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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
Other than the research activities at the university, I was interested to interact with the local community, such as local schools. Also, it would be a good opportunity to visit the local high school and this helps to understand the Japanese culture and their education system. Through the lecture, I hope to enhance my organization and presentation skills. My research topic can be introduced to the students and that would promote their interest in science study.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
The layout of my presentation needed to be precise and concise because I can only present my research in a limited period of time. The explanations needed to be simple enough to enhance student's understanding.
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?
No, it was not that difficult to give a lecture in English to a group of Japanese students. You have to speak very slowly, emphasize the key words within your presentation. Always have a smile on your face and try "Yes or No" questions. Try simple questions. You can use a lot of pictures to enhance your explanation. Visual aid is also important. Communicate with the English teacher in advance; break down your presentation in sections, so the students may ask questions at different intervals.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
There was a lot of hard work involved. It took over a week to prepare all materials and apparatus for a small experiment. During the preparation, I formed a team within the laboratory and that involves my colleagues and technician. We worked together and solved many problems and that different opinions were created in order to improve the overall presentation. So, that was good fun and this enhanced our friendship in office. In general, the presentation was good; I like visiting the high school and having conversations with the students. With the warm welcome from the school and the students, I felt like going there again.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
Yes, it was meaningful because I had the opportunity to interact with the local students. It's like a lot of hard work but is rewardable. I have gained experience in teaching the high school students and these experiences are valuable. On the other hand, I get to share my feelings about this visit with my family and they feel so proud about my work in Japan. By visiting the school, I also experience the Japanese culture at the high school.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
The students get to listen from a foreigner and that they can see all the hard work in preparing the lecture, and they would learn to show their appreciation to the teachers in the future. We do care about them as senior members from the university. After the presentation, they would probably know how we got into the university and this would encourage them to work hard in school. Also, by introducing my research, they might begin to think more about science or even what I taught have already answered some of their questions in their mind. On the other hand, the students may have a better understanding about the culture of U.K.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
You need to think in terms of the audiences, make your presentation as interesting as possible, simple to understand. You need to explain clearly about your topic and to show them you are the pioneer of that specific field. Try to communicate with the English teacher beforehand, discuss the presentation with your Japanese colleagues and professor. Practice your presentations with your Japanese colleagues. Ask your Japanese colleagues about their school life and share your learning experience. Preferably, knowing the level of English of students in advance. Attach glossary sheets with your handout. Emphasize the key words in the lecture. Show care and love to the students. Take some good photographs and bring all wonderful memory back home and share them with your colleagues and family.
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