Department of Education and
Child Development
Department of Psychology
Department of Education and Child Development
Teaching students to support the growth of children
The Department’s curriculum on education and child development integrates three fields: psychology, pedagogy (primary education), and disability sciences. Through the study of these fields, students pursue solutions to problems related to the development of the young mind. The department’s objective is to train future teachers and other personnel capable of understanding the psychology of school-age children, supporting their mental and emotional development, and working to resolve the issues facing schools today.
Department of Education and Child Development
Key Features of the Department of Education and Child Development
Point 01 An approach that prevents children from falling behind
In order to address the psychological issues that today’s children face, teachers need to both understand the mechanisms of development and disability and take comprehensive approach that considers all aspects of children’s lives. Through the Department’s integrated educational program, students deepen their understanding of children and learn how to support them. By developing competency in three areas — problem prevention and resolution, individual support and group education through the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle, and instruction that integrates academic subjects with daily-life guidance — the Department aims to train teachers capable of supporting children’s mental and emotional development.
Point 02 Three courses tailored to future career paths
In their first year, all students focus on gaining a basic grasp of child development and psychology. Starting in their second year, they specialize in one of three courses depending on their interests or career goals. These courses give them the ability to respond to needs with a wide range of supportive methods, as schools currently require, opening up many career options.
Students in all three courses are eligible to obtain a type 1 primary school teaching certificate, a school librarian certificate (see Note 1), or a social welfare officer certificate (see Note 3).
Child Development Course
Participants study learning processes, learning difficulties, teaching and learning psychology, lifespan development psychology, academic education, preschool education, and school education. Most go on to careers as preschool or elementary school teachers or staff at childcare support facilities or private education-related companies. They are eligible for type 1 kindergarten teaching certification.
Special Needs Support Course
Participants study special-needs education, the psychology of children and adults with disabilities, medical care for children with disabilities, and methods of educational, career, and parental support. Most students pursue careers as teachers at special education schools, in regular or special-education classrooms at elementary schools, in resource rooms, or at rehabilitation centers. They are eligible for type 1 special needs education certification (see Note 1).
International Education Course
Participants study multicultural education, psychology for multicultural support services, multicultural educational planning, and English communication. Most pursue careers as elementary school teachers working with foreign children or returnees, as multicultural coordinators, or as staff with international exchange or study abroad programs. They are eligible for type 2 lower secondary school teaching certification (English) (see Notes 1 and 2) or social education supervisor certification (see Note 3).
Note 1: This certification must be obtained in conjunction with a type 1 primary school teaching certificate. Note 2: Requires completion of courses in other departments. Approximately five to ten students are selected from each class for this certification program. Note 3: Students in the other two programs may also obtain this certification by completing designated courses within and outside of their program.
Excellent facilities to support learning
Departmental facilities include a clinical psychology center, fieldwork support office, music room, piano practice room, arts and crafts room, home economics room, psychology lab, sculpture room, teaching material development room, and library.
Program Structure
In an introductory course in educational development, students start by studying the fundamentals of understanding children, including their psychological, developmental, and disability issues. Second-year students separate into three courses to deepen their expertise while emphasizing practical applications in the field. From their third year, students study specific theories and methods for supporting child development, focusing on departmental courses in child support. We develop practical skills through exercises in which students learn proactively.
Topics
Science
In science, while performing experiments and making observations students will acquire scientific knowledge and skills and learn how to set up and solve problems from a teaching perspective. Students also consider how we can relate to and interact with science in our daily lives and in society.
Education for a Multicultural and Sustainable Society
Students will learn about issues in an increasingly multicultural and multilingual society and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to implement education for multicultural coexistence.