Initiatives for Attractive Education in Graduate Schools

International Contribution Effective Graduate Education for International Students Program Report

Implementation Report

Official Field Review Report for the International Course for Oral Life Science

Period of Visit：
Thursday, December 1-Monday, December 5, 2005
Visiting Group Members：
(Instructors) Prof. Takeyasu Maeda,Prof. Katsumi Uoshima,Prof. Takafumi Hayashi
(Administrative Staff) Akihiro Sato (Academic Affairs Division, Education Operation Section Head),Keiko Tsuchida (Dentistry Division General Affairs Senior Staff)

During the period from December 1-5, 2005, a review team comprised of the above members traveled to Naresuan University in Thailand in order to perform a field review and summary explanation for the International Course for Oral Life Science.

Both Prof. Katsumi Oushima of the Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital and Prof. Takafumi Hayashi of the Department of Oral Life Science, were on-site due to separate research capacities and helped in the compilation of the review.

Details of the review agenda are listed below. The review had a wide scope covering aspects related to the Academic Exchange Agreement, the International Course for Oral Life Science, as well as the present conditions of both Naresuan University and Thailand on whole.

Review Agenda

1.Consensus towards an Academic Exchange Agreement
2.Summary Explanation of the International Course for Oral Life Science
3.Regarding the Program Execution Plan
4.Learning Resources and Physical Infrastructure at the Core University
1.Conditions of Academic Facilities
2.Condition of e-Learning Facilities
5.Learning Resources and Organizational Infrastructure at the Core University
1.Administrational Review
2.Review of Curriculum, School Code etc.
3.Review of Academic Organization
4.Review of Academic Level
6.Country Background
1.State of Society, Cost of Living, Public Safety Review
2.Review of Educational Policy
3.Academic Research/Diagnosis of Oral Disease
Summary：
Prof. Maeda, Prof. Oushima and Prof. Hayashi met with Prof. Visaka Limwongse, the Dean and the heads of the 5 departments in the Faculty of Dentistry, to discuss the future program agreement between Niigata University and the Naresuan University and to explain the outline of the International Course for Oral Life Science. After explanations on the agreement proposal brought by the review team, the program outline, the outline of the Faculty of Dental Science, and the outline of the university, opinions were exchanged and a consensus was reached on the above topics. A summary of the proceedings is as follows:

1.Consensus towards an Academic Exchange Agreement

After reviewing the contents of the agreement proposal for academic exchange between Niigata University Faculty of Dentistry and the Naresuan University Faculty of Dental Sciences, Dean Visaka Limwongse commented that the approval of the university chancellor was required to formalize relations. It was explained that subsequent review directed at gaining approval from the chancellor would be carried out.

2.Summary Explanation of the International Course for Oral Life Science

Prof. Maeda led an explanation of the course outline based on reference materials brought for the meeting. A summary of the explanation is detailed below.

1. Regarding the Summary of International Course for Oral Life Science:

1 Course Outline
First Year: Basic Education at Niigata University
Years 2-4: Acquire academic credits, receive research guidance, and compose graduation at Naresuan University
2 Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Dental Science) from Niigata University.
3 Roles
1.Niigata University
Niigata University will directly facilitate primary academic coursework and engage general academic guidance for program components taken at Naresuan University including guidance of research, dissertation, formulation of academic programs and research themes and final degree evaluation.
2.Naresuan University
Naresuan University will assist in research and academic program guidance as well as final degree evaluation.
3.Each institution will be responsible for the costs incurred during instruction at their respective facilities.
4 Education Method
1.Education Method for Niigata University：
Niigata University Professors will lead instruction in English.
2.Education Method for Naresuan University：
Niigata University Professors will use utilize e-learning to facilitate short-term intensive courses. Naresuan University Professors will provide supplementary research guidance.

2. Costs

1 Niigata University will be responsible for costs incurred during the 1 year training that takes place in Japan. This includes accommodation, travel expenses, and university tuition.

3.Regarding the Program Execution Plan

1.Discussion on the Program Execution Plan

  • In order to reduce costs, International students enrolled in the program will spend only the first of the 4 years of the program studying at Niigata University. The second year onward will be spent studying at Naresuan University.
  • Niigata University will make arrangements for the entrance fees, tuition, and living expenses incurred while living in Japan.
  • Costs related to this program, including travel expenses incurred by faculty of Niigata University and Naresuan University, minimum equipment procurement etc. will be the responsibility of Niigata University.
  • Instruction for the second year onward will take place using equipment and facilitates of Naresuan University.
  • To maintain a high level of educational quality, a member of the Niigata University faculty will periodically travel to Naresuan University to assist in program guidance.
  • Faculty of Naresuan University will assist in instruction during the program.
  • After finishing the necessary doctoral coursework and passing a thesis review, participants will receive a degree from Niigata University.
  • Confirmation on accepting applicants for the April 2006 or October 2006 terms.

After the summary of this program was finished, the majority of the points above received unanimous approval from all parties, however one opinion proposed was for the first year of education to take place at Naresuan University to allow of 1 year of education in Niigata University sometime later during the 4 year program.

Regarding program applications, opinions were expressed stating new students would be accepted at October that the earliest.

4.Learning Resources and Physical Infrastructure at the Core University

1.Conditions of Academic Facilities

  • Instruments used in Undergraduate Education
  • Dental Units and Peripheral Devices used in Clinical Practice
  • Laboratory Equipment for Graduate Students and Researchers

2.Conditions of e-Learning Facilities

CITCOMS (Centre for Information Technology and Communication Services) are located in Chiang Mai, Kanphang Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchaboon, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, Uthaithani, and Uttaradit academic service centres.

Confirmation was made that facilities and equipment needed for the program of e-Learning that Niigata University is planning, were available.

5.Learning Resources and Organizational Infrastructure at the Core University

1.Administrational Review

The academic departments at Naresuan University are divided into the 3 clusters: Health Science, Social Science and Science & Technology. The Faculty of Dentistry belongs to the Health Science Cluster.

Health Sciences Cluster Faculties
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Public Health.

Regarding the Faculty of Dentistry

* Source: The Naresuan University-Faculty of Dentistry Website

Philosophy：
The objective of the Naresuan University Faculty of Dentistry is to produce dental professionals with the proper skills so as to further the advancement of health as well as the prevention and treatment of oral health issues. The faculty works towards carrying out research activities in order to further develop knowledge in the fields of Oral Medicine and Dental Education.
Mission：
The mission of the Naresuan University Faculty of Dentistry is to produce dentists who aspire to gain knowledge, maintain moral, social and professional ethics, and efficiently perform dental services.
Objectives：
1 To produce future dentists.
2 To produce future dental specialists.
3 To produce future dental assistants.
4 To provide research guidance as well as preventative and other dental services.
Departments：
Department of Preventive Dentistry
Department of Restorative Dentistry
Department of Dental Hospital
Department of Oral Diagnosis
Department of Dental Biology
Degrees Available：
Doctorate of Dental Surgery, Certificate in Dental Assistant

2.Review of Curriculum, School Code etc.

Dental Surgery Doctoral Program Curriculum

The Curriculum, as listed below, comprises of 3 courses.

Credits Required
for Completion		  
30 1.General Ed. Curriculum
21 1.1 Core Curriculum
9 Linguistics
3 Anthropology
3 Social Science
3 Physical Health
3 Dept. Related Subjects
9 1.2 General Electives
3 Anthropology
3 Social Science
3 Science ･ Math
211 2.Specialized Instruction
70 Basic Medical Science
141 Specialized Education
6 3.Elective Courses
247 Total

3.Review of Academic Organizatio

Naresuan University is a comprehensive university offering more than 58 undergraduate courses and 55 graduate courses in the fields of: Agricultural Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Allied Health Science, Architecture, Dentistry, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Law, Medical Science, and Science.

The university currently has approximately 25,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff.

4.Review of Academic Level

Naresuan University is located in Phitsanulok in the northern region of Thailand. The school was established as a national university in 1990. Though it might not have a long history, Naresuan University continues to gain acclaim for being one of the most county's most innovative universities.

Approximately 70% of the student population hails from the Provinces of the Lower Northern area and Phayao. Another 30% are students from all over the country who take the National Entrance Examination to enter the University. Exchange students with a strong academic record from other universities, either inside or outside the country, are welcome.

Graduate students can enroll in full-time or part-time programs (including special night-time and weekend courses).

6.Country Background

1.State of Society, Cost of Living, Public Safety Review

Population：
61. 197 Million (2004)
GDP：
163.5 Billion USD (2004)
 
GDP per capita:
2,236 US$
 
Economic Growth Rate：
6.1% (2004)
Inflation Rate：
2.7% (2004)
 
Unemployment Rate：
2.1% (2004)
Annual Trade Figures：
Exports: 96.1 billion US$ (2004)
Imports: 94.4 billion US$ (2004)
Currency：
Baht
Exchange Rate：
1 US$ = 〜40 Baht (Oct 2005)
State of the Economy：
Thailand enjoyed rapid economic growth starting in the late 1980s due to foreign investment from Japan and other countries. However, runaway account deficits caused an economic bubble to form in the real estate sector. The subsequent bubble collapse left many unable to repay previously secured loans. These bad loans brought about a serious deterioration of the economy which led to pressure to depreciate the baht. In July of 97 the baht was put on the free market system where it quickly depreciated causing further economic crisis. The Thai Government went on to receive support from international community members including the IMF and Japan. Policy was enacted to restart the economy through structural reform and the disposal of bad debt. Such policy restructuring as well as a rise in exports has helped bring the country out of its economic stagnation.
The Thaksin administration which came to power in February of 2001, shifted the emphasis not only on exports, but also in harvesting the tractive force of domestic demand by introducing new policy focused on agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME). Due to such domestic-demand expansion policies, consumer spending has risen given way to further economic recovery with growth rates of 6.9% in 2003 and 6.1 in 2004.

2.Education Policy Review

Education policy in Thailand is divided into annual intervals of 6:3:3 for Primary, Secondary and Post-Secondary respectively. Distinctive features of the national curriculum include its focus on the enhancement of a National Identity.

Compulsory education extends from age 7 to age 13, 6 years in total.

Primary Education：
Rather than being based around traditional subject based learning, primary education curriculum focuses on the development of basic skills, life-experience learning, character guidance, and learning through work experience. This type of curriculum is a special characteristic of Thai education policy.
Particularly noteworthy is the combination of social studies and science into a new experience-based subject called “learning through work experience” where students actually take part in farming and technical activities.
Thailand is also a nation with rich tradition of respect to the nation's sovereign king as well religion. Such traditions are emphasized in the country's education policy especially through flag raising ceremonies and instruction of songs on the topics of the king and the nation.
1987 figures place graduation rate at the primary level at 94%.
Secondary Education：
Secondary education is separated into 3 years of junior high school and 3 years of senior high school.
After graduation from junior high school students may choose between continuing education in a standard high school or entering a vocational school.
Secondary education still shows room for improvement with 1987 national statistics showing an average of 32.9% graduating from junior high school and 24.1% graduating from senior high school.
Higher Education：
Graduates of senior high school may continue education in university, college, teacher training university, or technical college.
Traditionally Thai universities were limited to Bangkok; however in the 1960s new regional universities were established. Private universities came into the scene after the passing of the Private University Law in 1969.
In 1970 the first general admission university was established. Presently, higher education utilizing correspondence education is widespread.
Selection processes for institutions of higher education are split into 2 separate standardized test standards: one for national universities, a small group of private universities, and some colleges and another for the rest of the private universities.

3.Academic Research/Diagnosis of Oral Disease

The activities sponsored by Faculty of Dentistry at Naresuan University extend beyond the traditional fields of cultivating future dentists and offering dental care to the community. These activities extend into the fields of both social and scholarly work.

Examples include:

  • Royal Mobile Dental Unit: (In partnership with Naresuan University Mobile Services) Services include conservative dentistry, tooth extraction, dental cleaning, and tooth replacement.
  • Exhibitions on Health
  • Thai Music Performances

Details of Dental Treatmen:t

  • Oral Checkup and Diagnosis
  • Dental Surgery, Tooth Extraction, Surgical Removal of Impacted Teeth
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Conservative Dentistry, Root Canal Treatment
  • Treatment of Periodontal Disease
  • Orthodontic Treatment and Dental Prosthesis

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