Should schools be places to confront questions, or just to learn answers?

Students discussing the nature of knowledge at Shohei High School recently. — The Yomiuri Shimbun/ANN

IN this age of globalisation and rapid technological advancement, a fundamental question arises about education: What does it mean to be educated in a world where established solutions quickly become obsolete?

Many may already know that having problem-solving skills is critical, and various approaches, including “inquiry-based learning,” are being implemented in schools. However, it is not easy for teachers to effectively foster these skills.