STELABO, a STEM and programming school operated by SB C&S, the IT distribution business of the Softbank Group. In June this year, a directly operated school opened in Shiodome, Tokyo, with the aim of enhancing children's social skills through learning science, technology, and math STEM fields. In this 3-part series, we'll introduce you to the Basic Class, Advanced Class, and Pro-Robo 1st Stage classes held at STELAB.
(Interviewed by.)
Hiroaki Nishimura, STEM Business Promotion Office, IoT Business Promotion Division, New Business Headquarters, SB C&S Corporation
WE WANT TO NURTURE CHILDREN'S ABILITIES THROUGH STEM EDUCATION THAT GOES BEYOND PROGRAMMING.
Editor: What do you teach the children at Stereolab?
Hayashi: Since we are a programming school, it is natural for us to teach children programming knowledge, but we also aim to nurture comprehensive abilities through life and society by learning the area called "STEM".
Editor: What is the meaning of "STEM" in the first place?
Hayashi: STEM is a relatively new field of study, and interpretations vary, but we define it collectively as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Although programming requires engineering skills, children first learn about the mechanisms and principles of how things work from the natural sciences found in everyday life by building blocks for teaching materials. About 60% of the curriculum in the Basic Class (for kindergarten-aged children to second-graders) and Advanced Class (for second- to third-graders) is based on blocks.
Editor: Why do you place so much emphasis on "learning by making"?
Hayashi: It's thought that thinking with your hands is more effective than classroom learning in terms of learning how things work, etc. I think one of the features of STELAB is that it incorporates the idea of "constructionism," which is attracting attention in IT education and research in the scientific field, and which fosters creative thinking.
Editor: It's surprising that you're a programming school and use blocks as teaching materials in your classes.
