The Implementation of Tokkatsu as a New Co-inquiry Approach in Egypt-Japan Schools

Abstract

Egypt-Japan Education Partnership (EJEP) is a partnership for a professional development training program that was established between Egypt and Japan in 2016 towards actualizing the new education system “Education 2.0”. This program is based on Japan’s holistic educational curriculum model, known as “Tokkatsu” or special activities. The purpose of this research is to investigate how the program is contributing to developing new teaching methodologies and strategies through tokkatsu, and to examine the outcomes in teachers’ practices following the program as well as identifying the challenges they face. In this qualitative approach, a convenience sampling was used consisting of two trainees of batches one and two from different schools and different specialization. An inductive analysis of the reports submitted by the trainees prior to, during, and following the program; and an exchange of emails were conducted. This method was utilized as an alternative to the follow-up visit that follows the program; given the current circumstances. The results show positive outcomes and implementation of new learning methodologies in teachers’ practices acquired from EJEP. These new methodologies contributed to developing student’s agency and enhancing a self-learning atmosphere. Students became more engaged in school life through tokkatsu, and this was reflected in their academic behavior as well.