Faculties of Environmental Science and Technology and Agriculture

2008

Okayama - Kasetsart International Practical Environmental Education Program（ GP special course） Faculties of Environmental Science and Technology and Agriculture, 　Okayama University and Kasetsart University・Thailand

１．Overview

During summer vacation (two weeks each in Japan and Thailand), GP (Support program by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports Science and Technology-Japan for Good Practice) special course has been established targeting second-year students.The class was held at Kasetsart University, Thailand, from August 17 - August 30. During that period, six students from Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, Okayama University together with five students from Kasetsart University, put their mental faculties to work on natural resources and environmental issues, while receiving practical education on environmental economics and environmental conservation activities. In addition, in the same way, from September 14 - September 27, we invited undergraduate students from Kasetsart University to Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, Okayama University where the heard lectures and engaged in practice.

Under GP initiative that serves as the foundation for this course, much attention is given to data collection and analysis (Analysis of Data), systematic reasoning ability (Thought), problem resolution plans (Plans), implementation ability (Action), and communication (Communication). Students from sunny Okayama turned out in large numbers to hear a water environment specialist with the ADTPAC training that imparts these skills. The course is designed to help students learn living English, in which this course was taught. Another aim of the course is to forge skills in communication and systematic thinking through exposure to environmental studies and contact with different cultures, the latter coming in the form of instructors and students from Kasetsart University.

２．Scenes of Lectures in Thailand

The photo on the left shows a lecture being presented by Dr. Penporn, the academic coordinator. Lectures were held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and came to 45 hours in all.

Preparations being made for a presentation to introduce environmental issues facing the two nations. In this course, the Thai and Japanese students exchange discussions on environmental problems in their respective countries. Learning to communicate better is one of the aims of this activity.

３．Scenes of Trainings in Thailand

The situation of the research facilities at Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, when visited. As part of an initiative to combat global warming, they are introducing measures to purify biodiesel fuel using the Jatropha plant.

Thailand is no stranger to the kinds of water pollution issues faced in Japan. Projects to purify water naturally using aquatic plants and mangrove forests are being promoted.

Training was given at a green mussel farm. This mussel has long been used in Thailand as a food ingredient, and mussel farming is widespread. However, in Japan, under the influence global warming, establishment of the mussel has been confirmed as an Invasive species. One can thus see how the Thai and Japanese situations differ.

４．Scenes of Lectures in Japan

The scene of a lecture at Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology Okayama University. The topic of “human activities and water environments” has been raised in Japan, and practical education has been imparted through lectures by a large number of lecturers in the academic area who specialize in water environments. Just as at Kasetsart University, Thailand, lecture time came to a total of 45 hours.

In addition, a presentation was given in English summarizing the information studied in Thailand. To prepare for the presentation, students needed the ability to comprehensively the overall content together with high-level communication skills incorporating technical terms, and so for students, this was an excellent opportunity.

５．Scenes of Training in Japan

Water circulation facilities have been completed at Faculty of Environmental Science and Technology, Okayama University. This facility is part of the GP initiative that constitutes the basis for this course, and it is applied to providing practical training on two stages pertaining to the environment?its restoration and follow-up maintenance and management. In this time, Japanese students explained the basics about these facilities to Thai students. While receiving instruction from builders, students engaged in building gutter rubble and providing soil erosion prevention nets.



Students took a field trips to the Tatai Junikago irrigation canals and studied irrigation development in the southern Okayama region together with the history of soil infrastructure development. In this way, students were able to come to know about efforts to create and preserve rural environments that are efficient and safe while giving consideration to regional ecosystem and landscape.



Inujima Island in Okayama City combines architecture, modern art, and the environment while preserving and restoring its modern industrial heritage. Students took a field trip to study the initiative promoted as a new model for creating regions. An environmental system having a small burden on the environment has been built on the site, and the trip provided a good opportunity to think about a recycling-based society.

６．Graduation Ceremony (Awarding of Diplomas)

These images are from the Certification ceremony, where diplomas were awarded. Exams were administered in Japan and Thailand to trainees, and for successful participants, three credits were awarded each country, for a total of six credits. In the present year, all trainees completed the requirements successfully.