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A university does not only inherit the accumulated legacy of humanity’s intellectual pursuits, but also fulfills the function of continuously reexamining existing knowledge in light of contemporary contexts to encourage the formulation of new questions. Within this framework, both the undergraduate and graduate Schools of Education serve as a space where faculty as well as graduate and undergraduate students engage in various approaches to explore shared concerns. These include fundamental questions such as: What is education? What is a university? What does it mean to learn or to grow? —significant questions, even for the very act of being asked. At the same time, we grapple with more concrete and practical questions such as: How can dialogue and coexistence with others who are different from ourselves become possible? What might an equal society look like? Here both theoretical and practical inquiries are pursued.
To realize such a dynamic and challenging environment, it is essential not only to enable individuals to deepen their specialized research, but also to provide abundant opportunities to engage with issues from interdisciplinary and cross-cutting perspectives that transcend individual research fields. Some 40 faculty members are actively involved in the School and Graduate School of Education and their areas of expertise span a wide range—from the mental and physical development of individuals throughout their lives, to the structures of families, workplaces, societies, and nations, including the underlying philosophies, histories, policies, institutions, and educational practices that support them. These diverse areas of research are not isolated but interrelated, forming a loose yet cohesive whole that constitutes the identity of our School and Graduate School of Education. By being part of such an environment—and by actively contributing to it—undergraduate and graduate students are given the opportunity to pursue inquiries that are both specialized and multidimensional. The relatively small number of students—around 60 per undergraduate year of study and 45 in the graduate program—also helps to foster this rich and supportive learning environment.
Many graduates of the School and Graduate School of Education have gone on to play active roles in various sectors of society. These include careers as researchers at universities and other institutions, school teachers, local and national government officials, professionals in early childhood care, education, and social welfare, as well as key members of companies and organizations. Now, more than 70 years after the establishment of these undergraduate and graduate school, we at Hokkaido University’s School and Graduate School of Education remain committed to continue building upon this legacy. With renewed dedication, we strive to fulfill the social responsibilities expected of a university in today’s world.
Why not join us delving into new questions and learning together?
We look forward to meeting new members who will become part of our community.
On behalf of the faculty,
TSUJI Tomoko
(Dean, School and Graduate School of Education, Academic Year 2025)
