On January 9, 2025, Rikuto announced the findings of its extensive national survey on high school educational reforms, conducted by its Research Institute for Academic Advancement. This survey targeted all full-time high schools across Japan during the period from September 5 to September 20, 2024, and garnered 671 valid responses out of 4,679 surveyed schools. The primary focus was to assess the implementation and challenges related to the new curriculum, entrance exam reforms, the use of information and communication technology (ICT), career education, guidance, and overall school transformations.
The survey's results revealed some encouraging statistics: approximately 80% of schools indicated they were progressing with the new curriculum as planned. According to the report from the Rikuto Research Institute, "80% of schools reported the new curriculum has progressed as planned." Despite this, some areas required attention, particularly with ICT. The survey found, "Among subjects, 30% of schools felt no significant problems, but 41% noted challenges with ICT." This implies varying degrees of readiness among schools to adopt technological solutions.
Another significant aspect of the survey was the adoption of what they termed 'comprehensive learning hours.' This is intended to encourage broader inquiry and research skills among students. A notable 90% of high schools stated they have integrated these comprehensive learning hours, showcasing their commitment to educational innovation: "Overall, 90% of high schools introduced the new comprehensive learning hours," the report indicated. The challenges most commonly reported related to the setting of research topics, with more than half of schools indicating this step was the most difficult.
ICT utilization was prominently discussed, highlighting the substantial reliance on technology for educational activities like homework and assignments. The survey reported, "Many schools noted improvements in students' autonomy and cooperation due to ICT use." Specifically, 92% of schools employed ICT to distribute homework, reflecting the growing digital nature of education.
Career education was another focus of the survey. Here, it was noted overwhelmingly, with 96% of schools participating actively. Interestingly, the progress of such initiatives over the years demonstrated visible expansion, even as concerns about teachers' workloads persisted, as indicated by the survey respondents. Career education aims not only to prepare students for immediate post-graduate transitions but also to instill skills necessary for future workforce challenges.
Despite the general agreement on the importance of these educational reforms, issues remain. Many educators felt pressed by the fast-paced changes and the diversified methods of entrance examinations had left them stretched thin. "The diversity of entrance examinations is posing challenges," stated one participant, indicating this has led to 62% of schools citing this as their foremost issue, followed closely by insufficient time dedicated to career guidance (60%) and declining learning motivation among students (55%).
Overall, this research conducted by Rikuto paints a picture of significant transformation within Japan's high school educational framework. Educational reforms initiated through the new curriculum and ICT integration are seen as foundational elements to the success of digital transformations within the educational sector. The findings illuminate clear areas of progress but also underline the imperative need for continued support and adjustment as schools navigate this complex shift. Education is often seen as the foundation of digital transformation, and our findings reflect this necessity," stated Rikuto spokespersons.
While reactions to the initiatives may be mixed, the survey results clearly suggest movement toward realizing Rikuto’s vision for the future of education - one where students are not just recipients of knowledge, but active participants shaped by autonomy, diversity, and cooperation.