書くために読む 2024 夏

過去1、2年での急速急激な生成系AIの発達進化で、英語教育界でも、どんどんAIを使った指導法が喧伝されている。
私自身、普段から色々と使っているが、専門の「英文ライティング」の指導評価では、結局のところ

  • 自分でお題を作り、参考資料を整理し、作品を読み、フィードバックを与え、共有する

という流れは変わらない。
いや、いくらプロンプトを整備してAIに入力しても、そこから得られるフィードバックが自分が求めているレベルには達しないから。

技能としてライティングと裏表の関係になるのはリーディングだが、テクストが英語で書かれているのであれば、そのテクストの出来不出来、巧拙、優劣はどちらの技能でも重要な問題となるはずである。

最近目にした、とあるオンラインサービスで、条件を入力すると、それに見合ったリーディング用の英文をAIが作成してくれるというものがあったので、試してみた。

「お題」としては、数年前の某検定の解答例が酷かったものを上書きしたかったので

  • 「日本の高校の教育は、今よりももっとグローバル化すべきである」

というもので、英文を作成してもらった。

以下、そこで得られた英文である。

Japan's education system has long been admired for its emphasis on discipline, hard work, and a strong sense of community. However, in recent years, there has been a growing call for Japan to embrace a more global approach to education. This shift is driven by several factors, including the need to prepare students for a rapidly changing globalized world, the challenges posed by a shrinking workforce, and the desire to attract more foreign students and talent to Japan.

One of the key challenges facing Japan is its declining birthrate, which has led to a shrinking workforce and a growing elderly population. This demographic shift has put pressure on the Japanese economy, making it more difficult to maintain its competitiveness on the global stage. To address this challenge, Japan needs to cultivate a more globally minded workforce, capable of collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing world.

The Japanese government has recognized the need for educational reform and has set ambitious goals to increase the number of Japanese students studying abroad and attract more foreign students to Japan. The government aims to send 500,000 Japanese students abroad and attract 400,000 foreign students to Japan each year by 2033. To achieve these goals, the government is working to expand study abroad programs for Japanese students, improve the environment for foreign students, and promote international exchanges at all levels of education.

Japanese universities are also playing a key role in the globalization of education. They are creating new programs that do not require Japanese language skills to earn degrees, promoting student entrepreneurship, and increasing the number of foreign faculty members. Universities are also emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, offering language and culture classes to prepare students for studying abroad, and creating dedicated Japanese language centers.

The shift towards a more globalized education system in Japan is not without its challenges. Some argue that the traditional Japanese emphasis on conformity and group harmony may hinder the development of individual creativity and critical thinking skills. Others worry that the focus on standardized testing and academic achievement may create too much pressure on students.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing consensus that Japan needs to embrace a more global approach to education. The future success of Japan's economy and its place in the world depends on its ability to cultivate a workforce that is globally minded, adaptable, and innovative. By promoting international exchange, encouraging students to study abroad, and creating a more welcoming environment for foreign students, Japan can ensure that its education system remains relevant and competitive in the 21st century. (437 words)

この英文を読解素材として、Reading Comprehension の設問も作ってくれる。多肢選択や記述の問題があったり、発展的な活動のオプションもあったり…。

  • 「至れり尽くせり」

そう思う人は多いだろう。
でも、先ほど出力してくれた英文そのものの精査は誰がするのだろうか?誰かがしてくれるのだろうか?
「お題」に対してしっかりとつながりとまとまりのある文章となっているかどうかは、結局自分で読まなければならないのでは?

私はこの英文を一読して、すぐに主題のズレを感じて、「学習材・教材として使うのは無理だな」と思ったので、別の生成系AIに投げ掛けてみた。

その回答がこちら。

You're right that this essay strays from the assigned topic of "High school education in Japan should be more global" to discuss education in Japan more broadly. I'll provide a table of improvement points and then rewrite the essay to focus specifically on high school education in Japan.

Issue Improvement
Scope Focus solely on high school education rather than discussing education at all levels
Cohesion Ensure each paragraph directly relates to making high school education more global
Coherence Maintain a clear argument structure throughout the essay
Reasoning Provide specific examples and evidence related to high school education

そして、そのAIが書き直したrevised versionがこちら。

Here's a revised version of the essay:

Japan's high school education system has long been admired for its emphasis on discipline and academic rigor. However, there is a growing need for Japanese high schools to adopt a more global approach to education. This shift is crucial to prepare students for an increasingly interconnected world and to address Japan's economic challenges stemming from a shrinking workforce.

The globalization of high school education in Japan should focus on three key areas: language skills, cultural awareness, and international exchange programs. Firstly, enhancing English language education is essential. While English is taught in Japanese high schools, the emphasis often remains on grammar and reading comprehension rather than practical communication skills. Implementing more conversation-based lessons and increasing the number of native English-speaking teachers could significantly improve students' ability to communicate in English, a vital skill in the global marketplace.

Secondly, Japanese high schools should incorporate more global perspectives into their curricula. This could involve introducing courses on world cultures, international relations, and global issues. By broadening students' understanding of different cultures and global challenges, high schools can foster the development of more globally-minded citizens who are better equipped to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.

Thirdly, expanding international exchange programs for high school students is crucial. While some Japanese high schools already offer study abroad opportunities, these programs should be made more accessible and encouraged for a larger number of students. Short-term exchange programs, international sister school partnerships, and virtual exchange projects can all contribute to broadening students' horizons and improving their cross-cultural communication skills.

The Japanese government has recognized the importance of globalizing education and has set goals to increase the number of Japanese students studying abroad. However, these efforts need to be more focused on the high school level. By starting earlier, students can develop the necessary skills and mindset to thrive in a globalized world before entering university or the workforce.

Challenges to globalizing high school education in Japan include the pressure of university entrance exams, which often prioritize rote learning over critical thinking and global awareness. Additionally, the traditional emphasis on conformity in Japanese education may need to be balanced with encouraging individual expression and diverse perspectives.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of a more global high school education in Japan are clear. It would better prepare students for higher education and careers in an increasingly interconnected world. Moreover, it would help address Japan's economic challenges by cultivating a workforce that is more adaptable, innovative, and capable of engaging with the global community.

In conclusion, globalizing high school education in Japan is not just beneficial but necessary. By focusing on language skills, cultural awareness, and international exchange programs, Japanese high schools can equip students with the tools they need to succeed in a globalized world. This shift will not only benefit individual students but also contribute to Japan's future economic prosperity and global competitiveness. (476 words)

元の英文よりも40語ほど長くなったが、主題から逸れて行く部分は修正されている。
それでも、これを「教材」として使うのであれば、先ほどの英文と同様に、細部まで精査・吟味する必要が出てくる。
で、それは誰かが読んで教えてくれる?再度AIに投げる?そしてその結果出力されてきた英文を読むのは…。

時短とか教師の労力軽減って、どの世界線の話しですか?

ということで、AIに丸投げする前に、まず指導者が「主題とつながりとまとまり」を弁えておくことが重要。

古いといわずに、この過去ログをお読み下さい。

tmrowing.hatenablog.com

ツイッターでも繰り返し紹介してセルフRTしていますが、ほぼほぼスルーです。

更に関連する過去ログがこちら。

tmrowing.hatenablog.com

最後の最後に、ベテラン編集者からのお便りがありますので、そこまで是非お読み下さい。


中高生の書いた英文ライティングのフィードバックをAIに任せる前に、やっておくべきことがまだまだあります。

私の開講するオンラインセミナーはこちら。

passmarket.yahoo.co.jp

志ある方の受講をお待ちしています。

本日はこの辺で。

本日のBGM: まとめを読まないままにして/空気公団 『LIVE春愁秋思』~2011.5.21~at西千葉café STAND (カメラマイク音声/ノイズあり)より

open.spotify.com