W-07 gPBL for adult education using Kaizen as a theme

Abstract

This paper describes a gPBL (global problem-based learning) for adult students (mostly working as full-time) that was organized and implemented by Japanese and Thai universities, in which students identify, analyze and discuss the problem, and to propose Kaizen ideas (= solutions) for the production line of the industrial chains (for tractors) in a Thai local factory. By 1) having on-line/off-line pre-lectures in Japan, 2) using movies as the alternative of a site visit, 3) giving them a chance to try their ideas/prototypes in the real production line of a factory, this program can solve the issue of time management that most adult students constantly struggle with. At the same time, it can provide them with “rich experiences” of Kaizen activities in the real global context.