List of faculty members

HIRANO, Tomoki Associate Professor

Research Contents

1. Learning Sciences of the Arts

This research examines how people learn through art appreciation and creation from the perspective of the learning sciences. A particular focus is on dialogic art-viewing, exploring how viewers develop and transform their perspectives and interpretations through interactions with artworks, other people, and information about the works. It also investigates how art-based learning experiences contribute to creative thinking and understanding others.

2. Design-Based Research on Workshops

This research focuses on designing learning environments centered on workshops as a means of fostering learning and creativity by encouraging participants to explore unfamiliar perspectives. It examines how guiding questions, activity structures, and facilitation shape participants’ experiences and interactions. Research settings include schools, universities, museums, and local communities.

3. Analysis and Assessment of Diverse Learning Contexts

This research examines learning processes and outcomes across diverse settings, from formal education to informal learning. Drawing on qualitative data, such as dialogue and written reflections, and quantitative data, such as questionnaires, it investigates changes in learners’ understanding, attitudes, and abilities. The aim is to identify features of activities and environments that support learning.

Attractive Factors of My Research

 I worked for a company before enrolling in a doctoral program and earning my degree as a working graduate student. I believe that universities are always open when we want to learn.

Achievement

I have been involved in education and training programs utilizing dialogue-based art appreciation. At Aichi Triennale 2019 and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, I was responsible for volunteer training and staff workshops. At Roppongi Art Night, I led guided tours that combined urban exploration with art appreciation. Additionally, I have worked on developing workshops that expand art appreciation experiences, including programs for visually impaired participants and workshops incorporating robots as facilitators.

In recent years, I have participated in projects focused on art, regional revitalization, and entrepreneurship development, striving to uncover the unique appeal of local communities (including the Fukushima Reconstruction Grand Prix, Playful PR: Odaka, Shizuoka Micro Art Workation, and Aomori Prefecture’s Regional Issue-Solving Business Creation Program). To support these initiatives, I collaborate with other universities and encourage students to actively engage in off-campus learning environments.

*JST｢researchmap｣

Major Books and Papers

• Is Leadership and Management Necessary in Schools? (Edited by Takehiro Wakimoto and Daisuke Choshi, Kitaohji Shobo, 2026, in Japanese)
• Facilitation of Art Appreciation: Towards Deep Dialogue in Art Communication (Airi Publishing, 2023, in Japanese)
• Contributing Author: How to Create a School Where Teachers Learn from Each Other (Edited by Takehiro Wakimoto and Daisuke Choshi, Daiichi-Hoki, 2021, in Japanese)
• Contributing Author: Theory and Practice in Art and Craft Education (Edited by Shingi Ikenaga, Airi Publishing, 2016, in Japanese)
• Contributing Translator: Visual Thinking Strategies: Using Art to Deepen Learning Across School Disciplines (By Philip Yenawine, Translated by Kyoto University of the Arts Art Communication Research Center, Tankosha, 2015, Japanese Translation)