Proposing a New Field: Institutional Research (IR) Philosophy based on Eduinformatics

Abstract

Amid the transition from Society 4.0 to Society 5.0, the role of Institutional Research (IR) in higher education is evolving. We have proposed an interdisciplinary field named "Eduinformatics," which integrates education and informatics, offering fresh insights into data-driven educational strategies. In this study, we further introduce "IR Philosophy" as a novel approach to bridge the gap between the theoretical and practical aspects of IR. By examining the current state of IR in Japanese universities, we emphasize the significance of technical skills and the importance of understanding the broader educational context, termed "contextual knowledge." Our findings suggest that while technical proficiency is crucial, a profound understanding of the broader educational context, referred to as "issue knowledge," is equally vital. Furthermore, as we move into the era of Society 5.0, our research underscores the need for a more integrated approach to IR, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of education.