Episode
The eight competencies developed at Ritsumeikan Academy.
We introduce how they are developed through daily experiences, along with diverse episodes.
*These episodes are based on responses actually submitted by students at every level of education—including elementary, junior high, and high school students, as well as university and graduate students—in the Quantitative Survey for Ritsumeikan Academy Competency Framework conducted in the 2024 academic year. Information that could identify individuals has been removed or modified before publication.
Competency
Episode
- Classes
- StudyAbroad
- ExtracurricularActivities
- ClubsAndSocieties
- StudyingOutsideOfClass
- Research
- SchoolEvents
- ExtracurricularLessons
- Community
- Family
- FriendsAndPeers
- TeachersAndMentors
- Goals
- Effort
- Achievement
- Growth
- Collaboration
- SeekingAdvice
- GivingUp
- Worries
- Happiness
- Anxiety
- Confidence
- Change
- EntranceExamsAndQualifications
- JobHuntingAndInternships
- PartTimeJobs
Working on my dissertation with the help of my advisors.
Self-efficacy
I faced a challenging yet transformative time of growth. The demanding coursework, combined with the pressure to conduct independent research, pushed me to my limits. Balancing academic responsibilities with personal well-being required resilience and adaptability. There were moments of doubt, especially when facing complex problems or receiving critical feedback. However, the supportive environment of my peers, mentors, and advisors was a strength. Collaborative discussions and encouragement helped me hone my skills and maintain my focus. Through this journey, I discovered the importance of self-discipline, time management, and believing in my ability to overcome challenges.
Self-efficacy
First, I did not know much about the research, and I was afraid that I would not do it well. When I started my Master's degree at Ritsumeikan University, I turned to have more self-efficacy because of RU's supportive learning environment. All professors are so exceptional and they also give support and detailed explanation when I am stuck. Thus, now I have more confidence and knowledge to do research better.
Self-efficacy
I acquire self-efficacy when I started my master degree at Ritsumeikan University, during my research I realized that although my professors would give me advice, their advise was not a direct guidance, but something that made me think more about me and how I could achieve put my thought in order and how to find different approaches. This skill help me develop myself and get to know more my capabilities in multiple perspectives.
Self-efficacy
I learned this during my first year of study when I was really stressed out in this lab. However, with the support of the student support room, seniors, and my family, I was able to calm down and realize that my stress was caused by trying to please my professors and doing things I didn't like. After I understood this, I started working as much as I could and focused on doing what I was good at.
Self-efficacy
During my nearly two years at the Graduate School of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University, I have developed resilience through the rigorous research work assigned by my supervisor. These projects were often challenging, requiring me to deeply engage with complex academic materials and manage tight deadlines. Initially, balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining the quality of my work felt overwhelming. However, I gradually learned to break tasks into manageable parts, prioritize effectively, and seek clarification from my supervisor when needed. This approach not only enhanced my understanding of the research topics but also significantly improved my time management skills. By staying disciplined and adapting to feedback, I successfully completed each assignment on time. These experiences have strengthened my ability to recover from difficulties and approach future challenges with greater confidence and efficiency.
Initiative
When I first got into AISLab, I had to decide which research topic I would work on. That includes learning about my preferences, my abilities, and my future goals. I made the plan and proposed it to the professor, and received some feedback; the whole process involved me being very proactive in defining the tasks and goals. I reflect on that goal constantly to keep everything on track. I achieved 2 papers published after one year in the master's program; I think it mainly reflects how I took the initiative.
Initiative
Over the past year at the Intelligence Computer Entertainment Laboratory, I've grown significantly in my ability to set and pursue goals independently. During our lab seminars led by my professor, I consistently pushed beyond assigned tasks. I began proposing my research ideas, designing experiments, and working late into the night to see them through. When faced with setbacks or unexpected results, I didn't give up. Instead, I adjusted my approach and kept going. This self-driven attitude led to several breakthroughs in our game AI projects. My initiative caught the attention of my peers and my professor, who encouraged me to present my findings at a conference. This experience taught me the value of self-motivation and perseverance in academic research.
Initiative
As a student pursuing a doctoral degree, we were required to think proactively, identify problems around us, and propose effective solutions. Being a Doctoral Student automatically positioned me as a "senior" student in the laboratory, making it essential to become a role model that students from other levels could look up to. With limited time and the high expectations of producing novel research, I often had to take the lead in starting discussions and setting clear goals right from the start. When discussing research topics with my professor, the conversation dynamic shifted from directives like "You should do this to obtain this" to more collaborative conversations such as "What do you think we should do to obtain this?" this kind of approach consistently challenged and strengthened my initiative mindset.
Initiative