12th International Baccalaureate Promotion Symposium: Inquiry-Based Learning Inspired by IB Education — How Do Children Learn and Grow?

The MEXT IB Education Promotion Consortium will host the 12th International Baccalaureate Promotion Symposium, titled 'Inquiry-Based Learning Inspired by International Baccalaureate (IB) Education — How Do Children Learn and Grow?' online on Sunday, August 23, 2026 (hosted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, MEXT).

Participation is free with prior registration required, and is open to all individuals interested in education, including educators, students, and parents.

▼ Highlights of the Symposium

Keynote speech by Trevor MacKenzie, a globally recognized leader in inquiry-based learning (English presentation with Japanese subtitles). This session is essential for teachers beginning or deepening their inquiry-based learning journey, regardless of whether their schools have implemented IB programs.

Presentation of research findings on the educational impact of IB, along with practical reports from IB teachers across kindergarten to high school. Attendees will receive actionable insights directly applicable to designing inquiry-based lessons.

Panel discussion with IB alumni titled 'The Power of Continuous Questioning — Enjoying a World Without Single Answers.' Alumni will share in their own words how inquiry-based learning has influenced their personal growth and career paths.

For more details, visit: https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/symposium2026/

Purpose of the Symposium

With the rapid advancement of AI and increasing societal complexity, there is a growing demand for cultivating not only the ability to respond to predefined 'correct answers,' but also the capacity to formulate one's own questions, think critically while considering diverse perspectives, and act accordingly. The 'active, dialogic, and deep learning' promoted by MEXT in the national curriculum guidelines reflects this direction. IB education is gaining attention as an educational program that provides concrete frameworks and practical methods to realize this vision.

However, many educators face challenges when integrating inquiry-based learning into classrooms, such as 'students becoming confused during inquiry activities,' 'inquiry devolving into mere research and presentations,' or 'uncertainty about how teachers should support students in taking ownership of their inquiry.'

This symposium will explore, from both theoretical and practical perspectives, how 'inquiry-based learning' contributes to children's learning and development through keynote speeches, research reports, practical case studies, and alumni panel discussions.

Highlight ① Keynote Speech: Trevor MacKenzie — 'Building Cultures: From Theory to Practice'

Trevor MacKenzie, a globally renowned educator in inquiry-based learning, will deliver the keynote speech (English with Japanese subtitles).

In his presentation, 'Building Cultures, from Theory to Practice,' he will discuss the transformation from teacher-directed classrooms to learning environments that nurture curiosity and student agency. He will introduce practical approaches to embed inquiry learning into whole-school reform and explore concrete strategies to amplify each student's voice and enhance learner agency.

【Speaker Profile】Trevor MacKenzie

An educator, researcher, educational consultant, and author based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

He collaborates with schools, school boards, and educational authorities on curriculum development, teacher training, school reform, and advising on education policy. His publications on implementing and supporting inquiry-based learning are widely acclaimed in educational communities.

Highlight ② Research Report and Practical Insights from Kindergarten to High School — Inquiry Tips Applicable Even in Non-IB Schools

In the morning session, a research team led by Professor Hiroyuki Fujita (University of Tsukuba) will present findings from the 'Survey on the Educational Impact of the International Baccalaureate (IB).'

In the afternoon session, IB teachers from Yamanashi Gakuin Kindergarten, Shizuoka Salesio Elementary School, Gunma International Academy (Middle and High School Divisions), and Sapporo Kaijo Secondary School will present their practices under the theme 'How Does Inquiry Grow? — Continuity and Deepening of Learning from Early Childhood to High School in IB Education, and Practical Insights.'

The inquiry-based learning concepts and practical methods introduced in this symposium are designed to be directly applicable in daily classroom instruction, regardless of whether a school has adopted the IB program. The session will provide concrete, actionable insights for teachers seeking to improve lesson design and foster student agency in inquiry-based learning.

Highlight ③ IB Alumni Panel Discussion: 'The Power of Continuous Questioning — Enjoying a World Without Single Answers'

To conclude the symposium, IB alumni will take the stage to reflect on what they gained through inquiry-based learning and how it has shaped their current career paths and life philosophies, sharing their experiences in their own words.

For parents, this offers a valuable opportunity to consider what skills their children should develop in the AI era and to gain concrete insights into IB education and inquiry-based learning as viable educational pathways.

Program (10:00–15:00)

Registration Method (Prior Registration Required)

【Dedicated Website】https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/symposium2026/

For details and registration, please visit the dedicated website above.

Event Overview

Name

12th International Baccalaureate Promotion Symposium

'Inquiry-Based Learning Inspired by International Baccalaureate (IB) Education

— How Do Children Learn and Grow? —'

Date and Time

Sunday, August 23, 2026, 10:00–15:00

Format

Online event

Target Audience

All individuals interested in education (educators, students, parents, etc.)

Participation Fee

Free (prior registration required)

Organizers

Host: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Organizing Body: MEXT IB Education Promotion Consortium Secretariat Supporting Organization: International Baccalaureate Organization

Dedicated Website

https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/symposium2026/

About the MEXT IB Education Promotion Consortium

The MEXT IB Education Promotion Consortium was established in 2018 as a commissioned project by MEXT to further promote International Baccalaureate (IB) education in Japan. With cooperation from the International Baccalaureate Organization, the consortium provides support for IB implementation, disseminates information, and conducts outreach activities for parents and educators.

Official Website: https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/

For Media

Media representatives wishing to cover the event are requested to contact the inquiry office in advance. Individual interviews with the keynote speaker and panelists can also be arranged upon request.

Inquiries

MEXT IB Education Promotion Consortium Secretariat

Official Website: https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/

Email: [email protected]

(For event details and inquiries, please refer to the official website)