Global Teacher Prize 2016 - Top Ten Finalists | Page 5

Kazuya Takahashi
Kogakuin University Junior and Senior High School, Tokyo, Japan

Torn between whether to teach or undertake a PhD, Kazuya eventually studied in
the US for a postgraduate qualification in learning science before returning to Japan.
Using what he had learned along with LEGO-based instruction, he developed a
programme to harness students’ creativity and, with help from the Japan Space
Elevator Association and JAXA, organized the first space elevator competition for
high school students.

Kazuya believes there should be no distinction between learning that takes place
inside and outside of school. He encourages his students to be creative and
independent and is pleased that so many of them have made positive choices
following graduation, often opting to continue with their studies in a country where
it is common to follow a more conventional career route. Academic performances at
his school have improved as a result of his innovative and inclusive approach; he
holds monthly workshops for his colleagues to share best practice.

Kazuya encourages responsible learning and global citizenship. He organises
opportunities for his students to volunteer abroad - at a children’s orphanage in
Thailand, for example - and has developed a programme which enables students to
visit Indonesia to help a social entrepreneur confront local issues. The Recruit
Magazine, Career Guidance, covered a project by his students concerning bullying
and discrimination.

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