Designing Collaborative Learning Environment in Higher Education

Abstract

Universities in Japan have recognized the need for change. The authors introduce an example of a reform program at a graduate school and describe how the new program was designed and implemented. Firstly, the authors discuss the new program from a theoretical point of view, comparing positivism and relativism traditions. Secondly, four categories of teaching and learning are introduced to explain a variety of learning. Based on the four categories of teaching and learning, the new program is equipped with six features in order to provide a rich, authentic learning environment. The authors explain in detail how the six features are applied in the new program. Comprehensive assessment should be conducted in the future on the program.