Introduction to teaching Japanese as a foreign language

Japanese-medium elective

This Japanese-medium course introduces principles and practices of teaching Japanese as a foreign language. It develops foundational knowledge in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, course design, and classroom methodology. Through lectures, discussions, and active participation, students learn to set clear instructional objectives, analyze key issues in language education, and evaluate current Japanese language teaching practices. Practical components include at least two hours of classroom observation, preparation of a detailed lesson plan, and a mock lesson with peer and instructor feedback. The course integrates digital and AI-supported tools for materials design, learner engagement, and lesson planning, with guidance on ethical and privacy-aware use. Students practice creating short lecture videos for flipped learning, using quick game-based quizzes, and refining classroom techniques. The course addresses gender, sexuality, and language diversity, and promotes inclusive teaching and reflective practice. Skills developed are transferable to other subjects and professional contexts, including communication, collaboration, project management, evaluation, and digital content creation. By the end of the course, students can explain key theories, assess methods critically, teach from self-prepared plans, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences in Japanese, strengthening readiness for careers in education and related fields.