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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Hiroyuki AOKI
- Research Field
Dynamic property of Biomembrane, Morphology of self-assembly
- Keyword(s)
Phospholipid, Phase separation, Biomimetics
- Research theme
-
- Biomimetic microstructure formed by self-spreading behavior of phospholipid molecular assembly
Outline of research activitiesWe are concerned with biomimetic microstructure formed by self-spreading behavior of phospholipid molecular assembly in nanotechnology fields. Especially, a pollen like structure formed by egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine myelin figures has been studied by use of an optical microscopy. Budding of giant liposomes (GUV ~ 50µm) from the tip of spore like structure were observed. The size of GUV and the forming behavior were discussed using a geometric packing shape and a phase separation phenomenon of phospholipid molecules.
- Desired cooperation
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- Pure research of hydrophilic surface processing of a micro-capsule using Drug Delivery System
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Jane O`HALLORAN
- Research Field
Language and motivation
- Keyword(s)
Language acquisition, English and culture, Content-based learning
- Research theme
-
- Opportunities for students living in Japan to use English
- Motivation through content
- Language and culture
Outline of research activitiesJapanese students spend a many years studying English but do not have many opportunities to use it in their daily lives. I am very interested in the connections between culture and language-learning and what chances can be created for students to utilise English in their university life and after. I believe that using content in the classroom is a valuable means to advance their abilities.
- Desired cooperation
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- Content in the classroom
- Okayama International villas and student opportunities
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Kazumasa AOKI
- Research Field
Geology, Petrology, Geochronology
- Keyword(s)
Orogeny, Plate tectonics, Geologic time scale
- Research theme
-
- Tectonics
- Age of strata/rocks
- Formation process of strata/rocks
- etc
Outline of research activitiesThe purpose of my study is to clarify metamorhic P-T conditons, supply system of terrigenous clastics, tectonic erosion process and so on from rocks related to ancient subduction and collsion zones, based on field geology, petrology and geochronology. I have worked on the researches with external reserchers.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Geology, Petrology
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Kazuyoshi HOTTA
- Research Field
Indian Philosophy, Indian Classics, Death and Life Studies
- Keyword(s)
Jainism, codes of conduct, ethics
- Research theme
-
- Jain codes of conduct for the laity
- Classical Indian thought
- Views of life and death in ancient Indian religion
Outline of research activitiesJainism is an Indian religion that was established approximately 2,500 years ago, almost at the same time and in the same region as Buddhism. Although it may seem that Jainism is completely unrelated to our lives today, it actually contains many ideas and views on life and death which are also relevant for modern people. In my research, I investigate Jain thought based on both texts written in ancient Indian languages and field work conducted in India. In addition, in recent years I am also focusing on examining the thinking expressed in the doxography as well as the thought of a variety of academic fields during the Indian classical period, and translating these into Japanese.
- Desired cooperation
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- Contemporary India as seen from sociological and area studies perspectives.
- Classical studies.
- Investigations of the ethics of religious views of life and death.
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Mika MATSUO
- Research Field
Education and career education
- Keyword(s)
active learning,adventure education,educational effects
- Research theme
-
- A study of lesson design and related support for students who adapt poorly to active learning
- Cultivating resilience in outdoor education courses that link the subjects of physical and career education
Outline of research activities【Study on students who can not adapt to Active Learning (AL)】
There are students who can not adapt to AL, such as students who avoid AL courses or remain silent during group activities. Therefore, I have been working on research focusing on the formation of an environment that facilitates collaboration between such students and other students, learning and supporting each other. I have also been conducting research on organizational support methods for such students.【Research on Hope】
I have been doing research from the viewpoint of career education about a method of human resource training that enables students to find hope, keep it, and move forward under any difficult circumstances.【Performance appraisal of nature experience and physical activity】
Although it is empirically known that nature experiences and physical activities nurture resilience, there are a few systematic studies on this. Therefore, in order to know the situation and the background of students. I have conducted performance appraisal.- Desired cooperation
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- Collaboration with the education industry
- Measurement of educational effect
- Response to multifaceted evaluation
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Motoharu SATOH
- Research Field
Criminal Justice
- Keyword(s)
Confession, Police custody, Interrogation, Prisoner
- Research theme
-
- Problems of Criminal Justice System in Japan
Outline of research activities[Criminal Process]
· Wrongful Convictions and Miscarriages of Justice ― Causes and Remedies in Japanese Criminal Justice System
· Abolition of the Police Detention System (Daiyo-Kangoku)
· Limitations on police Interrogations (including the presence of Lawyer)[Penal Policy]
· Abolition of the Death Penalty
· Reform of the Treatment of Prisoners- Desired cooperation
-
- Prevention against Wrongful Convictions and Miscarriages of Justice
- Prison Reform
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Takahiro YAMAGUCHI
- Research Field
Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Physics Associate Professor
- Keyword(s)
Elementary Particle Theory General Relativity and Cosmology
- Research theme
-
- Nonlinear science
Outline of research activitiesI am studying physics using mathematics (differential geometry and differential topology). My special interest is in elementary particles theory, general relativity, and relativistic cosmology. I am also studying nonlinear science.
Determinism and probability theory have been widely and successfully used in explaining natural phenomena. However, the two do not hold together at the same time. To solve this discrepancy, I aim to study nonlinear differential equations theoretically by applying the dynamical systems theory to them and construct a large-scale theory that simultaneously uses both determinism and probability theory. In the elementary particles theory, superstring theory is considered the only theory. I am particularly interested in topological field theory and superstring theory and would like to include them in my research.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Physics
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Takanori YASUDA
- Research Field
cryptographic theory, number theory
- Keyword(s)
post-quantum cryptography, public-key cryptography, automorphic representation
- Research theme
-
- Development of public-key cryptography which prevents from attacks of quantum computer.
- Development of public-key cryptography with high-function.
- Constitution of automorphic representation on inner forms of symplectic group.
Outline of research activitiesA subject of my research in the cryptographic theory is development of new cryptographic system which prevents attacks of quantum computer which has potential to grow up into big threat. Its security analysis in theoretical and experimental manner is also important, therefore, for multivariate public-key cryptography in particular, I hold a cryptography solving contest, MQ challenge, as one of organizers, and the contest is released to public on a website as follows.
I also study not only simple cryptography with normal function, and also cryptography with high-function like keeping addition in the encrypted world.
A subject of my research in the number theory is the automorphic representation which is related to unsolved problems, Langland conjecture and Arthur conjecture.- Desired cooperation
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- Implementation of cryptography using parallel computer system
- Application of optimization theory to cryptography.
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Tomohiko SATO
- Research Field
Geology, History of the Earth
- Keyword(s)
Evolution of life, Environmental change
- Research theme
-
- Evolution of eukaryotes/multicellular animals and environmental change
- Redox environment of deep ocean in the Paleozoic
- Development of VR teaching materials for geoscience
Outline of research activitiesMy research interests are in the origin and evolution of life on Earth in the 4.6 billion-years geological records; particularly the evolution of eukaryotes and multicellular animals. I am trying to clarify the environmental changes across these evolutions, based on the geological fieldworks in UK, China, Gabon, Mongolia, etc., the stratigraphic reconstructions (lithogy, fossils, age determination), and the paleoenvironmental reconstructions (chemical analyes). I am also developing teaching materials for geoscience education using VR technology.
- Desired cooperation
-
- Geological fieldwork
- Origin and evolution of life
- Geoscience education
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Associate professor
- Yuji INAGAKI
- Research Field
magnetism, hydrogen induced phenomena
- Keyword(s)
quantum phase transition, quantum spin, hydrogen absorption, superconductivity
- Research theme
-
- Novel quantum phenomena in the spin system
- Experimental studies on nanosized magnets
- Hydrogen induced phenomena
- Development of evaluation method for hydrogen absorption properties
Outline of research activitiesI am interested in a quantum spin system where nontrivial magnetic ground states appear. To investigate those experimentally, vaious methods are utilized from static and dyanmic points of view.
By reducing the system saize some materials is weakening , and another is strengthening in magnetic properties. To learn more about the origins of those, I am conducting magnetic measurements with high sensitivity.
Experimetnal studies on hydrogen-induced phenomena are also one of my essential research activities. Also, I am carrying out the development of a new method to evaluate hydrogen absorption properties aiming at high-performance hydrogen strage.- Desired cooperation
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- Researches on magnetic properties of magnetic materials under extreme condition
- Hydrogen induced phenomena and development of evaluation method for hydrogen absorption properties
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Lecturer
- Ken-ichi NISHIKAWA
- Research Field
English Language Education, Second Language Acquisition, Learning Support
- Keyword(s)
SLA, EAP/ESP, Foreign Language Learning/Teaching, Motivation, student-oriented
- Research theme
-
- Enhancing reading skills
- Effective use of media such as music in language classroom
- Foreign language education in the univerity program
- Student-oriented English Language Education
Outline of research activitiesI have wide experience in teaching English in several types of schools such as junior high and high schools, including a correspondence course high school, and a university. So, in the field of English Language Education, I am interested in how to improve English language skills of EFL learners at each stage of language learning and lead them to be self-disciplined learners from the viewpoint of SLA.
In one case, learners at the higher education, e.g. university students, are required to read several literatures in order to gather information or knowledge on their interest. Some literatures may be written in Japanese, but in most cases, they are written in other languages, including English. I am investigating some possible aspects related to their effective reading, such as formal instruction, vocabulary building, background knowledge etc., and would like to identify aspects effective to reading for information gathering. These aspects may vary according to learner characteristics. In another case, I am performing studies of effective use of media such as music and movie in the language classroom.
Moreover, I would like to investigate the potentiality of BASIC English, which was “discovered” by Charles Kay Ogden, and develop educational materials for EFL/ESL Learners based on Ogden’s idea shown in BASIC English. BASIC English is a simplified and organized English brought up by Charles Kay Ogden as an international auxiliary language, and as an aid for teaching English as a second language. I think his idea is still very significant even today.- Desired cooperation
-
- Active Reading
- Effective use of media such as music in language classroom
- Cases of organization of learning(or study) support in the university
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Lecturer
- Maiko ONO
- Research Field
Commutative ring Theory
- Keyword(s)
Representation theory of commutative algebras, Homological algebra, dg algebra
- Research theme
-
- Representation theory of commutative algebras
Outline of research activitiesI specialize in representation of commutative algebras. Commutative algebras were initiated to give us the basic frameworks of algebraic geometry, invariant theory and number theory. Afterwards, it gained its own problem awareness and has become one of the research fields of mathematics. Nowadays, it has closed ties to various fields and has actively been researched.
As one of the research purposes, representation theory of commutative algebras aims at understanding the structure of the category of modules over a commutative ring and the derived category and e.t.c..
Now I am interested in representation theory of commutative dg algebras and will study it.- Desired cooperation
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- -
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Fundamental Education
- Assistant professor
- Fumina KAWAI
- Research Field
Dance education(Physical education, and physical and health education-related)
- Keyword(s)
Movement in dace,Physical expression
- Research theme
-
- Images and movements in dance
- Teaching methods that elicited physical expression.
Outline of research activitiesI am studying the images and movements of the learners in dance, and the teaching methods that elicited physical expression.
I am studying the image and movement in dance, such as what kind of image the learner perceives and what kind of movement appears,toward the realization of creative physical expression.
I would like to develop learning and teaching methods through exercise and sports, including dance.- Desired cooperation
-
- Research on dance education
- Practical research on expression activities
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Teaching License Support
- Professor
- Hironori NAKAJIMA
- Research Field
Individual Psychology
- Keyword(s)
Educational psychology
- Research theme
-
- Educational and Clinical Psychology. Encouragement of Individual Psychology in school.
Outline of research activitiesMy study is how to apply Individual Psychology into the field of education and clinical setting. I also study the effectiveness of Individual psychology as a movement of human welfare.
- Desired cooperation
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- Teacher-training course.Education.
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Teaching License Support
- Professor
- Nobuyuki TAKAHASHI
- Research Field
Inquiry-based learning, informatics education, science education
- Keyword(s)
Inquiry, Informatics, Science, STEAM, ICT Utilization
- Research theme
-
- Teaching and Learning Strategies for Inquiry-based learning.
- Measurement and development of programming thinking skills.
- Development of teaching materials for Inquiry-based learning.
Outline of research activitiesTeaching learning strategies that allow students to learn inquiringly in cooperation with their peers are attracting attention, as a learning activity that fosters 21st century academic ability, such as comprehensive inquiry time and inquiry activities for each subject that are included in the Course of Study and implemented at each school. In addition, the GIGA School Concept requires the use of ICT in such learning activities.
I am conducting research on effective teaching and learning strategies based on practical examples of inquiry-based learning, which is an educational activity required in such an era. In particular, practical training is emphasized in the Department of Informatics, and the development of learning materials and the accumulation of teaching plans are awaited so that students can acquire “information theory”, “information ethics”, “programming thinking ability”, and “practical ability to utilize information” by learning independently using ICT. Takahashi Laboratory has developed such teaching materials, analyzed practical cases, and conducted research on methods to measure the qualities and abilities of students, which is the basis for verifying their effectiveness.- Desired cooperation
-
- Research and development of ICT-based information learning materials
- Research on apps and teaching materials that cultivate programming thinking skills
- Joint development of STEAM learning materials for learning through manufacturing
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Teaching License Support
- Professor
- Yasuhiko OKAMOTO
- Research Field
Science Education, Environmental Education, Education for Sustainable Development
- Keyword(s)
School education, Curriculum development, Earth system
- Research theme
-
- Examination of the scientific concept ”earth”
- Construction of problem solving learning
- Promotion of ESD in school education
Outline of research activitiesIn science education in primary and secondary education, it is respected to consolidate fundamental knowledge and skills such as understanding of scientific concepts and to foster scientific thinking and expression. Also, in order to solve environmental problems on a global scale, it is important to foster appropriate qualities and values as the formation of a sustainable society.
So, I consider concepts and interpretations of “Earth” as a basic science perspective and suggest a way of teaching about the earth. Also, I develop the curriculum for the scientific literacy of students to develop scientific capacity for problem-solving and understanding, and I clarify the problem solving model and framework to foster scientific literacy. I build a framework for learning and teaching to promote education for sustainable development (ESD) on conducting practical research in the school.- Desired cooperation
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- Practical study
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Teaching License Support
- Professor
- Yoshihiro FUJIMOTO
- Research Field
Science Teaching、Educational Technology、Teacher Education
- Keyword(s)
Science、Lesson Study、Course of Study
- Research theme
-
- Lesson study based on the viewpoint of revision of new course of study
- Lesson design development and evaluation by collaborative learning support system
- Development of a learning program that fosters students' self-regulation ability by using self-regulated learning theory and OPPA theory
Outline of research activities〇 Researches on science classes aimed at fostering the qualities and abilities required for children to create society of the future, to face society and the world, to engage with each other, to open up their own lives, and to teachers I am doing research on training.
〇 I am conducting research on development and evaluation of science class lessons by active learning.
〇 I am developing and researching collaborative learning support system that utilizes software and each tablet computer that supports collaborative learning..- Desired cooperation
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- Empirical research on science education
- Empirical research on educational technology
- Study on teacher education
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Teaching License Support
- Associate professor
- Takuji SARADA
- Research Field
Pedagogy, History of education, History of educational negotiation and exchange, Teacher education
- Keyword(s)
Teacher-training course, History of educational negotiation and exchange
- Research theme
-
- Roles of hired foreign teachers in Modern Japan
- Educational negotiation and exchange in Modern Japan
- Teacher education or teacher training by utilizing working experience
Outline of research activitiesThe theme of this office is to research the roles of hired foreign teachers (Oyatoi Kyoshi) played in the development of Modern Japan. The rapidity of Japan’s development espacially in the Meiji Period amazed the world. One of its main factors was the focus on human resources training. Encouraging new industry, Japanese government tried by themselves to take advantage of the knowledge and skills introduced from advanced countries. They considered it important to carry out advanced education with the help of experts from those nations. How did the foreign experts try to act toward the expections?
(description of photograph)
Henry Dyer(1848-1918), pioneer of engineering education in Japan. Born in Scotland, Principal of the Inperial College of Engineering(Kobu Dai Gakko) 1873-1882. Studied the curriculum on engineering in various countries, and tried to practice education in the college.- Desired cooperation
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- Construction and utilization of database on hired foreign teachers in Modern Japan
- Electronic use of historical materials on educational negotiation and exchange
- Planning of lectures to improve the quality and capabilities of mathematics and science teachers
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Teaching License Support
- Lecturer
- Hiroto FUKUDA
- Research Field
Mathematics Education, Statistics Education
- Keyword(s)
Curriculum, Teaching Unit (Substantial Learning Environment), Modeling
- Research theme
-
- Developmental principles for statistics education curriculum
- Comparison between Japan and New Zealand in statistics education
- Development of teaching unit in statistics education
Outline of research activitiesThe current society has been the era of the information-oriented society more and more. In addition, humankind is being confronted with a lot of serious issues, especially environmental problems. That’s why they have to try to solve them with the data processing and make decisions. In this sense, it is statistics education that is most important area in mathematics education in order for students to acquire literacy on the data processing and decision-making.
Hence, I focused on the development of statistics education. The objective of my research is to transform from calculus-centered mathematics education curriculum into statistics-centered one. The research methods for achieving this are to analyze and develop the curriculum. About the former, I am comparing Japan with New Zealand because Japan has to cope with globalization and internationalization from now such as New Zealand which has already had much experience on them. About the latter, I selected teaching unit (substantial learning environment) as the theoretical framework which shuttles and integrates between scholarly knowledge and craft knowledge (see Wittmann(2001)’s Figure).- Desired cooperation
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- Interdisciplinary research to inquire mathematics education and statistics education in the future from the viewpoint of a great variety of disciplines (e.g., didactics, informatics, philosophy and so on)
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Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education, Center for Teaching License Support
- Lecturer
- Takenori SAKAGUCHI
- Research Field
Technical education
- Keyword(s)
Technical education, Wood processing
- Research theme
-
- Research on educational methods and teaching materials in the technical department
Outline of research activitiesI would like to make further efforts to explore more effective and useful lessons, such as the lesson style required for technical education and the discovery of new issues. In addition, as a study of manufacturing education, we will realize the joy of manufacturing, increase the motivation and enthusiasm of students and students for independent learning, and lead to more efforts, creativity, concentration and practice. I would like to explore educational methods that nurture power and have a great educational effect.
- Desired cooperation
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- Fields related to technical education