Associate Professor KIYOSHIMA Eriko of the Organization for Promotion of Higher Education and Student Support at Gifu University has received the first Chancellor's Special Award for Educational Good Practice.

This award was established in 2023 to enhance the motivation of faculty members belonging to the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS) and to improve the quality of classes. On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the award ceremony was held to honor those who are in charge of the three courses. One course taught at Gifu University (the Campus-Wide Core Curriculum (Zenkyo) "Social Literacy Course - Japanese Expression I (Beginner)") and two courses taught at Nagoya University were recognized as exemplary classes with outstanding effects or results.

At the award ceremony, THERS Chancellor MATSUO Seiichi stated, "Meeting teachers who teach the importance and joy of learning becomes a lifelong treasure for students. Please continue to further your studies and contribute to the development of even better human resources."

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Associate Professor Kiyoshima, who teaches the "Social Literacy Course" reported her award to President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University. In the meeting, she said, "The course is a mandatory subject taken on-demand by approximately 1,300 students. It aims to help students develop the ability to use appropriate Japanese, create reports, theses, and presentation materials, and acquire smooth communication skills with people. The award highly evaluated the use of peer assessment methods among students for grading written assignments. The grading results from this method and those graded by teachers is highly correlated, proving it to be an effective grading method." She further expressed, "I feel that receiving this prestigious award is not solely due to my efforts but also thanks to the guidance of former Vice President Professor YAMADA Toshihiro, who has instructed me, Professor YOKOTA Yasunari from the Faculty of Engineering, who built the report grading system, and everyone who has supported me. I will continue to strive for the further development of liberal arts education."

President Yoshida stated, 'The course is a valuable asset for our university. Having students grade each other's writing through peer assessment is extremely educational for their future writing endeavors. Please continue to set an example for all the faculty and keep up the good work.'

Gifu University will continue to strive for the assurance of quality in liberal arts education and the establishment of a solid foundation for specialized education, aiming to produce individuals who learn, explore, and contribute.