[PR-1-7] Achievement and improvements of the Human Development Program for international Master's Students
Background: Since 2017, Tokyo Metropolitan University has been accepting postgraduate master students from Asian countries under the "Asian Human Resource Development Project for Medical Professionals project". Students learn knowledge and skills of life support products in Japan and are expected to utilise that in their home countries and contribute to international cooperation activities. The programme consists of lectures on the Japanese medical and long-care insurance system, clinical visits and master's research, in addition to the specialised field of international occupational therapy. The aim of this study is to examine the achievements and improvement points of the programme from students’ perceived evaluation, as well as the impact on their career development.
Methods: Two graduated students were asked to answer Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM)(Sue Roff et al., 1997) questionnaire six months after completing the programme, and to join the semi-structured interview. They were then interviewed one, two and three years after completion about the impact of the programme on their career development. DREEM was analysed in scores, while the interview data was analysed with reference to reflective thematic analysis. The study was conducted with the approval of the ethical review of the author's affiliation. There are no COI to be declared by researchers.
Results: The total DREEM (200 points) score was 147 for one, and 172 for the other. One gave relatively low scores in subcategories of students' academic and self-perceptions, while the other marked higher scores overall. From the interviews, both stated that the educational environment was excellent, and that they have continued with research and educational activities related to the master’s programme. In addition, the programme led to broadened opportunities for their activities in their home country. It was also revealed that the learning research methods during their studies contributed to the long-term improvement of their academic skills. On the other hand, it was noted that they had difficulties working on their research projects and inconvenience in obtaining necessary information in English in their student life.
Discussion: The results of the DREEM showed that students had different perceptions of the learning environment, and the importance of individual support was confirmed, however international students gave relatively good evaluations of the educational content. The programme had a positive impact on the students' career development in terms of utilising professional knowledge and research skills. On the other hand, it also made us aware of the importance of arranging the research environment considering the differences in educational and occupational therapy research backgrounds in Asia. It was also pointed out that there was a lack of information provided in English, so it is necessary to establish a better system in the administration department together.
Methods: Two graduated students were asked to answer Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM)(Sue Roff et al., 1997) questionnaire six months after completing the programme, and to join the semi-structured interview. They were then interviewed one, two and three years after completion about the impact of the programme on their career development. DREEM was analysed in scores, while the interview data was analysed with reference to reflective thematic analysis. The study was conducted with the approval of the ethical review of the author's affiliation. There are no COI to be declared by researchers.
Results: The total DREEM (200 points) score was 147 for one, and 172 for the other. One gave relatively low scores in subcategories of students' academic and self-perceptions, while the other marked higher scores overall. From the interviews, both stated that the educational environment was excellent, and that they have continued with research and educational activities related to the master’s programme. In addition, the programme led to broadened opportunities for their activities in their home country. It was also revealed that the learning research methods during their studies contributed to the long-term improvement of their academic skills. On the other hand, it was noted that they had difficulties working on their research projects and inconvenience in obtaining necessary information in English in their student life.
Discussion: The results of the DREEM showed that students had different perceptions of the learning environment, and the importance of individual support was confirmed, however international students gave relatively good evaluations of the educational content. The programme had a positive impact on the students' career development in terms of utilising professional knowledge and research skills. On the other hand, it also made us aware of the importance of arranging the research environment considering the differences in educational and occupational therapy research backgrounds in Asia. It was also pointed out that there was a lack of information provided in English, so it is necessary to establish a better system in the administration department together.