Today, Professor Yuhei Yamauchi Laboratory, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies at The University of Tokyo, has announced that it will start a research on STEAM education (hereinafter referred to as “this research”) from April 2020 (https://fukutake.iii.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ylab/2020/03/press-releasesteam.html). Makeblock Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Makeblock”, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Founder & CEO: Wang Jianjun), which provides STEAM education solutions in more than 140 countries around the world, supports this research by providing knowledge on STEAM education cultivated through global business and donating research funds. This research is scheduled for two years and we plan to hold the annual event on STEAM education, Steam Education Conference (tentative), at The University of Tokyo to introduce the progress of this research.
From left to right, Sugiyama, Program-Specific Researcher at The University of Tokyo, Kikuchi, Country Manager of Makeblock Japan, and Professor Yamauchi
As programming education will be compulsory at Japan’s elementary schools from April 2020, the demands and interests for STEAM education are increasing in Japan. While providing STEAM on Board Teacher Training Program all over the world to help teachers to get on board with future education, Makeblock has decided to support this research to help promote further development of learning with STEAM education.
■Overview
- 1. Period of this research: April 2020 – March 2022
- 2. Research contents
- a. Review global STEAM education researches and initiatives
- b. Clarify the role of STEAM Education in Primary and Secondary Education in Japan
- c. Develop assessment procedures for STEAM education
- 3. Research outcomes: present a paper at academic conferences, publish academic papers and a STEAM education guidebook for educators
- 4. Events related to this research: Hold the annual Steam Education Conference (tentative) and workshops for educators
■ The University of Tokyo (https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/)
The University of Tokyo was established in 1877 as the first national university in Japan. As a leading research university, UTokyo offers courses in essentially all academic disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels and conducts research across the full spectrum of academic activity. The University aims to provide its students with a rich and varied academic environment that ensures opportunities for both intellectual development and the acquisition of professional knowledge and skills.
Yuhei Yamauchi, Professor at Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies at The University of Tokyo, who will lead this research said: “We are very grateful to start this research on STEAM education with the support from Makeblock. As the way to raise children who will lead the 21st century, we would like to conduct research that will be the foundation for the development of STEAM education in Japan.” He researches on Innovative Learning Environment in the field of Educational Technology.
■ Makeblock (http://makeblock.com/)
Makeblock Co., Ltd, founded in 2013, is a leading STEAM education solution provider. Targeting the STEAM education and entertainment markets for schools, educational institutions and families, Makeblock provides the most complete hardware, software, content solutions, and top-notch robotics competitions, with the aim of achieving deep integration of technology and education.
“I am delighted that we can support this research. Makeblock is not only offering hardware and software to schools, but also investing a lot in teacher trainings and pilot programs through STEAM Onboard Program. We are looking forward to seeing outcomes of this research and we are sure that it will contribute to STEAM Education community.” Hiroshi Kikuchi, Country Manager of Makeblock Japan concluded.
■ Contact
If you have any questions about this release or are interested in this research, please contact Makeblock at overseas@makeblock.com.