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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I am really interested in giving lectures to students. When I got to know about this program organized by JSPS I thought it would be very interesting in presenting the research that I am carrying out at Tokyo Institute of Technology.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
I gave more attention in preparing material that would keep as high as possible the attention of the students. Therefore I utilized several videos showing the robots that we have been developing at the Hirose-Fukushima Laboratory. While showing the videos I was trying to give detailed information on some important mechanical points or features. Besides I brought one walking robot (as example) in order to show what kind of robots we do develop. It turned out to be a very effective solution, especially with demonstrating the robot in the middle of the lecture.
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 was not difficult. I believe that if the lecture is given with trying to speak slowly and with trying to keep a clear pronunciation (especially in case of technical terms) we give the time to the students to pick up what is being told to them and to keep their attention very high. As Japanese students of that age are often shy, I believe that it is important to make the students understanding that they should not be afraid of their English pronunciation when making questions.
developing at the Hirose-Fukushima Laboratory. While showing the videos I was trying to give detailed information on some important mechanical points or features. Besides I brought one walking robot (as example) in order to show what kind of robots we do develop. It turned out to be a very effective solution, especially with demonstrating the robot in the middle of the lecture.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
I think it is a very nice initiative. I believe it is a great opportunity for Japanese students to get to know what kind of research is being held in the Institutions where they might get enrolled in the future. Also seeing foreigner researchers (from non English speaking countries) describing their research/work in English can stimulate the students in studying or in improving their English skills. On the other hand it is interesting also for us (JSPS fellow researchers) since we have a great chance to challenge ourselves in describing our research not only to equal background level colleagues but also to students who are just starting to study our subjects.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
In terms of my particular research activities it was not really related. However as a researcher who in the future is willing to become a teacher it is a very good opportunity.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
Besides the point 4 written above, I believe that students can have a concrete chance to see how the basic theories and subjects that they are now studying is going to be applied for important researches inside Institutions and universities.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
Apart from the point number 3 written above, I think it is important to make use of media material (videos and images) as much as possible (if your research allows to do it). Besides the use of some practical (simple and basic demonstrations) can be very effective (in my case I did demonstrated a robot but also simple kits could have been utilized). If students can put their hands-on the explained research, they can get really interested in that.
We thank you again for your kind cooperation in this endeavor, and wish you every success in your important research.
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