Tour
12:30 – School Lunch (Kyushoku)
13:00 – School Tour: School cleaning activities (Soji)
14:00 – Research Lessons (Kenkyu Jugyo)
15:00 – Post-lesson Discussion (Jugyo Kyogikai)
16:00 – Plenary Session (Zentaikai)
16:30 – Departure from the school
16:45 – Arrival back at the meeting point
Hiroshima University Elementary School｜広島大学附属小学校
Hiroshima University Elementary School, located in Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, is a national school established in 1905. As a teacher training and research school, it actively explores curriculum and lesson innovation. Emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between theory and practice, the school conducts ongoing lesson studies that draw attention from across Japan. As a UNESCO Associated School, it also promotes Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Each year, the school hosts a national-level Open Research Conference in elementary education, featuring lesson demonstrations and discussions by all grades. This event fosters the sharing of insights with educators nationwide.
Visit the school website for more information.
- Half Day Course
- Capacity: 40 participants (Two research lessons, 20 participants each)
- Participation fee: $55
Schedule
09:15 – Meet at Hiroshima International Conference Center (bus rotary)
09:30 – Departure
09:55 – Arrival at the school
10:10 – School Introduction
10:40 – Research Lessons (Kenkyu Jugyo)
11:40 – Post-lesson Discussion (Jugyo Kyogikai)
12:40 – Plenary Session (Zentaikai)
13:10 – Departure from the school
13:30 – Arrival back at the meeting point
Hiroshima Municipal Asaminami Junior High School｜広島市立安佐南中学校
Hiroshima Municipal Asaminami Junior High School, established in 1983 in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City, is a public school guided by the motto “Independence, Cooperation, and Practice.” The school emphasizes lesson study across all grades, particularly focusing on moral and social studies education to develop students’ thinking, judgment, and expressive abilities. Actively engaged in mathematics education research, it serves as the administrative office for the Hiroshima Prefecture Junior High School Mathematics Education Research Association, contributing to lesson improvement and research dissemination. The school values community collaboration, aiming to foster students’ well-rounded character through club activities and school events.
Visit the school website for more information.
- Half Day Course
- Capacity: 40 participants (One research lesson, 40 participants)
- Research Lesson: Science
- Participation fee: $55
Schedule
12:15 – Meet at Hiroshima International Conference Center (bus rotary)
12:30 – Departure
13:15 – Arrival at the school
13:30 – School Introduction
14:05~14:55 – Research Lesson (Kenkyu Jugyo)
15:00 – Post-lesson Discussion (Jugyo Kyogikai)
15:45 – Plenary Session (Zentaikai)
16:30 – Departure from the school
17:15 – Arrival back at the meeting point
Hiroshima Prefectural Hiroshima Kokutaiji High School｜広島県立広島国泰寺高等学校
Hiroshima Prefectural Hiroshima Kokutaiji High School, founded in 1877, is a prestigious academic institution known for its balanced focus on both studies and extracurricular activities. The school offers both general and science-oriented courses and promotes inquiry-based and project-based learning. As a designated Super Science High School (SSH) and core school of the World-Wide Learning (WWL) initiative, Kokutaiji emphasizes scientific research, international exchange, and presentation skills in English. In the science course, particular focus is placed on nurturing logical thinking and expressive ability. The school is also a UNESCO Associated School and actively engages in peace education and projects related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Visit the school website for more information.
- Half Day Course
- Capacity: 40 participants (Two research lessons, 20 participants each)
- Participation fee: $55
Schedule
12:45 – Meet at Hiroshima International Conference Center (bus rotary)
13:00 – Departure
13:15 – Arrival at the school
13:30 – School Introduction
14:00 – Research Lesson (Kenkyu Jugyo)
15:00 – Post-lesson Discussion (Jugyo Kyogikai)
16:00 – Plenary Session (Zentaikai)
16:30 – Departure from the school
16:45 – Arrival back at the meeting point
Schools Outside Hiroshima City
Hiroshima Prefectural Yoshida High School｜広島県立吉田高等学校
Hiroshima Prefectural Yoshida High School, founded in 1907, is a public senior high school located in Akitakata City, Hiroshima Prefecture. In addition to its general education program, the school offers two specialized tracks: the “Exploration Course” and the “Agri-Business Course.” The Exploration Course provides interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning centered on local issues such as healthcare, education, welfare, traditional performing arts, and disaster prevention. Students engage in collaborative research projects aiming to solve real-world problems and contribute to their community. The Agri-Business Course offers hands-on experience in agriculture, including production, processing, sales, and farm management, fostering future leaders in local industries. The school also emphasizes global perspectives through active sister-school partnerships with two schools in New Zealand. Through participation in community events and public presentations, Yoshida High School promotes real-world learning deeply rooted in local and international society.
Visit the school website for more information.
- Full Day Course
- Local Tour: Koriyama Castle Honmaru Ruins
- Capacity: 40 participants
- Participation fee: $75
Schedule
To be announced.
Hiroshima Prefectural Onomichi Kita High School｜広島県立尾道北高等学校
Hiroshima Prefectural Onomichi Kita High School, founded in 1925, is a public high school located in Onomichi City. The school offers a full-time comprehensive curriculum with six specialized tracks: Social Information, Human Sciences, International Culture, Global Science, Science and Mathematics, and Life Sciences. Each student uses a personal tablet to support ICT-integrated lessons and inquiry-based learning. Career guidance and academic advancement are major priorities, with many students progressing to competitive universities. The school actively collaborates with local businesses and universities to implement project-based learning rooted in regional issues. Students participate in community presentations such as poster sessions to share their research outcomes. In addition to academics, the school boasts strong cultural clubs, including calligraphy and broadcasting, with a history of success at national competitions.
Visit the school website for more information.
- Full Day Course
- Local Tour: Senkoji Park
- Research Lessons (tentative):
- Mathematics I: “Trigonometric Ratios”
- Basic Chemistry: “Acids and Bases”
- Capacity: 40 participants (Two research lessons, 20 participants each)
- Participation fee: $75
Schedule
09:15 – Meet at Hiroshima International Conference Center (bus rotary)
09:30 – Departure
11:00 – Arrival at Senkōji Park
12:20 – Departure from Senkōji Park
12:35 – Arrival at Hiroshima Prefectural Onomichi Kita High School
12:50 – School Introduction
13:20 ~ 14:00 – Research Lessons (Kenkyu Jugyo)
14:20 ~ 15:10 – Post-lesson Discussion (Jugyo Kyogikai)
15:25 – Departure from the school
17:10 – Arrival back at the meeting point
Hiroshima Global Academy Junior/Senior High School｜広島県立広島叡智学園
Hiroshima Prefectural Hiroshima Global Academy (HiGA), established in 2019, is Hiroshima Prefecture’s first public, full boarding, integrated junior and senior high school, and an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Located on Osakikamijima Island in the Seto Inland Sea, HiGA offers a rich natural environment and small-class education. Students engage in the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) from the first year of junior high through the first half of senior high, followed by the Diploma Program (DP) until graduation. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop the skills to address local and global challenges, aiming to become leaders who contribute to a sustainable and peaceful society. The school emphasizes ICT-integrated instruction and promotes project-based learning (PBL) in collaboration with the local community, fostering student autonomy and collaboration. Living in a full-boarding environment, students from diverse backgrounds learn from each other, cultivating both a global perspective and a strong connection to their local community.
Visit the school website for more information.
- Full Day Course
- Local Tour: Osakikamijima
- Capacity: 40 participants (Two research lessons, 20 participants each)
- Participation fee: $75
Schedule
09:45 – Meet at Hiroshima International Conference Center (bus rotary)
10:00 – Departure
11:00 – Arrival at Akitsu Port
11:20 – Departure from Akitsu Port
11:55 – Arrive at Onishi Port → Walk around the island and have lunch
13:00 – Arrival at Hiroshima Global Academy Junior / Senior High School
13:15 – School Introduction
13:45 – Research Lessons (Kenkyu Jugyo)
14:45 – Post-lesson Discussion (Jugyo Kyogikai)
15:30 – Plenary Session (Zentaikai)
16:15 – Departure from the school
16:30 – Arrival at Onishi Port
16:45 – Departure from Onishi Port
17:20 – Arrival at AkitsuPort
18:15 – Arrival back at the meeting point
Hiroshima University Junior and High School, Fukuyama｜広島大学附属福山中学校・高等学校
Hiroshima University Junior and High School, Fukuyama, established in 1951, is a national integrated junior and senior high school that emphasizes the principles of freedom, autonomy, and self-discipline. Known as a “school without bells or chimes,” it fosters an environment where students develop self-reliance and responsibility. Since 1962, the school has implemented a six-year integrated education system, pioneering this approach nationwide. All activities, including academic instruction, school events, and club activities, are conducted cohesively across both junior and senior high levels. Designated by the Ministry of Education as a Super Global High School (SGH) and a participant in the World-Wide Learning (WWL) Consortium Project, the school promotes inquiry-based learning and cultivates a global perspective among students. In collaboration with Hiroshima University, it actively engages in teacher training and educational research initiatives
Visit the school website for more information.
- Full Day Course
- Local Tour: Fukuyama
- Capacity: 40 participants (Two research lessons, 20 participants each)
- Participation fee: $75
Schedule
08:45 – Meet at Hiroshima International Conference Center (bus rotary)
09:00 – Departure
10:20 – Arrival at the Hiroshima University Affiliated Fukuyama Junior and Senior High School
10:30 – School Introduction
11:00 – Research Lessons (Kenkyu Jugyo)
12:00 – Post-lesson Discussion (Jugyo Kyogikai)
12:45 – Plenary Session (Zentaikai)
13:00 – Departure from the school
13:15 – Arrival at Fukuyama Castle
13:30 – Lunch Break
14:45 – Departure from Fukuyama
16:00 – Arrival back at the meeting point