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1. What prompted you to decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I decided to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program because I see a real benefit in introducing younger students to different areas of research to hopefully provoke their interests in the future. During my doctoral studies, I was involved in outreach education at the K-12 level and it is something I wanted to continue as a postdoctoral fellow. Participating in the JSPS Science Dialogue program also has provided me a great way to give something back given the opportunity that I have been afforded through this fellowship.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
I spent a lot of time trying to decide what technical level the lecture should be at for high school students in Japan. I ended up asking some of students in the group that I work with what they though of the presentation slides and whether they thought it would be able to be understood from both the language aspect and technical level.
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 had given several presentations to Japanese University students prior to giving this one to the high school students, so I had a general idea of what to expect with respect to lecturing in English. I did try to use a large number of figures and pictures in order to communicate ideas more easily and added some demonstrations and videos to the lecture so that the students could gain some first hand experience. I also did not focus on my research, but rather a general overview of the field that I study (Structural/Earthquake Engineering).
4.Could you give your impression with regards to participating in this program?
I enjoyed the opportunity to be able to participate in this program. I had not had the opportunity to visit a Japanese high school, so it was a good experience.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
It was meaningful in the fact that it allowed me to view another aspect of Japanese life. The enthusiasm of the students and their amazement at some of the research that is done at the university level is great. It provides you with further motivation to continue with what you are doing.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
I think the biggest benefit for the students is the exposure to foreign researchers and the ability to hear and practice their English. Secondly, I think the students benefit from being exposed to research being done at the university level. Often times, it is difficult for students to see where their education can be applied and these lectures provide a way of doing this.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
Obtaining some information on the background education of the students you are presenting to may be helpful in preparing your lecture. Sending some information to the host teachers prior may be helpful as well.
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