2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Integrating foreign workers through Japanese language skills
| Project/Area Number |
20K00695
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| Research Institution | University of Tsukuba |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | Life-long learning / Integration / Language skills / Career support |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The researcher focused on creating online content for career support, and collecting data.
1)Together with Hideaki Ito, a colleague at the University of Tsukuba, we created online learning content to support international students during their job search process. First, we conducted interviews with Japanese and international students to understand the differences in their needs. Based on the findings, oral presentations were made and proeceedings have been written. For details, refer to part 10 below. Next, the actual content with five components (self-analysis, entry sheet writing, individual interview practice, group discussion practice, and teacher feedback) was created and is now available at https://shuukatsu-jumpstart.cegloc.tsukuba.ac.jp/. In addition, a multilingual manga that explains the job search process is also accessible on the site. Two workshops have been conducted to introduce the content to those interested, such as instructors at Japanese language schools and universities that host international students.
2)Data collection: The researcher has continued collecting data related to the immigrant situation in Belgium. Concretely, after the approval of the University’s ethics review board, the researcher conducted in-person interviews with three entities in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium. The interview covered 1) local policies and strategies regarding immigrants, 2) career support for immigrants, and 3) creative language learning through theater. The data is currently being analyzed.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
Compared to the previous years of the project, progress has been made. The researcher had hoped to interview persons concerned in Japan in a similar manner as the interviews that were conducted in Belgium. The focus has shifted slighlty to international students and the language support they need.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
The researcher has extended the research project with one year.
In FY2024, the online learning content will be fine-tuned, and international presentations are planned.
In addition, the data collected on FY2023 will be analyzed in order to write up a paper. Follow-up interviews are needed and are planned to be conducted in September 2024.
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| Causes of Carryover |
In FY 2023, the researcher participated at an in-person conference and further implemented the research project. However, travel expenses were paid through a different budget. Also, the researcher had planned to remunerate the interviewees. However, most of them volunteered and declined the remuneration. In FY 2024, the researcher will participate in an international conference which will incur travel expenses, and will conduct follow-up inteviews which will incur remuneration. Again, the"Incurring Amount" will be used in a responsible manner.
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| Remarks |
In preparation for their job search, users can make a self-analysis, practice entry sheet writing, individual interviews and group discussions, receive teacher feedback, and read a multilingual manga.
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