OSAKA--Universities and colleges have recently begun offering classes to high school students who are already guaranteed admission well in advance of entrance examinations.
The move is intended to help prevent prospective entrants from dropping out due to a lack of academic ability or enthusiasm for learning.
Due to the declining birthrate, it has become possible for virtually any applicant to gain entrance to university or college. Half of the new entrants are admitted on the recommendation or the so-called AO Nyushi (admissions office screening based on essays or interviews) much earlier than those admitted based on entrance exams.
Under the circumstances, these schools have stopped waiting for applicants and instead provide fieldwork programs and classes via the Internet as well as programs in collaboration with cram schools before entrance ceremonies.
As part of a seminar on Osaka begun last year under the pre-entrance education program of Osaka Jogakuin College in Chuo Ward, Osaka, a tour of the Shinsekai district--a tourist spot in Naniwa Ward, Osaka, known for its Tsutenkaku tower--was recently held for 12 prospective students who passed the AO Nyushi screening process.
"The tower's design was originally like a combination of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe," said Masanori Ochitani, the college's admissions office director who guided the tour, giving the students some background on the popular landmark.
This year's tour participants are to give presentations on the theme in March.
An 18-year-old tour participant said: "I got more out of the seminar than I would have from reading a textbook. I could also talk to future schoolmates. It's stimulating."
Ochitani said: "Academic ability is important, but it's also important for the students to take action and think on their own."
Another means of keeping potential entrants engaged is the use of interactive classes at home over the Internet.
In 2004, Kinki University introduced a system of Artstaff Co., an education development company based in Kita Ward, Osaka.
This school year, the system will be used to give assignments in six subjects, including English and mathematics, to a total of 3,000 students of 12 departments from December to March to be completed online.
These assignments will include elements of animated films and other entertaining features and will be offered in three levels based on ability.
The university monitors how often and for how long students access the Internet classes and the areas that they need to improve, and it also contacts by phone or e-mail students who seldom use the programs.
Nagase Brothers Inc. based in Musashino, western Tokyo, which operates the major cram school chain Toshin Haisukuru, offers DVDs of classes and correspondence courses with essay questions for these students.
This school year, the company has provided pre-entrance education for 115 national and private universities and colleges, about 17 percent of those categories. About 100 university students also give advice to high school students over the phone.
Underlying these efforts is the direct link between academic achievement and pre-entrance education touted by some experts.
Reiko Yamada, chairman of the Japanese Association of First-Year Experience at Universities and Colleges and director of the Doshisha University Center for Faculty Development, said: "Sufficient care can help students smoothly transition from high school to university or college and eventually live productive lives on campus. It can also persuade them not to drop out."
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