Malaysian Interns’ Journal at Kitakama No.08

2016年10月06日(木)

　This semester, I have been co-teaching with Goto-sensei in some English classes in Senior 2. The students are currently reading about the issue of landmines around the world and the efforts that Japan is taking to help. Featured in this story is Professor Hirose Shigeo who is one of the world’s leading and pioneering roboticists. He is the man behind the creation of robots to help clear mines around the world. You can find out more about him and his work here: http://www.titech.ac.jp/research/stories/shigeo_hirose.html 

 

　One afternoon after completing a lesson, Goto-sensei and I were discussing how we can make this chapter more interesting for the students. The information about landmines was difficult and also a little boring because it is hard for students to know about. We decided to look up Professor Hirose on the Internet and to our surprise, we found his email address! Both of us talked about how interesting it would be if the students really talked to him and ask him questions about his work as well as learn about him and his work from the textbook. I decided to write an email to him and asked if he would be interested in having a Skype interview with our students and he agreed! 

 

 　It was a very exciting moment for us English teachers and the students. With the cooperation from many teachers and all the senior 2 students, we compiled a list of all the questions students had and had Professor Hirose answer them live during the Skype interview. The students present during the interview also got to ask questions and talk to him.

　The entire interview was carried out in Japanese because the topic of landmines and robotics would be too challenging if discussed in English. After speaking to the students and teachers who attended the interview, they all agree that they have a deeper view and perspective of not just landmines but areas such as human rights, international relations, technology and our role for the people in the future.

　I would like to formally thank Professor Hirose for his time and answering our questions, our school’s Vice – Principal, Mr.Imaizumi for officially greeting our guest of honor, all our lovely and amazing English teachers who worked very hard with the students to prepare them to ask questions for the interview and all the ICT/IT teachers who helped with setting up the WiFi, projectors and classrooms.
(Kimberly)