2016 Volume 32 Issue 3 Pages 155-165
Abstract In 2014, Fukuoka Dental College committed to improving the communication of course results to students, in line with the stated objectives of the Acceleration Program for University Education Rebuilding (AP) Theme II―Visualization of Academic Results released by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The College will conduct a review of how individual achievements and specific academic outcomes are communicated to students during the six-year bachelor degree course. A questionnaire-style survey of students and dental interns was used to provide base data for the communication. Like most other universities, Fukuoka Dental College publishes its diploma policy on the university website. The diplomacy policy is also printed in the student handbook, in promotional materials and on registration and application forms and elsewhere. Yet despite these efforts to ensure that the diploma policy is widely available in the public domain and readily accessible to university staff, students and applicants, the survey revealed low awareness of the policy and of gakushi-ryoku, the minimum level of general knowledge and skills that students are expected to acquire through undergraduate education.
Better communication of academic outcomes is predicated on a proper understanding of the diploma policy at Fukuoka Dental College as well as the gakushi-ryoku requirements prescribed by the Central Education Council. First-year students and trainee dentists in particular are keen to receive structured feedback on their academic outcomes. Accordingly, the main focus during this period will be on promoting awareness and understanding of the diploma policy at Fukuoka Dental College and the gakushi-ryoku.
