[Seminar for High School Teachers] Why Does Inquiry-Based Learning Make a Difference? Explaining University Evaluation Criteria and Guidance Methods

According to data from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the percentage of students entering universities through comprehensive selection and school recommendation selection has been increasing annually, now accounting for more than half of all university entrants. Options other than the so-called 'general entrance exam' are no longer special. However, many high schools and cram schools report that while they recognize the importance of 'inquiry activities' in comprehensive selection, it is difficult to understand how universities evaluate them and where the difference in success or failure arises. As a result, inquiry activities often end as mere 'research,' and career guidance is conducted without sufficient connection to the statement of purpose. Avalon Consulting, which operates the comprehensive selection prep school 'White Academy High School Division,' has identified commonalities in the 'design and expression of inquiry activities' as factors determining success, and has organized evaluation criteria and guidance points. To share this knowledge with schools, we are holding an online seminar for educators on 'Evaluation Criteria and Guidance Methods for Inquiry Activities that Determine Success.' This seminar will explain specific differences in inquiry activities that lead to success, evaluation criteria valued by universities, and guidance methods to effectively incorporate these activities into statements of purpose.