English part of equation for science students

Experts say schools and the education ministry need to train qualified teachers, encourage students to study abroad,and set up programs to attract foreign students

Language advisors: (Left to right) Masahiro Takeda, principal of Kyoto Municipal Murasakino High School, Osamu Aruga, director, Office for International Planning, Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ko Yamaguchi, special advisor, Global Strategy Headquarters, Management & Planning Office, Kyodo News, and Tomoyuki Terai, an associate professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Osaka University, prepare to begin their discussions in a conference room of The Japan Times headquarters building Nov. 5. | SATOKO KAWASAKI

Nov 30, 2013

Even as Japan was praised for its English presentations during the bidding process to host the 2020 Olympic Games in September, it is no secret that Japanese are still said to be poor at communicating in English.

It partly stems from Japanese youth's growing introversive tendencies. To counter, high schools, universities and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology are stepping up efforts to encourage students to develop a global mind-set.

Especially, science and technology students have reason to learn English because they at least read research papers and listen to speeches at international academic conferences.

JAPAN TIMES FORUM ON ENGLISH FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS

English part of equation for science students

Experts say schools and the education ministry need to train qualified teachers, encourage students to study abroad,and set up programs to attract foreign students

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