On February 14 and 17, an intermediate-level TA training workshop titled “Communication Skills for Researchers” was held online (February 14) and in person at CITL’s training room (February 17). The workshop was led by Associate Professor Kenichi Yamamoto from Center for Teacing and Learning, Institute for the Advancement of Graduate Education, Hokkaido University. The aim of the session was to help graduate students build fundamental presentation skills and improve their ability to communicate their research effectively. Six students and faculty members attended each session.
The workshop began with each participant giving a five-minute presentation introducing their own research. These presentations were recorded and reviewed by the participants themselves, allowing them to identify their speaking habits and areas for improvement. Then, Associate Professor Yamamoto gave a lecture on effective presentation techniques, delivery strategies, and methods for improvement. Participants then gave a second presentation, incorporating what they had learned.
Constructive feedback was provided by both Associate Professor Yamamoto and fellow participants, highlighting areas of improvement compared to their initial presentations as well as suggestions for further enhancement. The workshop concluded with a summary and reflective session.
Participants commented that the workshop was highly beneficial, noting that “the use of familiar and personally relevant topics made it easy to engage with the content.”