Research on Regional Education Evaluation

Research on Regional Education Evaluation

Associate Professor (Undergraduate Education Foundation)
HASHIZUME Takao

At Yamagata University’s “Area Campus Mogami,” eight municipalities in the Mogami region of Yamagata Prefecture have partnered with the university to promote educational activities based on the concept of a virtual campus—treating the entire region as an extended classroom.

One such course, Field Learning: The Forest of Coexistence in Mogami, allows students to engage deeply with local communities by visiting the area and interacting directly with residents. In this context, local community members participate as “expert instructors,” sharing their knowledge and experience. A key focus of our research is to understand how these community members observe and evaluate student learning during these interactions.

Through surveys and interviews, we aim to clarify the aspects of student behavior and learning that community members value most. These findings help us communicate local expectations to students before they begin their fieldwork, enabling more meaningful engagement. At the same time, the insights offer local residents guidance on how best to convey their values and perspectives to today’s students, whose learning styles may differ from previous generations.

This research represents a steady and ongoing effort to improve education through collaboration—strengthening the ties between the university and the local community while enhancing the learning experience for all involved.

▲The rich natural environment of Area Campus Mogami

▲Learn firsthand from community experts