VOD Workshop for Japanese Language Teachers in Auckland, NZ

Workshop Contents for November 12, 2019 (Tue)

• Japanese proverbs in the classroom:
  A platform for intercultural comparison and reflection (60min)
  – by Kyoko Mikami, FLS

Proverbs are used in daily conversation amongst Japanese people. Understanding Japanese proverbs enables learners to more deeply understand Japanese people and their culture.  The study and use of proverbs is an effective platform for intercultural comparison and reflection and therefore promotes intercultural understanding and competence.  Traditional Japanese proverbs impart wisdom and life skills such as resilience, patience, aligning words with action.

In this workshop, we will discuss the meaning and cultural understandings behind the most commonly used Japanese proverbs.  We will also compare these proverbs with some well-known Māori whakataukii and proverbs in other languages.  Using these discussions we will workshop together how proverbs might be best integrated into our teaching of Japanese language and culture. This session will be delivered in simple Japanese.

• Developing Key Competencies in Language Classes Using Thinking Tools (90min)
  – by Mami Saito, JPF Sydney

In this session, participants will be introduced to examples of student activities using thinking tools to develop their key competencies.

In New Zealand, the focus on producing confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners is reflected in the curriculum at all levels of education. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop key competencies. The five key competencies for the Y1-13 curriculum are: thinking; using language, symbols, and text; managing self; relating to others; and participating and contributing. At the tertiary level, four key competencies are identified: thinking; using tools interactively; acting autonomously; and operating in social groups.

In this session, how the aforementioned key competencies can be cultivated in language classes is explored, with a focus on intercultural understanding and critical and creative thinking. It is important for students to learn to think for themselves, and Thinking Tools can be used to help encourage this. This session will provide an opportunity to try and use these tools for the ‘Processization of thinking’ and ‘Visualization of thinking’. Furthermore, examples of how teachers can put these tools into practice in their own classrooms will be discussed. This session will be delivered in simple Japanese.

Workshop Contents for November 14, 2019 (Thu)

• Classroom activities – What’s new in Japan? (60min)
  – by Mami Saito, JPF Sydney

In this session, participants will learn about some of the latest trends in Japan and discuss how they can be incorporated into classroom activities.

Learning a language is the key to understanding the culture behind it. In the New Zealand Curriculum, it is mentioned that “Languages are inseparably linked to the social and cultural contexts in which they are used. Languages and cultures play a key role in developing our personal, group, national, and human identities.” Many commercials being broadcasted in Japan reflect aspects of Japanese culture. In this session, we examine how commercials can be used as teaching resources, and how various concepts can be explored. It will be delivered in simple Japanese.

• Empower your teaching with ICT (90min)
  – by Mami Saito, JPF Sydney

In this session participants will explore online resources and apps for learning Japanese and how they can be used most effectively to enhance learning in the classroom. This session will focus on topics including the role of technology, the range and depth of activities derived from the SAMR model, and the advantages of using ICT. By using technology, some common problems can be solved. In this session, examples of classroom activities using Powerpoint will be showcased as well as online resources. Let’s explore how technology can be used effectively in language classes.

This session will be delivered in simple Japanese. Bring your own device.