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2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

Boosting the conference competence of Japanese university students

Research Project

Project/Area Number 21K00708
Research InstitutionKagawa University

Principal Investigator

Willey IanDavid  香川大学, 大学教育基盤センター, 准教授 (90403774)

Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) 鈴木 裕美  香川大学, 医学部, 助教 (00644733)
G・M McCrohan  香川大学, 大学教育基盤センター, 准教授 (20448351)
Project Period (FY) 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
KeywordsInternational Posture / Anxiety / WTC / Communication skills
Outline of Annual Research Achievements

This study aims to assess whether communication skill training boosts the International Posture (IP) scores of Japanese university students. In the fall semester of AY (Academic Year) 2021, a pilot study using the IP questionnaire (Yashima, 2009) was launched, involving six classes taught by the Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator 2 (CoI2) (n=115 students). Important variables included in the data were IP scores, gender, TOEIC scores, and course grades.
Statistical analysis found no significant correlation between overall IP means at both collection points (at the beginning and end of the semester) and TOEIC scores; no significant gains were found between IP scores at both collection points. This suggests that the communication skill training was insufficient to boost students' IP. However, there was a correlation between gender and two sub-categories of IP: international approach/avoidance tendencies and having things to say to the world, suggesting that female students have higher IP in these two categories. There was also a significant correlation between IP and course grade, indicating that effort and IP may be correlated. Based on this study the research instruments, procedures, and intervention activities were finalized to ready for AY 2022.

Current Status of Research Progress
Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

In AY 2021 we were able to conduct two pilot studies to assess the materials, procedures, and intervention activities in the main study, which aims to assess whether English teachers can raise Japanese university students' IP scores through communication skill training. These two studies enabled us to finalize our research instrument, procedures, and intervention activities.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

In AY 2022 we plan to launch the main phase of our survey. Pre-course and post-course IP questionnaire surveys will be conducted in a total of 12 classes taught by the IP and CoI2, divided into an intervention group of classes and a control group, as was done in the pilot study in 2021. Having tested our instrument and procedures, we will be able to focus on whether or not communication skills training boosts students' IP scores, and robustly assess whether or not a correlation exists between gender, English proficiency (as measured by TOEIC scores), course grades (course effort), and gender.

Causes of Carryover

Although the research itself is progressing smoothly, due to the pandemic we were unable to travel to conferences within Japan or abroad. For this reason, expenses were less than had been planned.

  • Research Products

    (3 results)

All 2022 2021

All Presentation (3 results) (of which Int'l Joint Research: 2 results)

  • [Presentation] Motivating action through Applied Improv2022

    • Author(s)
      Willey, Ian
    • Organizer
      JALT Yokohama Chapter 支部会
    • Int'l Joint Research
  • [Presentation] Do applied improvisation exercises boost compassion in medical and nursing students?2021

    • Author(s)
      Willey, Ian
    • Organizer
      第24回日本医学英語教育学会学術集会
  • [Presentation] Boosting compassion through Applied Improv2021

    • Author(s)
      Willey, Ian
    • Organizer
      JALT 2021
    • Int'l Joint Research

URL: 

Published: 2022-12-28  

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