1. Educational Administration and Finance

(1) Study on educational effect [FY2015-2017]

Research Project Leader	INOUE Shimeon Director of the Department of Research Planning and Development

 An empirical study was compiled and organized for the educational outcomes of Japan and other countries, and an empirical study is also currently being conducted on additional educational outcomes through the analysis of existing domestic data.
 In addition, with respect to longitudinal studies which are indispensable when measuring the outcomes of education, an experimental longitudinal study, "Study on Children's Growth" was carried out in FY2016, and its viability in Japan is currently being tested.
 In FY2017, we will continue to carry out an empirical study through analysis of the existing data, and will also be carrying out the experimental longitudinal study, "Study on Children's Growth" in seven municipalities.

2. Educational Staff

(1) Study on fostering "teaching skills for ICT use" on a university teacher training courses [FY2016-2017]

Research Project Leader	YOSHIOKA Ryoei Senior Researcher, Department of Research Planning and Development

 Taking into account the dissemination of interactive whiteboards to each school and a forward-looking discussion on introduction of digital textbooks, we conduct survey research on fostering of "teaching skills for ICT use" which is absolutely essential for teachers. In this process, we intend to get findings useful for improvement of various challenges such as curriculum with regard to fostering of "teaching skills for ICT use" that should be acquired during the period of teacher training course at universities. In particular, throughout the period of study, we carry out questionnaire surveys and interview survey to the universities which offer teacher training course and to the boards of education in local government, and interview surveys to overseas universities which are actively engaged on fostering of "teaching skills for ICT use". Furthermore, we intend to establish a committee of research collaborators, who are mainly the profession of college professor, in order to examine the teaching contents and teaching methods with respect to fostering of "teaching skills for ICT use" and the guidelines during the period of teacher training course at universities.
 In FY2017, we will be conducting interviews with the universities and boards of education in Japan and other countries. In addition, prior to these interviews, we will be analyzing the questionnaire answered by the boards of education, etc. in FY2016. We will also be organizing the findings obtained through surveys and discussion meetings, and compiling them in the form of a report.

3. Higher Education

(1) A Study of Teaching and Learning Environments that Support Students' Growth [FY2016-2017]

Research Project Leader	FUKAHORI Satoko Director of the Department for Higher Education Research

 This study is an empirical study that aims to show the relationships between university learning outcomes and the teaching and learning environment.

 Based on the analyses of national-level survey data and case studies, the study aims to clarify whether the following aspects of the teaching and learning environment, including (i)institutional globalization strategies, (ii) university reform efforts in teaching and learning content and approaches, (iii) student diversity, and (iv) the size of student enrollment and class size have positive correlations with learning outcomes defined broadly as "students' growth," and measured by indicators such as the attainment of knowledge and skills, number of study hours and student satisfaction, development of civic competency and engagement, and retention and graduation rates.

 In FY2017, we will be conducting interviews and data analysis for each theme, and will compile a research outcomes report summarizing the results of the research.