Construction of a structural model of local settlement awareness the implementation of an educational program at the University of Toyama and its usefulness of the course.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify changes in students' awareness of regional settlement in the "Regional Life Plan" course at the University of Toyama through quantitative analysis, and to examine the usefulness of the course. Specifically, a structural covariance analysis was conducted on the questionnaires at the beginning and the end of the course conducted in 2022, to construct structural models of regional- settlement-awareness at the beginning and the end of it. These models suggest that students' awareness of settling in the region is correlated with their choice of region and choice of company. It is also suggested that students' understanding of the social contribution and name recognition of a company increases the attractiveness of employment opportunities in Toyama Prefecture. In addition, it is suggested that a decrease in the importance of regions outside of Toyama Prefecture increases the attractiveness of job placement in Toyama Prefecture.