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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I think that this program is a very meaningful event but I was not sure if I can handle the
presentation until my boss, Dr. R. Ladher, encouraged me and gave me a chance to join.
It was a very nice experience for myself.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
During the preparation, I tried my best to make sure the students could follow and understand my talk (aided by the addition of Japanese translation on the slides, the preparation of handouts etc.). I paid special attention to speak in a clear and easily understood way during the
lecture. Also, I made sure that there were interactions between the students and me throughout my talk so that their attentions were maintained.
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?
Fortunately, I didn't feel any difficulty in giving lecture to the Japanese students in Seishin High School. I think there are several crucial factors to the success of the communication: 1. The presence of a high quality interpreter who knows Japanese and has a scientific background: Dr. Muta did an excellent translating job. 2. The lecture is rather interactive: the students were encouraged to take part during the lecture rather than just sit down and listen (we have demonstration, several short question and answer
sections i.e. more chance for the students to speak up during the lecture). 3. The choice of topic and the level of knowledge presented in the lecture need to be appropriate.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
I am glad that
I have shared such a nice time with the Japanese students. They are very willing to learn. In fact, the students stayed with us even after the lecture. They are curious about my research, being a researcher in Japan and more knowledge related to developmental biology. I also would like to point out that the principals and the teachers in the school are very supportive, that undoubtedly encouraged the students and thus contributed to the satisfying outcome.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
As a scientist, it is always important to be able to communicate with the public, who might not understand too much about scientific research. It is a good chance for me to communicate with non-scientific local people.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
This program provides an invaluable chance to pre-university students: 1) allows them to jump out from
their academic books and the routine to look at science from a different angle. 2) gives them a chance to have inter-personal contact with the real-world scientists. 3) the students can feel free to ask questions or express their doubts about the seemingly distant scientific world. 4) they are also stimulated to think independently, like a scientist. 5) as English is the international language, it is also a good chance for the students to practice their listening and spoken English.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
I
believe that an interactive manner of lecturing makes students (in any grade) understand better. Demonstrations and activities are recommended to be included in a talk as this provokes students' interest and encourages independent thinking of each student.
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