By Wonsuh Song
In early August, Japanese universities enter a familiar cycle—final submissions, grading deadlines, and the relief of a semester drawing to a close. For professors, it’s a period of concentration, reflection, and often, surprise.
As I reviewed this semester’s student reports, I saw a range that is all too familiar: some were thoughtful and thorough, others barely filled the page. Some students sent in documents missing entire sections, while others tried to pass off AI-generated text as their own. One even submitted a video—yes, a screen recording of their phone’s note app being scrolled through—as their “report.” Welcome to the age of the digital submission.
I have no objection to using tools. But when tools replace thinking instead of supporting it, something essential is lost. Reports dressed up with sleek slides or text that reads like it came straight from ChatGPT may be visually impressive but lack substance and authenticity.
That’s why I still believe in reports over exams. Reports require students to investigate, synthesize, and articulate ideas—a process that deepens learning far beyond rote memorization. But I’ve noticed more students bypassing this process altogether, a trend perhaps exacerbated by their disrupted educational experience during the pandemic years.
Still, there were rewarding moments. In one class, every student became a YouTuber—not just producing videos, but stepping into the role of a content creator. They learned to consider the needs of their viewers, and, more importantly, they developed the ability to organize their subject matter into engaging, educational content—an invaluable skill for any future teacher.
Another highlight was an online discussion with American university students. These dialogues pushed my students to engage cross-culturally, think critically, and express themselves beyond linguistic or cultural boundaries. That alone made the class worth every minute.
Now, with grades submitted, I turn to the quieter work of research and writing. For educators, summer is not just a break—it’s a time to reflect, recharge, and refine our craft. This semester was demanding, but fruitful. My students showed up. So did I.
In the fall, we begin again—with new faces, new challenges, and yes, probably a few more video reports. But I’ll continue to look for that one line of sincerity that says: “I tried. I learned. I grew.”
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Shumei University / NKNGO Forum Representative
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