Author Information
Xixi Zhang, The University of Osaka, JapanNatsuki Tsujita, The University of Osaka, Japan
Toshiya Tsujita, The University of Osaka, Japan
Yosuke Otani, The University of Osaka, Japan
Goro Yamazaki, The University of Osaka, Japan
Abstract
This study examines a cross-disciplinary education model implemented at a Japanese national university, targeting graduate students through Project-Based Learning (PBL). The program emphasizes addressing social issues and exploring diverse career pathways in academia, industry, and government. This presentation outlines the program’s background and design, reviews implementation outcomes over the past 12 years, and evaluates its impact on cultivating interdisciplinary talent within Japan’s higher education context. The program offers original courses, long-term project-based learning opportunities, and both group and independent practical activities. Drawing on expertise from all graduate schools and involving faculty members from diverse fields in both program management and teaching, the curriculum equips students with essential skills in problem identification, problem-solving, and social engagement. It encourages students to play active roles across disciplines beyond their own specialization, fostering innovative thinking and responsiveness to complex societal challenges. Over the past 12 years, more than 170 graduate students－including many from international backgrounds－have participated in the program. Follow-up surveys indicate that most graduates secured employment across a wide variety of fields, often beyond the direct scope of their graduate research. Many alumni have launched unconventional career paths for PhD holders, highlighting the program’s success in enhancing the employability of doctoral graduates and fostering interdisciplinary talents who can adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of society and industry.
Paper Information
Conference: BCE2025Stream: Interdisciplinary
This paper is part of the BCE2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Zhang X., Tsujita N., Tsujita T., Otani Y., & Yamazaki G. (2025) Fostering Interdisciplinary Talent Through Cross-Disciplinary Project-Based Learning: A Case Study From a Japanese National University ISSN: 2435-9467 – The Barcelona Conference on Education 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 211-223) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2435-9467.2025.18
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2435-9467.2025.18
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