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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I had received an e-mail from JSPS asking for my favor to give a lecture for high school students. At first, I felt reluctant to cooperate with this program because I never have chance to teach students, especially in English language. But then I realized that it would be my good opportunity to practice teaching and at the same time I could share my knowledge on science that might inspire them to keep pursuing on scientific fields.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
I had read comments on this program from previous lecturers. They all suggested to use simple words (not technical terms), more figures and if possible try to include Japanese word in some difficult sentences. These could help students to follow our talks more easily.
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?
To my surprise, English skill of the students was better than I expected. If you speak slowly, use simple word and repeat at some important messages, they could grab what you try to tell them.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
It was my good experience to interact with high school students. They are active in learning. I gave a lecture for about 1 hr, and then 1 hr later I had a busy time for questions and answers with them.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
Apart from daily experiments in laboratory, this teaching activity would be another learning process for me. To become a good researcher, we should know how to transfer the knowledge to people and community as well.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
The students had chance to communicate directly with real scientists (and foreigners). These could broaden their knowledge and interest in term of science and culture. I hope some students would have more confident about pursuing in science research fields.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
For future participants, I recommend you to study on past lectures in Science Dialogue Program website. These could help you to know how much information you should present. Don't forget to use only simple words and more photos. Introduction about your country can draw attention from students as well.
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