#Japan #Osaka #Shinichiro Yamagata #University Educators #Practical Teaching

Relaunching Life in the Era of 100-Year Living

As people live longer, many are finding that retirement need not mean the end of their professional contributions. Rather, it can be an opportunity for a fresh start. This sentiment is perfectly embodied by Shinichiro Yamagata, a former television executive who made the leap to academia, determined to guide the next generation with his vast experience.

The Rise of Practitioners as University Educators

In recent years, more universities have begun to welcome seasoned professionals from various fields as part-time educators. Traditionally, academic faculty positions were not contingent on holding teaching certifications, meaning a wealth of knowledge and practical skills can qualify someone to teach at the university level. This transformation is supported by Japan's Ministry of Education, which is currently reviewing policies to expand the diverse roles of educators, promoting models like cross-appointments that allow faculty to work across multiple institutions. Thus, the demand for university practitioners is growing significantly and rapidly.

Meet Shinichiro Yamagata

After a distinguished career at TV Osaka where he held various positions including Head of Sports News and Chief Commentator, Yamagata spent most of his career in sports and news broadcasting, covering major events in professional baseball, J-League, golf, boxing, and motorsports. He completed the University Practitioner's Educator Training Course in December 2021 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Urban Management at Osaka Metropolitan University, set to graduate in March 2025. In addition to his studies, Yamagata serves as an adjunct lecturer at Osaka University of Economics and Ashiya University, where he focuses on topics like sports, community revitalization, and media.

Insight on Becoming a Practitioner Educator

We had the opportunity to interview Yamagata about his motivations and aspirations as a practitioner educator.

• - On Becoming a Practitioner Educator:

Yamagata emphasizes the desire to reset rather than just retire in the 100-year life era. His long-standing real-world experiences, acquired knowledge, and skills are resources he wishes to share with students. He finds the opportunity to witness and support their growth immensely rewarding.

• - Student Guidance and Challenges:

He believes that a key part of the role is bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application to better prepare students for the realities of the workforce. Yamagata notes that universities expect practitioners to strengthen connections between academia and industry through collaborative research and workshops, ensuring students’ learning remains relevant and practical.

• - Leveraging Professional Experience in Academia:

Effective communication with students and faculty alike, as well as the ability to address students' concerns with empathy, are vital skills he applies from his prior experience in broadcasting. These interpersonal skills have proven to be advantageous in guiding students through their academic journeys.

• - Aiming High as a Practitioner Educator:

Yamagata has ambitions to develop innovative curricula that translate experiences and practice into effective course designs. He’s passionate about exploring new paradigms of learning—breaking traditional molds to facilitate better educational outcomes.

• - Reflections on the Training Course:

He expresses marvel at the comprehensive strategies covered in the training course—such as course design, syllabus creation, lesson management, portfolio development, research endeavors, and the fundamental roles of educators. A particularly valuable lesson was understanding that practical experience alone wouldn't suffice for thriving as a university educator, a revelation that helped shape his approach.

• - Lessons for Aspiring Practitioner Educators:

Yamagata advises aspiring educators to maintain humility. He believes that past experiences in the business world are limited to their specific context and can become outdated over time. Acknowledge that educating students requires a deep commitment and advanced preparation, as they will be going into futures unknown even to the educators. Additionally, he highlights the importance of continually reassessing one’s motivations and fuel for teaching, ensuring that passion is a driving force for educational endeavors.

The Future of Practitioner Educator Training

The General Incorporated Foundation for University Educator Training acknowledges that there are relatively few practitioners with the necessary teaching skills to engage effectively in higher education in Japan. Surveys reveal that while practical experience is high among these educators, a lack of educational experience and training in developing theoretical lecture content is a significant issue. Starting 2025, those completing the practitioner education course will earn not just a certificate but also a Micro-credential through an Open Badge certification, marking their mastery of the essential knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in academia.

Those interested in the next cohort of the Practitioner Educator Training Course must apply by August 29, with sessions running from September 13 to December 6.
For more information, reach out to:
General Incorporated Foundation for University Educator Training,
2nd Floor, Tohgo Park Building, 4-2-12 Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0074, Japan.
Phone: 03-5226-7288
E-mail: [email protected]