中央大学法学部の下記WEBページの冒頭二段落に関してローカルPCにインストールしたDeepSeekでおこなったチェック結果の中に、「「育成する」という意味では「develop」の方が自然です。「foster」は「奨励する/保護する」のニュアンスが強いため、学術的背景には不適切です。」という指摘がある。
本ページでは本指摘の正当性に関してチェックした結果を紹介する。
中央大学 “Faculty of Law”、CHUO UNIVERSITY -Knowledge into Action＞Academics＞Faculties
https://www.chuo-u.ac.jp/english/academics/faculties/law/
https://www.chuo-u.ac.jp/english/academics/faculties/law/
内容構成
1．オンライン英々辞典によるチェック結果
- オンライン英英辞典「ロングマン現代英英辞典」（Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online）ではfosterおよびdevelopに関する本指摘のような差異は読み取ることができなかった。fosterに関しては、”to help a skill, feeling, idea etc develop over a period of time”を語義として挙げるとともに、13文例中1個だけではあるが、”These classroom activities are intended to foster children’s language skills.”という文例も挙げている。
［出典］https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/foster
developに関しては、四番目の語義として”if you develop a skill or ability, or if it develops, it becomes stronger or more advanced”を挙げるとともに、”The course is designed to help students develop their speaking skills.”という文例も挙げている。
［出典］https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/develop - オンライン英英辞典「コリンズ英英辞典」（Collins English Dictionary)では下記のように、skillを目的語として取る動詞としてはfosterではなく、developが推奨されているように思われる。
- 見出し語としてdevelop a skillは採用されているが、foster a skillは採用されてはいない。
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/develop-a-skill - 語義説明においてfosterに関してはskillという語句は登場しないが、developに関しては語義説明の8番目が”If you develop a skill, quality, or relationship, or if it develops, it becomes better or stronger.”となっている。そして…weekly workshops that are designed to develop acting and theatre skills. ”という文例が挙げられている。
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/foster - シソーラスでは、下記にあるように同義語に関する二番目のグループとして”develop”、すなわち、”to promote the growth or development of”という意味におけるfosterの同義語が挙げられている。
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-thesaurus/foster#foster__1
- 見出し語としてdevelop a skillは採用されているが、foster a skillは採用されてはいない。
- 「英辞郎 on the WEB Pro」での検索結果によれば、skillを目的語として取る動詞としてはfosterではなく、developが推奨されているように思われる。「英辞郎 on the WEB Pro」での検索結果によれば、fosterの目的語としてskill を含む英語表現は下記の1件だけであった。foster technology and skills to（～するための技術と技能を育成する）これに対して、developの目的語としてskill を含む英語表現は81件と極めて多い。また下記のように、「技能を磨く、技量を磨く、上達する、腕を上げる、腕を鍛える、腕を磨く」という意味でdevelop one’s skillを熟語として採用している。
2．OpenAIのChatGPT4.5のdeep researchによるチェック結果
ChatGPT4.5に与えたプロンプト文
下記の英語文章に関するコメントが適切かどうかを英語の専門家の視点からチェックしてください。なおその際には、文法的な正確さ、語彙の適切さ、および、WEBページにおける大学のカリキュラム紹介という観点からチェックしてください。
####英語文章
Chuo’s undergraduate law curriculum is focused on fostering skills and knowledge for graduate study at the Chuo Law School and for work or study in a broad range of professional fields.
####英語文章に関するコメント
「育成する」という意味では「develop」の方が自然です。「foster」は「奨励する/保護する」のニュアンスが強いため、学術的背景には不適切です。
ChatGPTでは本回答のように、プロンプト文が日本語であったとしても、その回答が下記のように英語となる場合がある。fosterとdevelopのどちらの語彙がより適切なのかに関する回答のポイントは下記の通りであり、fosterよりもdevelopの方が適切であるとしている。
Considering the above points, the sentence is grammatically sound and contextually appropriate, but replacing “fostering” with “developing” is recommended for improved clarity and alignment with standard usage. The word “developing” would make the promise of the curriculum more explicit – it tells readers that the program will actively build students’ skills and knowledge. This is especially fitting for a promotional academic context where you want to assure prospective students of concrete skill gains.
なお上記プロンプト文に対する回答全体は下記で見ることができる。
また、fosterとdevelopという語彙のニュアンスに関わる回答の抜粋は下記の通りである。なお下記に見るように、ChatGPT4.5のdeep researchではオンライン英々辞典の該当箇所に関するリンクがデフォルトで貼られている。
Lexical Choice: “Fostering” vs “Developing”
The crux of the question is whether the verb “fostering” is the most appropriate word here, or if “developing” would be better. Both words are similar in meaning but carry slightly different connotations in educational context. Let’s examine each:
- Fostering: To foster means to encourage or promote the development of something (usually something good)collinsdictionary.com. In other words, fostering implies nurturing growth. For example, dictionaries define foster in this sense as “to promote the growth of; encourage or nurture”collinsdictionary.comdictionary.cambridge.org. In fact, a synonym given for “foster” is literally “help develop”vocabulary.com. So “fostering skills and knowledge” means encouraging or nurturing the development of skills and knowledge. This word often appears in contexts where an institution or program creates a supportive environment for something to grow – for instance, “fostering a love of learning” or “fostering creativity and critical thinking.” It emphasizes the nurturing aspect (a somewhat indirect, supportive role in growth).
- Developing: To develop means to actively build up, grow or refine something (such as a skill or ability). In an educational context, “developing skills and knowledge” usually means the program actively trains or cultivates those skills and that knowledge in students. The word develop is very direct and common in academic and promotional descriptions. For example, a typical phrasing in curriculum descriptions is “designed to develop skills and knowledge” needed for certain outcomeshorizoncare.co.uk. The nuance of develop is more concrete – it implies a direct process of skill-building or knowledge acquisition, rather than just providing a supportive environment.
Which is more appropriate here? In the context of a university curriculum description, both words are grammatically correct, but their usage frequency and tone differ:
- Usage in Academic Context: Phrases involving “developing skills and knowledge” are very common in educational materials. Many universities explicitly state that their programs develop students’ skills and knowledge in particular areas. For instance, one curriculum policy notes, “Our curriculum is designed to develop skills and knowledge that will prepare all students for their next stage…”horizoncare.co.uk. Another example from a graduate program description says the curriculum “is designed to develop skills and knowledge in accordance with [competency-based objectives]” gme.carilionclinic.org. The verb develop collocates naturally with “skills” and “knowledge,” and it straightforwardly tells readers that the curriculum will build those qualities in the student.
- Foster is also used in educational contexts, but often with a slightly different emphasis. It’s frequently seen when talking about cultivating a mindset or environment. For example, a primary school science curriculum might say it “is focused on fostering a love of learning and curiosity about the natural world”zcajax.org. In higher education, one might read that a program “fosters critical thinking and innovation.” It tends to be used for intangible qualities or when highlighting the nurturing role of the institution. Using “fostering skills and knowledge” is not wrong – as a proof of usage, the University of Florida’s Family Life Education page states that its goal “is to teach and foster skills and knowledge to enable individuals and families to function optimally.”fycs.ifas.ufl.edu. This shows “foster skills and knowledge” can be used in formal writing. However, notice that in that example foster is paired with teach, which makes the meaning very clear (both teach and foster contribute to skill-building).
- Connotation and Tone: Fostering in the Chuo sentence gives a sense that the curriculum creates a supportive environment for students to grow their skills. Developing would convey more directly that the curriculum trains students and builds up those skills. Neither word has a negative meaning, but “developing” is more direct and assertive, which can be advantageous in promotional text where clarity is key. “Fostering”, by contrast, is a bit more nuanced and formal; it might appeal to an academic tone but could also sound slightly passive or indirect about how the skills are acquired.
- Audience Impact: On an English-language university website (especially if targeting international students or non-specialist readers), clarity and immediacy of meaning are important. The word “developing” is extremely common and clear when talking about skills. “Fostering” is perfectly understood by native speakers, but some non-native readers might associate “foster” primarily with foster care or simply not use it as often in the context of education. Develop is more straightforward in the context of personal development and education.
To illustrate the nuance, consider how another university describes its pre-law program:
- “[It] emphasizes the development of skills essential for law school success… The program also fosters strong communication skills, with a focus on both written and verbal expression…”milligan.edu.
In this example, the writers use “development of skills” for the broad critical skills, and “fosters” specifically for communication skills – likely to vary word choice, but it shows develop as the primary term and foster as a supplementary term for nurturing a particular ability. The primary message is that the program develops essential skills, which is a very direct claim, while fostering is used to indicate it also cultivates a certain skill in a supportive waymilligan.edu. This nuance aligns with typical usage: “develop skills/knowledge” is a direct promise of skill-building, whereas “foster” highlights a nurturing approach.
Summary of lexical choice: In an academic-promotional sentence like Chuo University’s, “developing skills and knowledge” would be a more straightforward and widely used phrasing. “Fostering skills and knowledge” is not incorrect – it essentially means the same outcome (students gaining skills and knowledge) with a shade of nurture. However, “developing” may better meet the expectations of readers for this context, as it is a conventional way to describe curriculum outcomes. It also avoids any subtle ambiguity; develop clearly signals an active role in skill-building.## Lexical Choice: “Fostering” vs “Developing”
The crux of the question is whether the verb “fostering” is the most appropriate word here, or if “developing” would be better. Both words are similar in meaning but carry slightly different connotations in educational context. Let’s examine each:
- Fostering: To foster means to encourage or promote the development of something (usually something good)collinsdictionary.com. In other words, fostering implies nurturing growth. For example, dictionaries define foster in this sense as “to promote the growth of; encourage or nurture”collinsdictionary.comdictionary.cambridge.org. In fact, a synonym given for “foster” is literally “help develop”vocabulary.com. So “fostering skills and knowledge” means encouraging or nurturing the development of skills and knowledge. This word often appears in contexts where an institution or program creates a supportive environment for something to grow – for instance, “fostering a love of learning” or “fostering creativity and critical thinking.” It emphasizes the nurturing aspect (a somewhat indirect, supportive role in growth).
- Developing: To develop means to actively build up, grow or refine something (such as a skill or ability). In an educational context, “developing skills and knowledge” usually means the program actively trains or cultivates those skills and that knowledge in students. The word develop is very direct and common in academic and promotional descriptions. For example, a typical phrasing in curriculum descriptions is “designed to develop skills and knowledge” needed for certain outcomeshorizoncare.co.uk. The nuance of develop is more concrete – it implies a direct process of skill-building or knowledge acquisition, rather than just providing a supportive environment.
Which is more appropriate here? In the context of a university curriculum description, both words are grammatically correct, but their usage frequency and tone differ:
- Usage in Academic Context: Phrases involving “developing skills and knowledge” are very common in educational materials. Many universities explicitly state that their programs develop students’ skills and knowledge in particular areas. For instance, one curriculum policy notes, “Our curriculum is designed to develop skills and knowledge that will prepare all students for their next stage…”horizoncare.co.uk. Another example from a graduate program description says the curriculum “is designed to develop skills and knowledge in accordance with [competency-based objectives]”gme.carilionclinic.org. The verb develop collocates naturally with “skills” and “knowledge,” and it straightforwardly tells readers that the curriculum will build those qualities in the student.
- Foster is also used in educational contexts, but often with a slightly different emphasis. It’s frequently seen when talking about cultivating a mindset or environment. For example, a primary school science curriculum might say it “is focused on fostering a love of learning and curiosity about the natural world”zcajax.org. In higher education, one might read that a program “fosters critical thinking and innovation.” It tends to be used for intangible qualities or when highlighting the nurturing role of the institution. Using “fostering skills and knowledge” is not wrong – as a proof of usage, the University of Florida’s Family Life Education page states that its goal “is to teach and foster skills and knowledge to enable individuals and families to function optimally.”fycs.ifas.ufl.edu. This shows “foster skills and knowledge” can be used in formal writing. However, notice that in that example foster is paired with teach, which makes the meaning very clear (both teach and foster contribute to skill-building).
- Connotation and Tone: Fostering in the Chuo sentence gives a sense that the curriculum creates a supportive environment for students to grow their skills. Developing would convey more directly that the curriculum trains students and builds up those skills. Neither word has a negative meaning, but “developing” is more direct and assertive, which can be advantageous in promotional text where clarity is key. “Fostering”, by contrast, is a bit more nuanced and formal; it might appeal to an academic tone but could also sound slightly passive or indirect about how the skills are acquired.
- Audience Impact: On an English-language university website (especially if targeting international students or non-specialist readers), clarity and immediacy of meaning are important. The word “developing” is extremely common and clear when talking about skills. “Fostering” is perfectly understood by native speakers, but some non-native readers might associate “foster” primarily with foster care or simply not use it as often in the context of education. Develop is more straightforward in the context of personal development and education.
To illustrate the nuance, consider how another university describes its pre-law program:
- “[It] emphasizes the development of skills essential for law school success… The program also fosters strong communication skills, with a focus on both written and verbal expression…”milligan.edu.
In this example, the writers use “development of skills” for the broad critical skills, and “fosters” specifically for communication skills – likely to vary word choice, but it shows develop as the primary term and foster as a supplementary term for nurturing a particular ability. The primary message is that the program develops essential skills, which is a very direct claim, while fostering is used to indicate it also cultivates a certain skill in a supportive waymilligan.edu. This nuance aligns with typical usage: “develop skills/knowledge” is a direct promise of skill-building, whereas “foster” highlights a nurturing approach.
Summary of lexical choice: In an academic-promotional sentence like Chuo University’s, “developing skills and knowledge” would be a more straightforward and widely used phrasing. “Fostering skills and knowledge” is not incorrect – it essentially means the same outcome (students gaining skills and knowledge) with a shade of nurture. However, “developing” may better meet the expectations of readers for this context, as it is a conventional way to describe curriculum outcomes. It also avoids any subtle ambiguity; develop clearly signals an active role in skill-building.
3．Google Gemini 2.5Proのdeep researchによるチェック結果
プロンプト文
下記の英語文章に関するコメントが適切かどうかを英語の専門家の視点からチェックしてください。なおその際には、文法的な正確さ、語彙の適切さ、および、WEBページにおける大学のカリキュラム紹介という観点からチェックしてください。
####英語文章
Chuo’s undergraduate law curriculum is focused on fostering skills and knowledge for graduate study at the Chuo Law School and for work or study in a broad range of professional fields.
####英語文章に関するコメント
「育成する」という意味では「develop」の方が自然です。「foster」は「奨励する/保護する」のニュアンスが強いため、学術的背景には不適切です。
fosterとdevelopのどちらの語彙がより適切なのかに関する回答のポイントは下記の通りであり、Google Geminiは、ChatGPT4.5とは異なり、developよりもfosterの方が適切であるとしている。
まず、専門的なコミュニケーションにおいて言葉のニュアンスに注意を払うというコメントの姿勢は、きわめて正当なものであると評価できる。言葉の選択一つが、組織の理念やメッセージの受け取られ方を大きく左右することは論を俟たない。
しかしながら、本報告書の結論を先に述べれば、このコメントは “foster” の語源的な核心を捉えている一方で、その現代的な用法、特に高等教育という専門的な文脈における役割を著しく誤解している。コメントが「不適切」と断じる “foster” の使用は、実際には高等教育機関の言説において広く認められた、洗練された表現であり、むしろ戦略的に採用されるべき語である。このことは、本報告書が提示する語彙的、文脈的、そしてコーパス言語学的な証拠によって明確に裏付けられる。
しかしながら、本報告書の結論を先に述べれば、このコメントは “foster” の語源的な核心を捉えている一方で、その現代的な用法、特に高等教育という専門的な文脈における役割を著しく誤解している。コメントが「不適切」と断じる “foster” の使用は、実際には高等教育機関の言説において広く認められた、洗練された表現であり、むしろ戦略的に採用されるべき語である。このことは、本報告書が提示する語彙的、文脈的、そしてコーパス言語学的な証拠によって明確に裏付けられる。
上記のように記載されている一方で、「スキルの構築」ということではdevelopの方が適切であるというように取れる記載もある。
- “Foster” は、「コミュニティ」「信頼」「共感」「知的好奇心」といった、測定が難しく、直接的に「作る」ことができない環境的な要素や内面的な資質と強く結びつく傾向がある。これらは、適切な環境と働きかけによって、時間をかけて「育まれる」ものである。
- “Develop” は、「スキル」「コンピテンシー」「戦略」「システム」「製品」といった、より具体的で、目標達成のために体系的に構築・獲得される能力や成果物と結びつくことが多い。
“foster” は機関の教育理念（ethos）や学習環境（environment）を伝え、”develop” は学生が獲得する具体的なスキル（skills）や成果（outcomes）を伝える傾向がある。
なお上記プロンプト文に対する回答全体は下記で見ることができる。
またdeep researchでは、回答に一定の時間が掛かるが、下記のように多数のWEBページを参照して回答が作成されている。
- FOSTER Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
- Nuance by Michael Fullan | Summary, Quotes, FAQ, Audio – SoBrief
- 9 reasons why mastering nuance can change your conversations – Global English Editing
- Foster – Etymology, Origin & Meaning
- What Is the CASEL Framework?
- Intermediate+ Word of the Day: foster
- FOSTER Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
- Foster – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms – Vocabulary.com
- AU Mission | American University, Washington, DC
- Discussions – Eberly Center – Carnegie Mellon University
- UNC Mission Statement Review 2022 BOG Approved
- Words Matter: A Content Analysis Study of Public and Private Higher Education Mission Statements in the Middle States Region
- Mission Statement | UOEEE – Arizona State University
- Mission Statements of Top Universities in 2024 – Ivy Coach
- Language-Rich Environment: Enhancing Children Language Skills
- Program Mission Statement: An In-depth Look Contents – University of Northern Colorado
- 7 Key Academic Skills and How to Improve Them – Purdue Global
- Learning to apply knowledge and skills to benefit others or serve the public good | IDEA
- Effective Ways to Teach English Collocations – EFLCafe.net
- develop verb – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
- Develop – Etymology, Origin & Meaning
- develop verb – Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
- develop – Wiktionary, the free dictionary
- DEVELOP | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
- Development – Etymology, Origin & Meaning
- JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTIC STUDIES – ERIC
- Nuance: Why Some Leaders Succeed and Others Fail – Michael Fullan
- Writing for Professional Development
- Transfer of Knowledge to New Contexts | Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning
- DEVELOP Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
- University of Wisconsin System Mission Statement – Universities of …
- Developing Lifelong Learners in the Middle Years of Schooling – ERIC
- (PDF) Literature review of students’ perceptions of generic competence development in problem-based learning in engineering education – ResearchGate
- Scientific Literacies for Change Making: Equipping the Young to Tackle Current Societal Challenges – Frontiers
- Deliverable 1.2 – Fedora
- English Teaching Forum supports the teaching of English around the – U.S. Embassy in Austria
- SECTION Academic Vocabulary
