FY2025 NITS-Gifu University Graduate School for Teaching Profession Collaborative Training: "Enhancing School Management through Data Utilization" Held

On Monday, August 18, 2025, Gifu University Graduate School for Teaching Profession, in collaboration with the National Institute for School Teachers and Staff Development (NITS), held a training program titled "Enhancing School Management through Data Utilization." The training was attended by principals from 12 elementary and junior high schools in Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture, along with 25 mid-career teachers.

In today's educational landscape, school administrators are expected to maximize educational effectiveness by utilizing various types of data to realize a school environment that brings out the strengths and potential of every child. This training program was designed as an inquiry-based learning opportunity for schoolteachers to explore how data can be used for school management policies. The two-part program aims to provide knowledge acquisition in the first session and reflection-based insights in the second.

In the first session, Professor YOSHIZAWA Hiroyuki from the Graduate School for Teaching Profession explained the significance and thought processes behind data utilization within the framework of school management. The content covered a four-step process: (1) identifying challenges in school management, (2) formulating hypotheses for solutions, (3) managing the organization, and (4) sharing and sustaining outcomes--all while exploring how data can be effectively used throughout.

During group work, participants discussed key data points and methods of utilization to realize their school's management policies. In the general discussion session, specific future plans were shared, such as: "We aim to foster student autonomy through school management and have been using student surveys. However, many responses fall under 'mostly applicable,' making it difficult to identify actionable strategies. Moving forward, we plan to ask students the reasons behind their responses and develop measures based on those reasons."

The second training, scheduled for December 2025 will focus on deepening insights through reflection on practical data utilization at school.