Eikei University uses active learning methods in all courses and lessons. To create a shared ides of Eikei active learning, we introduce an Eikei educational philosophy with associated guidelines. We will continue to review and improve the educational philosophy and guidelines as we assess our teaching and student performance and as we exchange ideas and practices through professional faculty development (FD) activities.
See also:What is active learning?

1. Eikei’s educational philosophy

Eikei values the ideas underlying the SDGs, especially their focus on sustainability and inclusiveness (“no one is left behind”). We aim to educate students to become responsible global citizens who collaboratively engage with real global issues based on a broad range of insights and knowledge that extend beyond the conventional academic disciplines. We believe that active learning aligns with our values. Through active learning, students will acquire five competencies (foresight, strategy, global collaboration, energetic drive, and self-improvement) by the time they graduate (diploma policy).

Fostering global citizens inspired by the ideas of SDGs

While the SDGs are goals to be achieved by the international community by 2030, efforts toward sustainable development and inclusiveness do not end then. Therefore, in our curriculum, the 5Ps (People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, Partnership) of the SDGs are used as the base of our educational perspectives, or Windows. [1] Through our curriculum, we aim to foster global citizens who can contribute to the international community not only by pursuing the profits and growth of individuals and companies but also by engaging with global issues in collaboration with others. Therefore, we provide liberal arts education and practical training beyond the transfer of knowledge in a particular discipline.

Active learning to realize the educational philosophy

In order to address global issues, Partnership, one of the 5Ps and the methodology common to all the SDGs, is particularly important, i.e., global collaboration with experts and practitioners in various fields is required. Therefore, Eikei will provide education centered on liberal arts and global issues rather than following traditional disciplinary divisions. Furthermore, in each class, students can acquire knowledge in a lively manner through active learning that ensures interaction and collaboration with classmates and teachers. The five competencies (foresight, strategy, global collaboration, energetic drive, and self-improvement) cultivated at Eikei are not limited to knowledge and skills specific to a particular discipline or occupation; rather, these competencies help students envision potential desirable social systems in the present uncertain world as well as address contemporary issues as a responsible global citizen and make international contributions.

2. Practical guidelines for Eikei active learning

Basic principles

• Create a safe campus in which students are free of harm: respect the diversity of the students and ensure reasonable accommodations, doing our best so that no one is discriminated against or unduly disadvantaged.
• Aim for an education that allows various types of students to demonstrate and develop their unique abilities.
• Trust students and respect their initiative/subjectivity.
• Encourage collaboration among students, between students and teachers, and among teachers.

Teaching guidelines

• To promote collaborative learning, we set the maximum length of one-sided lectures by teachers to approximately 20% of the class time so that the rest of the time can be used for other activities such as interactive activities, seminars, or experiences.
• The following elements will be incorporated in class: 1) receiving information, 2) student-centered activities (experiences), and 3) reflection or evaluation.
  
  • One of the models is pre-class assignment, activity-based in-class lessons, and after-class assignment (see the model cases), but it is not always necessary to divide these elements into pre-class, in-class, and post-class. The actual combination will be adjusted based on course purposes and student performance.
  • According to the MEXT standard, a total of 45 hours’ study is required to offer 1 credit. Therefore, teachers need to provide enough material for student work outside the lesson hours.
• Clarify the course procedure and evaluation method in the syllabus and explain it to the students properly.
• Share active learning methods and evaluation practices at professional (faculty) development activities (FD).
• Provide forward-looking feedback after observing each other's lessons for collaboration between teachers and the improvement of the quality of education.

[1]People, Prosperity, and Planet are loosely related to the 3 Windows: Identity Design, Business Design, and Ecosystem Design, which students can use as perspectives or frameworks to grasp interrelated issues in the advanced courses. Peace and Partnership are situated as foundational courses.