This year, we offered the "Basic Preparing Future Faculty Program" designed for graduate students aspiring to pursue careers in higher education. The course took place over four days—July 30, July 31, August 4, and August 10—and was attended by Japanese and international students from both master’s and doctoral programs across various graduate schools. The course was mainly led by Associate Professor Yusuke Sakurai, alongside Professor Toshihiro Yamada and Professor Takahiro Sumiya, with the support of five Teaching Fellows (TFs) and one Qualified Teaching Assistants (QTA).

The lectures covered a broad range of topics essential to higher education settings, including curriculum theory, teaching methodologies, university education theory, online learning, copyright issues, and course evaluations. Students acquired foundational knowledge and perspectives required of university educators while analysing current trends and challenges in higher education to develop the mindset needed to plan and implement effective educational activities. Furthermore, lectures by recipient of the Best Teacher Award (Professor Yamada) and microteaching sessions allowed participants to deepen their learning by connecting theory with practice. During group discussions, students actively exchanged ideas about their educational philosophies and views on teaching, engaging in vibrant dialogue despite differences in academic fields and cultural backgrounds. Exposure to diverse perspectives and practices encouraged students to reflect on their own views and examine higher education from multiple angles.

With participants coming from diverse nationalities and disciplines, the course provided a valuable platform for cross-disciplinary and intercultural exchange regarding the qualities needed in an educator and how to design effective classes. By sharing their experiences and values, students gained a deeper understanding of inclusive education that respects diversity.

At the end of the course, participants conducted microteaching sessions reflecting their individual educational philosophies and goals. They reviewed their performance, identified areas for improvement, and refined their lesson plans accordingly. Through this series of activities, students acquired foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for course design, gaining invaluable insights for their future academic careers. We hope the knowledge and experience gained from this course will be fully utilized in their ongoing educational and research endeavors.

This course is scheduled to be offered in English at the end of February this academic year. We encourage anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the academic profession or reflect on their own approach to teaching to apply.