Enhancement of Abilities and Perceptions through Class-Related Activities among Japanese People Who Studied Abroad for a Graduate Degree: An Analysis of Self-evaluated Survey Responses

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  • 日本人大学院留学生の授業関連活動への参加と能力・意識の高まり―自己評価に基づく質問票調査の結果より―
  • ニホンジン ダイガクイン リュウガクセイ ノ ジュギョウ カンレン カツドウ エ ノ サンカ ト ノウリョク ・ イシキ ノ タカマリ : ジコ ヒョウカ ニ モトズク シツモンヒョウ チョウサ ノ ケッカ ヨリ

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Abstract

<p>The focus of this paper is to discuss the impact of studying abroad for a graduate degree among Japanese people. First, a factor analysis was conducted to see the factor structure of the survey items for studying abroad on ability (18 items) and perception (16 items). When looking at the impact of studying abroad for a graduate degree, three factors were found through the factor analysis: “enhancement of ability”, “personal development”, and “global perspective”. Then, survey responses were compared between those who studied abroad for a graduate degree (n=353) and those who studied at graduate schools in Japan (n=528). This was done by looking at students’ self-evaluation of participation in class-related activities during time abroad (5 items) and the three factors that studying abroad for a graduate degree had an impact on (enhancement of ability, personal development, and global perspective). As a result, people who studied abroad for a graduate degree scored higher on all five items and all three factors compared to those who studied at graduate schools in Japan. Then, this paper explores the relationship between the attributes and the self-evaluation of participation in class-related activities and the impact of studying abroad. By utilizing Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, a regression analysis was conducted. Among the items on class-related activities, “I interacted proactively with classmates” and “I worked proactively on in-class presentations” especially showed a strong positive relationship with “enhancement of ability”. Then, the factor of “enhancement of ability” had a strong positive relation with “personal development” and “global perspective.” In conclusion, the experience of studying abroad for a graduate degree provides an opportunity for transformative learning. Through interaction with classmates and professors abroad, study abroad participants acquire professional knowledge and skills, develop abilities and self-confidence, and enhance their perspectives regarding actively participating in the globalized society.</p>

Journal

  • Intercultural Education

    Intercultural Education 46 (0), 125-139, 2017-08-31

    Intercultural Education Society of Japan

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