What is Individual Research for Graduation?

　Some people call Individual Research for Graduation, or Graduation Research for short, the “last trial” of university life. But I personally think it can be better described as “first happiness”. Up until this stage, you have repeatedly learned what other people have thought and said. With graduation research, however, you will be given your first full opportunity to develop and express your own thoughts and opinions. Its main advantage is the fair evaluation of your opinion through open discussions. Each student is expected to develop, discuss and defend his or her own ideas in the Graduation Research Seminar. The seminar affords a good training ground where students can develop and hone their skill for original thinking, and after many seminar sessions, they will be able to finalize their paper, ready to convince their readers.

　Some students may reach a level where they will actually enjoy the discussions and debates and that is the true ‘bliss’of academic life at an institution of higher learning. The evaluation, or grading, which comes at the end of the seminars, is likely to give the students a true sense of accomplishment.

　In 1998, the University of the Air started accepting diploma-oriented students from across Japan. Ever since, there have been students working towards graduation research everywhere in Japan. For the convenience of the students who cannot attend the Graduation Research Seminars held only in Kanto, and also for the purpose of promoting communication between the students, the University makes extensive use of e-mail and electronic bulletin boards. 

　This is the second year since adopting our electronic modes of telecommunications . However, please note that these methods are supplementary measures and that the students will benefit greatly by personally attending the seminars, participating in the actual debates and discussions, or studying with their instructors face-to-face. Consider the bulletin board as a ‘bypath’ for the better-structured Graduation Research Seminars scheduled to begin in April.

 The University of the Air Faculty approved coaching students via the Internet for their graduation research in 1998. Although the Internet is incorporated on a trial basis, the a University of the Air Special Research Grant funds the project. I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to thank every one involved for creating such a great opportunity for broadening the reaches and horizons of the University of the Air.

 About 10 students are scheduled to participate in this Electronic Mode of Learning during the current academic year (2000). The project outline, bibliography, and a forum will be set up under the Sakai Seminar toward the end of February. All Seminar participants will be notified at that time. In the meantime, address your emails here if you have questions or require further information.

Sakai Seminar