Organization of the University Entrance Examination Reform Symposium

In order to recruit a diverse variety of human resources that are in possession of the three elements of academic ability defined by the Central Council for Education, the Admission Center has been promoting discussions on entrance examination reform. To accomplish this, we think it necessary to share a common awareness with local senior high schools and every year since 2016 have been holding symposia on entrance examination reform in which many have participated from both in and out of the university.

Survey and Research on Entrance Examination

The following are the major activities conducted by the Admission Center:

• Survey and research on the screening and examination procedure.
• Analysis and evaluation of entrance examination data.
• Planning and promotion of public relations for students taking the entrance examination.

Implementation of a follow-up survey on entrance examination and post-admission academic performance

The aim of this follow-up survey is to gather data on the "relationship between entrance examination results and post-admission grades (GPA=Grade Point Average) of different types of entrance examination" and "annual changes in grades (GPA)" of every Department in each Faculty to make it possible for the university to formulate a new screening and examination procedure in the future from a medium- to long-term perspective. Another aim is as follows. The results will be provided to each Faculty so that the university can work with each Faculty and Department to analyze them to verify and improve the screening and examination procedure. Since the analysis results are used to verify the function of screening and examination in each Faculty and Department, data from different Faculties and Departments will not be compared. Such comparison is out of line with this follow-up survey.

Reform of the Screening and Examination Procedure

So far, the Admission Center has implemented the following as part of the reform of the screening and examination procedure.

Implementation of International Baccalaureate Entrance Examination

In response to rapid social changes, it is urgently necessary to develop human resources who identify challenges proactively, who find solutions to problems for which there are no predetermined correct answers, who work with others productively, who have the ability to put ideas into action and who take the initiative in learning and thinking. Kagoshima University believes that individuals certified by the International Baccalaureate are endowed with these capabilities and qualities. Based on this recognition, we have been conducting the International Baccalaureate Entrance Examination since the 2016 academic year as part of our effort to foster human resources who will have the capacity to bring in a new era.

Introduction of External English Test

It is necessary in the contemporary world to develop human resources who can play an active role globally. In order to take the initiative in working with people of different languages and cultural backgrounds, it is strongly demanded of members of the modern world to develop and evaluate the four skills--reading, listening, writing and speaking--in English, which is a common language of this world. To recruit students who have a good ability in these four skills, Kagoshima University introduced the External English Test system at all of its nine Faculties in the 2017 academic year.

Introduction of Self-recommendation Entrance Examination

The aim of the Self-recommendation Entrance Examination is to lead new students smoothly from the entrance examination to their first year in a systematic integrated education where students strive to achieve their goals. The system is open to senior high school students and those who have already graduated, and there is no school-by-school quota. Students may apply if they wish to and if Kagoshima University is their first choice. Lecture-type exams will be conducted on a one-on-one basis. In the lecture-type examination, students take notes on important points proactively from the lecture and will be evaluated on how appropriately they can express their answers to the questions in sentences.