Hello, everyone. My name is Carol Inugai Dixon and I am currently working as a visiting professor with the University of Tsukuba. From April we are launching a new Master’s program in International Education.The course participants will learn about the IB in the context of twenty first century educational needs and can study for an IB educator’s certificate if they choose. I think it will prove to be a very valuable program to support the establishment of the IB in Japanese national schools.
One of the benefits of being part of introducing and establishing the IBDP in Japanese national contexts is meeting dynamic Japanese innovators who are equally excited about the potential benefits of the programme for high school students. Yuichi Kumagai sensei is one of those innovators with a passionate enthusiasm for IB and in particular for TOK. When I saw him teaching for the first time I assumed he was a veteran IB teacher but this turned out not to be the case. However, I think he has actually been teaching English to his students intuitively using a TOK approach for years. He is therefore a perfect fit as an IB coordinator who can inspire other teachers as well as students.
I think this blog will be a very useful place to learn more about the development of the IB in Japan and to deepen understanding of the impact of the changes. These are exciting times for schools involved in the project.
Carol Inugai Dixon