2023 Volume 45 Issue 2 Pages 157-162
In recent years, the importance of providing learning support to university students has increased considerably, making it a vital area of research. On the other hand, within the diverse landscape of learning support, a comprehensive understanding remains elusive. In particular, cross-disciplinary surveys and research, including methodologies for fostering learner autonomy, are particularly needed. In view of these issues, a research team was formed in FY2020 to conduct a comprehensive survey of learning support. This endeavor started with a nationwide questionnaire survey in FY2021, followed by on-site surveys in Japan and abroad. In this roundtable discussion, based on the results of each survey, topics were presented from the viewpoints of objectives, leadership, and methodologies of learning support for university students. Through exchanges of opinions with the audience, we aimed to advance the systematization of learning support systems.
According to the roundtable report, based on the comprehensive research conducted by the research team, it became clear that the effectiveness of learning support is closely tied to the clarity of learning support policies at universities. Furthermore, these policies influence the placement, securing, and training of individuals in charge of delivering learning support. This highlights the need to define the role of learning support in the academic management of universities. On the other hand, there is concern that this might hinder the inherent growth of students. It is necessary to discuss and evaluate what learning support should essentially be, while intertwining it with the concept of “student agency,” which respects the learnerʼs autonomy.
