- Classes
- English Communication Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ Interactive English Ⅰ, Academic English Ⅰ, Introduction to Study Abroad
- Area of Study
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
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1
授業紹介
Introduction to Study Abroad
This elective class has proven to be a popular choice for freshmen, with nearly the entire first year intake signing up. I try to give students a chance to interact with as many other students as possible during the course. I think university life will be more enjoyable if from the very beginning, students make as many friends & acquaintances as possible. In class we practice self-introductions, how to start-up conversations with people we don’t know, and we discuss a great many tips on how to have an enjoyable homestay and study abroad experience. As an old-hand at living and studying abroad myself, I hope to impart students with some knowledge and confidence to approach their own study abroad journey.
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2
研究紹介
Research in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is fascinating and dynamic. It is a challenge to stay up-to-date with the constant development that is brought to the field, especially in the area of technology for language learning. As we make inroads into making lessons more effective and the use of learners’ time more efficient, we also need to continue to endeavor to make the classroom environment enjoyable and keep learner motivation high. Recently, in particular, I am interested in the use of games in teaching, task-based learning and curriculum development. I also have an interest in bilingualism in children.
Column
It is a fact that some students will graduate with a higher level of proficiency in English than others. What is it then that sets the higher achievers apart from their peers? What students need to do is be single-minded in their efforts to acquire a high level of English ability. They need to have daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals that they tirelessly work towards. Sure, there will be ups and downs, and some sacrifices will need to be made, but after four years you do want to look back and be able to say that you did your best. My key words would therefore be: being single-minded, setting goals, sacrifice, doing your best, and having no regrets.
I find myself having spent more than half my life in Japan now, so sometimes it seems odd to be encouraging students to go abroad and experience life in another country, when here I am continuing to choose Japan. Japan is a great country and I have always felt welcomed by her marvelous people. And yet, life is truly experience. Australians are a wonderful people too, and while I may think about the life I never led Down Under, I do believe my life has been the better for traveling and visiting other places. Humbly, I would recommend that students do like-wise; expand their knowledge, grow their circle of friends and influence, meet as many like-minded souls as possible, and see and experience the world.