The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) released the results of its 2024 National Academic Achievement and Learning Status Survey (National Academic Achievement Test) for elementary and junior high school students in July. This test revealed a decline in scores among elementary and junior high school students. Depending on how you interpret this result, it contains significant problems. One problem is that it only examined scores at the 6th grade of elementary school and the 3rd year of junior high school. This survey was unable to precisely investigate the reasons for the decline in scores. A precise method for such an investigation would be a panel survey that continuously tracks individuals from the 1st grade of elementary school to the 3rd year of high school. While this academic achievement test showed a correlation between test scores and study time outside of school, it did not reveal a causal relationship. Similarly, while a correlation was seen between scores and smartphone usage time, it did not reveal a causal relationship. Without a panel survey, it’s difficult to foresee what to do. However, tools and innovations to overcome this are being developed by both the government and the private sector.
Cram schools and preparatory schools are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI)-based curricula. Eishinkan (Fukuoka City), a major cram school chain, introduced AI-based learning materials for junior high school students several years ago. These AI materials are characterized by their ability to flexibly switch the problems presented according to each student’s proficiency level, allowing for detailed instruction. As children solve problems, the AI understands their level of comprehension and areas of weakness. Based on this understanding, the AI automatically adjusts the curriculum. The AI materials also allow for learning at home at a pace tailored to each student’s understanding. Children can use the AI-created materials to study at home. Recent AI technology appears to be able to analyze not only children’s comprehension and progress, but also their level of concentration. Cram school instructors are increasingly able to use tablets to provide support, determining when and what kind of encouragement is most effective based on students’ concentration levels and signs of fatigue.
Globally, there is a growing trend towards using children’s learning history to provide personalized learning experiences. In Denmark, the national statistics department is making public lesson data for public schools across the country. The country has begun releasing panel data that shows which teacher taught which lesson and at what time. It’s a system that shows exactly which teacher taught which lesson in which class and at what time. Japanese education has long been renowned for its high standards globally. However, it hasn’t investigated how individual children learned and how they achieved results. Test scores went up or down, for example, but the reasons behind these changes were never explored in depth. Recent advances in digital technology have made it possible to accumulate individual panel data. Accumulating individual learning data is becoming far less expensive than before. We can only hope to see how new AI tools enhance children’s talents.
