Kyo-So suru Kyoiku (A New Approach to School Engagement by the AEO, RCAST, U-Tokyo)

In April 2021, the University of Tokyo's Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) launched the Advanced Education Outreach lab (AEO).
 
The AEO is a one-stop service initiative of the cross-directorate project aimed at the development of the next generation. The initiative works with researchers and students from more than 40 different academic disciplines to develop a sustainable and progressive model of inquiry-based learning and STEAM education.
 
RCAST is composed of members from diverse backgrounds, including not only scientists and engineers but artists, business managers, lawyers, and social activists as well — all of which are very attractive role-models for high school students.
 
On the other hand, a high-level coordinator will be indispensable in optimally linking these excellent human resources and environments to the context of school education and for creating educational opportunities in a sustainable and progressive manner. In Japanese school education, university-collaborated inquiry-based learning and STEAM education are becoming increasingly popular. This kind of public engagement holds great social significance and long-term benefits for universities beyond simply being able to recruit talented young people. However, there has not yet been sufficient practice or research regarding the mechanisms and aspect of human resource development in order to sustain and develop such collaboration. The coordinators or professionals — who constitute what is referred to as the "third space" of the university — are needed and could play a significant role.
 
The AEO has been taking the initiative in thinking about and practicing these professions within the "third space." Through our support for high school learners, we have also been able to develop the skills of university students.
 
In this book, we show the possibility of the new approach to school education through our practices as planned by the coordinator, along with the real voice of "student affiliates" —university students who are active in AEO.
 

(Written by MORI Akiko, Project Researcher, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology / 2023)