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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I was very interested in getting to know the Japanese high school systems, as it is different from the system in the Netherlands. In addition, I think it is one of my duties as a scientist to explain the relevance and importance of the research happening at a university to interested people. Also, as a result of such interaction, the students may get interested in pursuing a career in science.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
I tried to make a visually appealing story to explain my work. Most time went into trying to
explain the basic concepts that are important for understanding the topic.
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 personally feel that, if the goal is to have a good communication with Japanese high
school students, it may be better not to organize an orthodox lecture. A small discussion
group, or practical task to be preformed by teacher and students together would lead to
much more interaction.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
I found that, although I think a number of students learned new things from my
presentation, they were extremely reluctant to ask questions or participate in an active
way. In addition, many students did not have enough background in biology (it was an
elective subject at this school) to understand the topic without giving extensive
background information.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
I think teaching, in general, is very important for a scientist. I think such experience helps
me explain my subject in a clear way.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
I hope I have been able to explain the importance of plant life and plant biology. In addition,
I think it is good for Japanese students to try and understand an English lecture.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
I think it may be a good idea to organize a more practical "hands-on" session instead of
just giving a traditional lecture about work. Alternatively, it may be interesting to let the
students themselves prepare something that is discussed individually by the JSPS fellow
with each student in English. I feel the experience would be more rewarding like this, both
for the students (although they may be more nervous about it) and for the JSPS fellows.
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