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Current Status and Challenges of IB Programs in Japan: Perspectives from High Schools and Universities
- Writing language: Korean
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Base country: Japan
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Summarized by durumis AI
- While the introduction of IB programs in Japan is expanding, their utilization in college entrance exams is still in its early stages. There are challenges stemming from a lack of understanding between high schools offering IB programs and universities that utilize IB programs in their admissions processes.
- In particular, as entrance exams are often conducted based on estimated scores until November, there is a possibility of failing after final scores are announced in January. This creates anxiety among DP students. Furthermore, it was pointed out that Japanese universities’ IB entrance exams require many documents, increasing the burden on DP students.
- In addition to challenges such as the economic burden and lack of support systems for students who complete the IB program and wish to study abroad, the lack of understanding of IB programs by Japanese universities has been identified as a problem, particularly limiting career options for students seeking to pursue STEM fields.
While the introduction of IB programs in Japan is spreading, their utilization in university entrance exams is still in its early stages, and there are challenges due to a lack of understanding between high schools and universities.
On June 7, 2024, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology held the second "Expert Meeting on Expanding the Use of IB Programs." The meeting included presentations on the current state of university entrance exams utilizing IB programs, specifically addressing the respective situations and difficulties faced by high schools implementing IB programs and universities utilizing them for entrance exams.
First, Principal Ogino of the Tokyo Gakugei University Affiliated International Junior and Senior High School presented the career paths of students who have completed the IB program and the challenges surrounding IB entrance exams. Principal Ogino pointed out that Japanese universities still lack a sufficient understanding of IB programs, resulting in entrance exams utilizing IB programs not becoming a favorable admission process for DP students.
Specifically, he emphasized that entrance exams are often conducted based on predicted grades until November, which can lead to potential failures after final grades are released in January, causing anxiety among DP students. He also pointed out that the IB entrance exams at Japanese universities have numerous document submission requirements, placing a significant burden on DP students. Finally, Principal Ogino cited economic difficulties and a lack of university admission support systems as challenges faced by IB program graduates pursuing higher education overseas.
Next, Mr. Matsuzaki, a teacher at Mitake Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, pointed out that while IB programs broaden the range of career choices for students, a lack of understanding of IB programs by Japanese universities narrows career options, particularly in science and engineering fields. Mr. Matsuzaki explained that through IB programs, students discover their strengths and interests, gaining opportunities to challenge themselves in various fields. However, due to a lack of awareness about IB programs among Japanese universities, there are instances where career choices for IB program graduates are restricted.
The challenges raised at this meeting suggest that Japanese universities need to enhance their understanding of IB programs and establish customized admission systems for IB program graduates. Particularly, efforts are required from universities to improve the admission system by considering the differences between predicted grades and final grades for IB program graduates and expand career options for them.
IB programs are designed to support students in maximizing their potential. It is expected that Japanese universities will increase their understanding of IB programs and improve admission systems utilizing them in the future, thereby providing more career opportunities for IB program graduates.
