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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the “JSPS Science Dialogue” program?
As a teacher and a scientific researcher, it is my pleasure to cultivate a younger generation in obtaining the knowledge of science & technology. As a JSPS fellow, I think this is a good opportunity to contribute to the local society and express my acknowledgement to JSPS.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
I tried to manifest a new viewpoint in understanding the relationship between Nature and human being, not merely introducing knowledge. Moreover, I wanted to create a situation in which the students could easily understand new design concepts by using photos, pictures and so on from other observations in Nature. In this way, there was a possibility to connect it to their realistic world.
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?
It is not difficult for me to give a lecture in English to Japanese students. However, it is not an easy job to make students follow smoothly.
It would have been helpful to know the knowledge level of the Japanese high school students from their teachers and the textbooks they are studying. Furthermore, it is better to discuss the presentation in detail with the host professor and Japanese colleagues before preparing the lecture.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
I am quite impressed with the enthusiasm shown from the students and the cooperation from their teachers, as well as the assistance provided from my colleagues.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
Yes.
In order to give a wonderful and easy-to-follow presentation to students, I spent large amount of time on collecting materials, and preparing the lecture. During this process, I was prompted to summarize the significance and principia on learning from nature, which I did not think thoroughly before. So, this is also a process of self-improvement. In addition, my Japanese host and colleagues provided me essential assistance and useful suggestions during my preparation, which seems to be another good way of building up friendship.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
It is a fine opportunity for the students to touch some specific scientific area, which is under investigation. This brings them closer to the frontier of science and technology. It might also stimulate their interests in studying science and technology and practicing English. Of course, it could be a fresh air in their daily life of study to meet researchers with various backgrounds and styles.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
It is a valuable experience for participants to know a Japanese education system and approach a young generation, Japan's future. During the discussion with students and teachers, the participants can further understand what they are thinking and what their interests are. Meanwhile, the students can not only study science, but also obtain new information of another country from a foreigner researcher.
Before the presentation, it is necessary to understand students' background from their teachers and the textbooks they are studying. It would be very helpful to ask suggestions and advice from your host professor and your Japanese colleagues.
During the presentation, it is best to provide students special pabulum from homeland and express the friendship with Japan.
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