| Name | OYUNAA PUREVDORJ |
|---|---|
| Country | Mongolia |
| Year / month of graduation | March 2019 |
| Degree obtained | Master and PhD |
| Position / organization as of March 2021 |
Education Specialist |
This article was written in March 2021.
Why did you choose Japan, and Hiroshima university for your study?
I actually started my study in Hiroshima University in 2006 as a Master Study student, and graduated in 2008. In 2006, I had a chance to enroll in the university with Japanese Government Scholarship. During my study, I had a great opportunity to develop myself and dig into the breadth of knowledge. As the Master study built a firm foundation for my research and professional identity and established effective intellectual relationship with my supervisor, I have decided to continue PhD study in the university later on. The university also has well established student support system and fully accessible learning environment where anyone’s educational development can be fulfilled.
What did you learn and study at Hiroshima university?
Hiroshima University really made me to grow professionally and personally. Before the enrollment, I was a lecturer in one of the teacher pre-service universities of Mongolia; and had a strong motivation to study mathematics education and teachers. As I have been motivated to study and explore more in mathematics education, I was provided plenty of opportunities to interact with world known mathematics education scholars, access to high ranking journals and references, participate and present in international and Japanese conferences and seminars, share my research results with outstanding Japanese professors, international students and get feedback.
These opportunities helped me to find out core interest in research field and conceptualize my study topic as mathematics teacher professional knowledge and context that situates this knowledge. Advises and careful supervision of the university professors taught me the latest perspectives of the mathematics teacher knowledge and techniques in quantitative and qualitative analysis. Throughout the study, my professional writing and researching have also improved.
Did you enjoy your stay in Hiroshima?
I enjoyed my stay in Hiroshima, in particular, liked a lot Hiroshima Spring with blossom of Sakura and Fall with colorful Momiji. Saijo town – small town of the university campus – keeps my memories and experiences. Riding bicycle in green and peaceful town was the best feeling and still be. There are also many beautiful sightseeing places around Hiroshima. Significant one was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum that represents unimaginable nature of nuclear weapons. Tour to the Miyajima has always been the best experience.
Please tell us your current work. Does what you learned or studied at Hiroshima university help you?
Since the graduation from a Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation (IDEC), I have been working in education sector of Mongolia as an education specialist/expert. I mostly work for education programmes and projects jointly implemented by Ministry of Education and Science of Mongolia and international development organizations such as Asian Development Bank, World Bank. What I learned in the university really characterizes how I do my work. Research skills I acquired during my study in the university helped to reveal the problems in the system, identify their causes and effects, access international best experiences using different resources and determine the best possible solutions. Research topic of mine helps me to develop a policy on improving school teacher quality and promote professional development in the country. This policy reflects valid results of my research. Knowledge and understanding I learned from international development and cooperation courses help me to effectively communicate with international development organizations and discuss recognized ideas. Writing skills learned from academic writing courses in the university helps me to produce reports that meets the standards and requirements of the international development organizations.
Do you recommend Hiroshima university for others to choose?
I highly recommend the university as I have experienced how it nurtures student intellectual growth and development and environment I lived for several years. This is the university for anyone who like to pursue peaceful and encouraging academic study and experience of Japanese culture. Also I made many friends through getting involved with student life and event, and learned a lot from them. Academic culture such as lab seminar and meeting is very helpful to absorb various ideas from other students with diverse background. So, this is must-go university.
