Meiji University Liberty Academy to Offer Special Courses on "Child Development"

Meiji University's lifelong learning institution, "Meiji University Liberty Academy," will launch special courses on the theme of "Child Development" in Spring 2026. Primarily targeting parents, educators, and those interested in child support, the courses will be taught by Meiji University professors specializing in clinical psychology and other fields. The aim is to provide an opportunity to consider the maintenance of children's health, their zest for life, and what adults can do to support them. Pre-registration is required for each course (paid). (1) How to Foster Children's Communication Skills Course Content How to Foster Children's Communication Skills Peer relationships at school are considered extremely important for maintaining and promoting children's mental health. This lecture will explore the roles parents and teachers should play in helping children acquire the necessary communication skills to form and maintain friendly peer relationships. Date and Time Saturday, May 30, 2026, 13:30–15:00 Venue and Format This is a hybrid course (lectures conducted simultaneously online and in-person). Attend in-person lectures given by the instructor in the classroom. Venue: Meiji University Surugadai Campus (1-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) Attend in-person lectures conducted in the classroom via real-time Zoom delivery. Instructor Takahiro Okayasu (Professor, Faculty of Letters, Meiji University) Application Method Pre-registration required. Application deadline: Wednesday, May 20. Please apply via the URL below or at the Liberty Academy office. URL https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/8048 https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/8047 TEL 03-3296-4423 Course Fee 3,630 JPY (general admission) (2) Do Children Grow Through Nature Experiences? Course Content Do Children Grow Through Nature Experiences? -Considering the Effects of Outdoor Education (Non-Cognitive Skills) and Experiential Gaps- This course will introduce the impact of nature experience activities and outdoor education on child development through research and case studies. It will organize their importance and relationship with non-cognitive skills, touch upon the issue of experiential gaps, and consider what adults can do to support children. The aim is to provide an opportunity for parents and educators to consider a better relationship between nature and children. Date and Time Saturday, July 11, 2026, 13:30–15:00 Venue and Format This is a hybrid course (lectures conducted simultaneously online and in-person). Attend in-person lectures given by the instructor in the classroom. Venue: Meiji University Surugadai Campus (1-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) Attend in-person lectures conducted in the classroom via real-time Zoom delivery. Instructor Azusa Yoshimatsu (Associate Professor, School of Business Administration, Meiji University) Application Method Pre-registration required. Application deadline: Wednesday, July 1. Please apply via the URL below or at the Liberty Academy office. URL https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/8003 https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/8004 TEL 03-3296-4423 Course Fee 3,630 JPY (general admission) About Meiji University Liberty Academy (Details: Meiji University Liberty Academy HP https://academy.meiji.jp/) Meiji University aims to be a university open to the local community and is actively engaged in social collaborations aimed at "returning knowledge to society," such as these courses. Meiji University Liberty Academy is maintained and operated by Meiji University as a lifelong learning center, widely opening courses taught by university faculty and invited external lecturers to the general public. To allow more people to experience learning at Meiji University, the following new "one-time completion" courses have been launched to make participation easier. Please take this opportunity to experience learning from Meiji University professors. Multicultural Coexistence Geography from Beppu, the Hot Spring City https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/8041 What Policies are Needed for the Japanese Economy? https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/8046 Chemistry of Natural Scents and Making Scented Bags https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/8111 Criminal Trials and the Role of Citizens in Mock Trials https://academy.meiji.jp/course/detail/7954