In mid-December, as we approach the beginning of the new year, the university entrance exams, including the national standardized test and individual university entrance exams, are drawing near. Prospective students are likely considering the final confirmation of their preferred universities. In Japan, there are over 800 universities, including national, public, and private institutions. Then the question arises: "Where can I find a university that fulfills my aspirations and allows me to realize my future dreams?" Over the next few blogs, I will share the features of the Department of English as a Global Language (EAGL). The theme for this session is "Think Simple."

Everyone studies various subjects at school, and in Japan, university entrance exams, particularly those for national universities, cover a wide range of subjects. There are benefits to gaining extensive knowledge by exploring many fields. However, are similar entrance exams conducted in overseas universities? In the United Kingdom (UK), they have "A-level tests," and if you achieve "A levels" in three subjects, you can enter most universities. In the United States (USA), many students take the "SAT," which assesses "reading comprehension and mathematics." In other words, many overseas universities evaluate students' overall abilities, including school grades, activities in high school, and future goals. Therefore, memorizing a vast amount of knowledge during high school is not necessarily required. While Japan's entrance exams have become more diverse, there is a tendency abroad to emphasize critical thinking and comprehensive abilities.

The contemporary era is often referred to as the information society. Vast amounts of information flow through the media every day. News programs cover local events, national occurrences in Japan, and global happenings. This surge in information dissemination has been accelerated by the Internet revolution that took place in the 1990s. From the late 20th century to the early 21st century, various platforms such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Instagram, and X (Twitter) have been established, contributing to the rapid circulation of extensive information worldwide. While it has become a convenient era for individuals to share information, the credibility of information has come under scrutiny. People find themselves in a situation where they are unsure of what to believe, and they feel overwhelmed by the abundance of information. The release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in 2022 marked the onset of the third AI revolution, sending shockwaves throughout the world.

Now, what should one study at the university? The EAGL has a mission to develop advanced English proficiency and contribute to a diverse society. While it focuses on three main pillars: "International Relations and Exchange," "English Education," and "English Studies," it places particular importance beyond these on cultivating three essential skills: 1) English proficiency, 2) critical thinking, and 3) expressive abilities. These three abilities are crucial in discerning the essence in a global society.

Ken Segall, who worked alongside Apple's founder Steve Jobs, advocated the concept of "Think Simple." In our department, classes are kept small, fostering communication between teachers and students. Together, they tackle problems, repeatedly engaging in presentations using PowerPoint to organize thoughts and develop the ability to discern the core of an issue. The four years at university pass in the blink of an eye. Let's acquire skills that can be used throughout the future. Students in the EAGL learn these skills, and graduates actively apply them in their endeavors. Think Simple!