Chapter 25
Considering the Geological Disposal Program
of High-Level Radioactive Waste Through
Classroom Debate
Akemi Yoshida
Abstract Although nuclear power has become recognized as a social issue—one
that concerns us all—there is still, in Japan, insufficient public debate on the
problems posed by this form of energy. In particular, interest among the younger
generation on this and many other issues is limited, a situation reflected in the low
turnout of young people at elections. The disposal of high-level radioactive waste is
an issue that cannot be simply solved by shutting down nuclear reactors. Yet, in
spite of the need to urgently find a solution to the problem of nuclear waste, many
young people appear to be apathetic. Part of the reason for this lack of interest is that
students majoring in the so-called humanities do not feel confident approaching the
issue. As a way to raise such students’ interest in the issue of nuclear waste disposal,
debating courses were held in the social science departments of two universities
located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This chapter reports on these courses, discusses
the value and effectiveness of debate in raising awareness of social issues, and
assesses potential problems with implementing debating in educational contexts.
Keywords Active learning • Classroom debate • Communication training • Fundamental literacy for members of society • Nuclear power • Radioactive waste
25.1 Introduction
25.1.1 The Situation Now
Although the problems surrounding nuclear power have certainly become a social
issue, it cannot be said that the present discussion on this issue is always calm and
rooted in science. Elsewhere in the world, including in the USA and various
European countries, the importance of public debate has been emphasized and
reports published on the efficacy of specific examples. In Japan, however, particularly since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, sensational media reporting
A. Yoshida (*)
Sugiyama Jogakuen University, 3-2005 Takenoyama, Nissin-City, Aichi, Japan
e-mail: ayoshida@sugiyama-u.ac.jp
© The Author(s) 2015
K. Nakajima (ed.), Nuclear Back-end and Transmutation Technology for Waste
Disposal, DOI 10.1007/978-4-431-55111-9_25
289
Considering the Geological Disposal Program
of High-Level Radioactive Waste Through
Classroom Debate
Akemi Yoshida
Abstract Although nuclear power has become recognized as a social issue—one
that concerns us all—there is still, in Japan, insufficient public debate on the
problems posed by this form of energy. In particular, interest among the younger
generation on this and many other issues is limited, a situation reflected in the low
turnout of young people at elections. The disposal of high-level radioactive waste is
an issue that cannot be simply solved by shutting down nuclear reactors. Yet, in
spite of the need to urgently find a solution to the problem of nuclear waste, many
young people appear to be apathetic. Part of the reason for this lack of interest is that
students majoring in the so-called humanities do not feel confident approaching the
issue. As a way to raise such students’ interest in the issue of nuclear waste disposal,
debating courses were held in the social science departments of two universities
located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This chapter reports on these courses, discusses
the value and effectiveness of debate in raising awareness of social issues, and
assesses potential problems with implementing debating in educational contexts.
Keywords Active learning • Classroom debate • Communication training • Fundamental literacy for members of society • Nuclear power • Radioactive waste
25.1 Introduction
25.1.1 The Situation Now
Although the problems surrounding nuclear power have certainly become a social
issue, it cannot be said that the present discussion on this issue is always calm and
rooted in science. Elsewhere in the world, including in the USA and various
European countries, the importance of public debate has been emphasized and
reports published on the efficacy of specific examples. In Japan, however, particularly since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, sensational media reporting
A. Yoshida (*)
Sugiyama Jogakuen University, 3-2005 Takenoyama, Nissin-City, Aichi, Japan
e-mail: ayoshida@sugiyama-u.ac.jp
© The Author(s) 2015
K. Nakajima (ed.), Nuclear Back-end and Transmutation Technology for Waste
Disposal, DOI 10.1007/978-4-431-55111-9_25
289