2022 Volume 63 Issue 1 Pages 3-13
This paper explores the characteristics of IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) science in the Japanese DLDP (Dual Language Diploma Programme) school and its potential for effective implementation in the teaching and learning across the Japanese high school science curriculum through the Case Study of IBDP Science Subjects in Japanese DLDP. The following four points were identified as the characteristics of IB Science in the Japanese DLDP: (a) Group work is frequently employed, (b) IB Science utilizes a curriculum structure that incorporates not only the content of science but also various perspectives surrounding science, (c) Efforts are made to ask students to come up with learning outcomes as independent learners, (d) The final exam requires students to have a deep understanding of the content of each science subject as well as higher-order critical thinking skills. This case study revealed that by highlighting and reflecting these characteristics across the Japanese high school science curriculum, it is expected that most students would successfully develop a deep understanding of the content of each science subject and higher-order critical thinking skills, while pursuing and focusing on collaborative learning, cross-curricular learning, and inquiry-based learning.
