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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I was prompted to participate in the 'JSPS Science Dialogue' program by my inner desire to share scientific knowledge with others and the desire to stimulate the young generation to trust in science in their quest to solve current major problems. To me, it is also another way of paying back to JSPS for the rare opportunity it has afforded me.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
My greatest attention and target during the preparation and presentation of my lecture was to make the average student appreciate my main message: 'to guide the student into development of research topics'. Bearing in mind that my presentation to the Super Science High School students was in English, I paid a lot of attention on making my materials as simple as possible and to avoid being too technical. Moreover, I ensured that over 90% of my slides were pictures/illustrations, which I believe speak for themselves and hence facilitate easier understanding. Even more importantly, I reminded myself that I had to deliver my message very slowly so that an average student would manage to follow. During my presentation, I kept on looking at my audience (the students) to asses how attentive they were, whether they were following or there were being bored.
3. Did you find it difficult to give a lecture in English to Japanese students? Could you give some advice to future lecturers on how to facilitate communication with Japanese students?
I believe I did not have too much trouble delivering my presentation to Japanese students in English. This is mainly because I prepared myself for that right from the beginning of my presentation. The following is my humble advise to future foreign lecturers on how to facilitate communication with Japanese students:
- Prepare your presentation way in advance. The title should be short, simple and should clearly summarize the message you intend to give to students. Use as many pictures as possible in your presentation. Your presentation should flow well throughout, avoid confusion where there is no link between one slide and the one that follows or preceeds it.
- Way before the date of your presentation to students, try to deliver your presentation to colleagues who are not familiar with your topic of presentation. They will guide you and will tell you whether your message will be easy to understand by High School students.
- Bear in mind you are presenting your material to High School students. As such, try to avoid using a lot of technical terminologies - use simple terminologies.
- Bear in mind you are presenting your material to High School Japanese students who may not understand English very well. As such, use short and simple expressions and speak very slowly. Your slides should be self-explanatory and elaborate with as few sentences as possible.
- When presenting, try to check whether or not your audience is awake and attentive. Whenever possible, use some Japanese expression you may know. Be confident and try to be less tense.
- Never take any question students ask as being trivial! Respond as elaborate as possible to the asked questions and try to be encouraging and stimulating throughout.
- Remember to give encouraging advice to the students.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
Bearing in mind the criteria used to select JSPS fellows, I believe all the fellows should be encouraged to spend a small part of their precious time by participating in this very important program. Let us sell our ideas, thoughts and dreams and stimulate the young generation to invest in science and research, let the High School students emulate the exciting scientific ideas, dreams and approaches we have.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
To me, preparation and presentation of my material was no loss but rather beneficial, thought-provoking and pleasurable in terms of my fellowship activities.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
I believe the students got some ideas as to how they can develop their own research topics, the criteria to use and the approach and attitude to take. The students also may have realized the importance of consultation and sharing knowledge and ideas with colleagues and fellow scientists and that science potentially offers solutions to most of the current problems we face (which might appear impossible).
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
Future participants should be willing and look forward to share their great scientific ideas and knowledge and hence urge and stimulate the younger generation of scientists to do even better! This is one sure way science and research can develop and perpetuate. Just try to consider some of the suggestions given above to facilitate a smooth and effective delivery of your presentation to the students. After your presentation, share your experience to other JSPS fellows so they learn from you and get more encouraged to participate in the program. Good luck and best regards.
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