Power in Persistence: "Space Class" at Keio Girls Senior High School

Keio Girls Senior High School's "Space Class" was first covered by Juku in 2004 (No. 243) and again in 2008 (No. 258). This is the third time for "Space Class" to garner the attention of Juku as we finish the twenty-third installment of the class. We have received tremendous support from both the Design the Future Fund of the 150th Anniversary Commemorative Project and Keio University Academic Development Funds. I am once again grateful to be able to continue with these "Space Classes" due largely in part to these generous funds.

From the start, we have been consistent in our policies of making the class student-centered and breaking down the stereotype that learning about space has to be all about science. This has contributed to a marked increase in the number of people who repeatedly help out thanks to their understanding. For example, Taro Fujiki, the speaker on "Space of the Mind" from the 14th Space Class, comes all the way from Osaka each time to participate. And 15th speaker So Arai, who gave a speech entitled "Space and Drama," has introduced me to Shuichi Ono and comedic storyteller Jakujaku Katsura, who gave speeches titled "Space Elevator" (22nd Space Class) and "Space in a Pillow Cushion" (23rd Space Class) respectively. Toshihiko Kishino, who spoke on the topic of migratory birds for the 19th class, also participates almost every year, each time bringing new topics on space and science to the table. I am grateful for the help as the Space Class coordinator is decided each time among an ever-expanding circle of friends which includes the individuals I mentioned above.
Moreover, a prime example of the student-centered curriculum is the tradition in which student moderators visit the guest speaker prior to the class to discuss how the class should proceed. This is a great opportunity for student moderators to get a beneficial if nerve-wracking experience which can rarely be felt in the classroom.
The students who attend also get to experience the same type of tension and inspiration. Proof of this is in the students' comments and impressions of the class. Students often find that their predictions for the class are ill-founded and are soon captivated by speakers' talks: "I wondered just how the topic would connect with space, but it all came together once I heard the talk." "I was astonished when I heard and touched the real thing for the first time." These are examples of the comments we receive from students. Space Class is truly an experience you cannot get in the classroom alone.
One could argue that the topics of science and technology, especially those related to space, are sensational and have little relevance to daily life. For the Space Classes to come, I would like to continue to inspire students outside of the classroom by providing them with topics in a variety of fields while following through on another policy of "space beyond vectors."