With The World Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Kobe; CEO: Shunta Igarashi; hereinafter "With The World") has partnered with Britannica Japan Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takuya Otani; hereinafter "Britannica") to launch a cross-disciplinary learning program combining research learning in English with international exchange at junior and senior high schools nationwide from October 2025.We have started offering it on.

This program is a new teaching model that aims to foster independent learning and an international perspective by having students identify issues on their own and exchange opinions in English with students from overseas. By combining Britannica's reliable online research tools with With The World's international exchange program, students can develop inquiry-based learning and practical English language skills that were difficult to achieve in previous knowledge-transfer-based classes, and deepen their thinking skills and international perspectives through interactions with students from overseas with different cultural backgrounds. 

■ Supporting cross-disciplinary learning through the use of reliable information and international exchange

Recent revisions to curriculum guidelines have created a demand for comprehensive inquiry time and cross-disciplinary learning. Students are expected to reframe familiar issues as social challenges, gather and analyze information, and communicate their own thoughts. However, in schools, in addition to the time and manpower burden of securing reliable information sources and designing lessons, there is also the issue of a lack of opportunities for students to deepen their thinking by being exposed to the perspectives of others. 

With this background in mind, With The WorldBritannica says it is trying to minimize the burden on education.Students are encouraged to take the initiative in solving problems while keeping the workload to a minimum.Based on our research and high-quality information gathering,Collaborative learning with students from overseas and proactive learningWe provide lesson models related to the assignment.

■ Learning program leveraging the strengths of both companies 

1) Use of highly reliable information 

Among Britannica's research tools:Britannica Online Junior and Senior High School Edition*is an online research tool that bundles Japanese, English, and images (videos). All articles have been carefully reviewed by experts, so students can access accurate information in a short amount of time. The English version can be adjusted to suit different vocabulary levels, making it easy for English learners to use. 

In addition, we will support the collection and organization of materials necessary for inquiry-based learning."Britannica Exploration Comprehensive Pack"**By using this in combination, you can carry out effective research studies according to your goals. 

*For more information about Britannica Online Junior and Senior High School Edition, click here 

**For more information on the Britannica Comprehensive Exploration Pack, click here 

②Expanding learning through international exchange 

With The World* provides international exchange programs that utilize a network of approximately 500 schools in 67 countries. Students can exchange opinions on social issues with peers from overseas.This experience not only improves students' English skills, but also fosters flexible thinking and collaborative skills.

*About With The World 

The program involves students identifying their own research topics, gathering high-quality information, and then engaging in collaborative learning with students from overseas.The program aims to integrate knowledge from multiple subjects and develop the comprehensive skills of problem-finding, problem-solving, and communication. 

Program structure example (Day 2 program)* 

Day 1: Research study 

Students will explore social issues close to their hearts and discover problems for themselves. By utilizing Britannica's online research tools, they will be able to refer to case studies and data from around the world, building a foundation for formulating their own opinions. 

Day 2: International exchange, discussion, and planningPresentation 

Based on the theme set on Day 1,Students from overseas will discuss in English.Learn about the differences in perceptions of issues and values, and hold discussions.We provide an experience that deepens your thinking throughThrough practical English communicationThis will also help you become aware of the progress and challenges of your own English skills.

 *There are several other programs available, and students can participate in them according to their characteristics and interests. 

■ Expected learning outcomes 

The implementation of this program is expected to develop the following capabilities: 

Problem-solving ability: The ability to perceive familiar problems as social issues

Logical thinking ability: The ability to analyze information and formulate one's own ideas 

Expressive ability: Ability to communicate with others in English 

Collaboration: Ability to deepen opinions with students from diverse backgrounds 

International perspective: the ability to understand and accept different cultures and diverse values 

In today's world, students are increasingly expected to take the initiative in identifying problems and working with others to solve them. Britannica Japan and With The World will use reliable information to deepen students' understanding of the issues they have identified and provide them with the experience of working with others who have different perspectives. This program can be used by a wide range of schools, from junior high schools to high schools across the country, depending on the needs of each school. We hope that you will use it to develop the skills necessary to play an active role in the local and global community. 

 

◎Britannica Japan https://www.britannica.co.jp/ 

Britannica, a global company with a 250-year history and headquartered in Chicago, is a provider of encyclopedias and digital learning materials. Armed with a wide range of content, and guided by its motto of "trust, security, safety, and development," Britannica has earned high praise from educational institutions ranging from elementary school to university. The company will continue to provide a wide range of educational content and cross-curricular learning content. 

 

◎With The World  https://withtheworld.co/ 

"With the World" aims to contribute to providing a sustainable educational environment around the world by creating an educational environment where children all over the world can have international exchanges, regardless of economic disparities or diverse backgrounds. 

From "online international exchange" utilizing the ICT environment established by the GIGA School Initiative promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, to "overseas educational trips" that go beyond sightseeing, we provide services aimed at making friends around the world and connecting and cooperating with other people. Our services are widely used by local governments nationwide, as well as elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, universities, and companies.

In a survey conducted after the event, more than XNUMX% of participants responded that they wanted to visit the people they had actually interacted with, creating a new way of international education and CSR in the future.