The establishment of a professional university and a professional junior college as a new university system for the first time in 55 years was in response to the demands of society and industry in the reform of university education undertaken by the government.
Movement to revise the Fundamental Law of Education (12-18)
The Fundamental Law of Education, which can be said to be the constitution of Japan's education system, has never been amended until 22 since it was enacted in 18.The National Council for Education Reform, which was established by the Obuchi Cabinet in March 12, compiled the "Report of the National Council for Education Reform-3 Proposals to Change Education" in December of the same year.
In the report, we are concerned about the current situation at that time, such as the decline in the educational power of homes and communities, the international competitiveness of universities, and the decline in motivation to learn. It was suggested that the Fundamental Law of Education should be completely revised and the basic plan for promoting education should be formulated (* 1).
In the revised Fundamental Law of Education, the keyword "vocation" is included as the purpose of education, and the word "vocational education / career education" is included in higher education in the Education Promotion Basic Plan.It can be said that the beginning of the establishment of a professional university was here. (*Four)
Development of a new framework for vocational education (18-23)
In the XNUMXst Basic Plan for Education Promotion based on the revised Fundamental Law of Education, it was stated that practical vocational education would be promoted in existing school types, and efforts would be made to realize it.
Based on the 5st Basic Plan for Promotion of Education, career education and vocational education in existing school types were examined and discussed by the middle school court, but according to the report, "the function of vocational education in existing universities and junior colleges I was expecting it, but the significance and position of vocational education is unclear, and sufficient results cannot be obtained. " It was done. (*Five)
Institutionalization of a new higher education institution (24-28)
In the 26th Proposal of the Education Rehabilitation Execution Conference in July 7, it is recommended to go one step further from the "new framework" for vocational education and "institutionalize a new higher education institution that provides practical vocational education". It was done (* 6).A meeting of experts on the institutionalization was set up, and in March 27, the "Summary of Deliberation" was announced (* 3).In response to this, the Central Council for Education made a report in May 7 stating, "About the diversification of education and the ideal way of quality assurance to realize a problem-solving society with the participation of all, by opening up the abilities and possibilities of individuals." Summarized (* 28).
In this report, the newly institutionalized higher education institutions will be positioned in the system of universities and junior colleges, and as a summary of educational reforms related to vocational education so far, starting from grasping the current situation and issues, new higher education institutions As the direction of institutionalization, the image of human resources to be trained, education to be promoted, basic system design, etc. are proposed.
Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology "Summary of deliberations of the Council of Experts on the Institutionalization of New Higher Education Institutions for Practical Vocational Education" (March 27)https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chousa/koutou/061/gaiyou/1356314.htm
In addition, in the Central Council for Education report in May 28, the following were shown as four viewpoints that should be emphasized when designing the system of a new higher education institution.
≪Viewpoints that should be emphasized when designing the system≫
① Enhancement of vocational education by bridging theory and practice
(XNUMX) Appropriate reflection of needs of industry / region, promotion of education through cooperation with industry / region, etc.
③ Responding to various learning needs such as re-learning of working people
(XNUMX) Quality assurance as a higher education institution, guarantee of international compatibility, and establishment of educational conditions suitable for practical vocational education
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology "About the diversification of education and the ideal way of quality assurance to realize a problem-solving society by opening up individual abilities and possibilities and realizing a problem-solving society with the participation of all (report)" May 28
In order to position (XNUMX) in the university system, it was necessary to provide not only practical education but also theoretical education and liberal arts education based on academics because of its consistency with common concepts with other countries. Items (XNUMX) to (XNUMX) are the realization of the contents included in the first basic plan for education promotion.
To establish a professional university / professional junior college (29-)
In January 29, the Abe Cabinet's policy speech (* 1) in the Diet clearly stated the establishment of a professional university, etc., which was decided by the Cabinet in March of the same year, and was established and promulgated in May of the same year.Then, in April 9, the following three schools opened as the first professional universities and junior colleges.
* International Fashion College
* Kochi Professional University of Rehabilitation
* Yamazaki Animal Nursing Professional Junior College
Professionals who have been leading various fields, such as the former president of the University of Tokyo, the former administrative vice-minister of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the former director of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, are appointed as the presidents of the professional universities and junior colleges that have opened.As of May 3rd year of Reiwa, there are 5 professional universities and junior colleges nationwide.In the future, it is expected to lead other educational institutions as a higher education institution responsible for vocational education suitable for the new era.
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