From August 26 to September 6, 2024, seven students from the Faculty of Education participated in a Japanese language teaching practicum at the Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology (TNI) in Bangkok. This practicum provided OUS students an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in an educational setting and contribute to cultural exchange between Japan and Thailand.
Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology aims to model itself after Japanese manufacturing institutes; all students must study Japanese. During this practicum, OUS students could conduct classes in various courses, including the Faculty of Global Communication's Japanese Language Program, Business Japanese Course, and International Program.
 

Week 1: Classroom Observation and Senryu Creation

During the first week, OUS students observed several Japanese language classes. They had the chance to watch classes taught by Japanese instructors and Japanese grammar classes taught by Thai instructors. Witnessing Japanese being taught with Thai as the language of instruction, something they cannot easily observe in Japan was a valuable learning experience for OUS students.
In addition, OUS students conducted a "senryu" (a form of Japanese poetry) class for around 100 students at the beginner level. They explained the rhythm of Japanese syllables and the 5-7-5 pattern of senryu, using hand claps to help the students feel the rhythm. Afterward, the students were divided into groups and created senryu poems on themes related to Thailand and TNI.
 

Week 2: Cultural Experience Classes and Teaching Practicum

In the second week, the practicum included cultural experience classes and individual teaching practice for the OUS students. In the cultural experience class, OUS students introduced elements of Japanese culture, such as Okayama’s famous "kibidango" (a confection made from mochi and other ingredients) and the "Uraja" dance, to 60 Thai students. After an introduction to Okayama Prefecture, they performed the story of "Momotaro," the participants had a chance to make kibidango in groups. The session ended with everyone joining in to dance the Uraja, immersing themselves in Japanese culture.
In the teaching practicum, TNI students who usually receive grammar instruction in Thai actively participated in lessons conducted in Japanese alongside OUS students, showing a positive attitude toward learning together.
 

Growth and Learning Through the Practicum

On the final day of the practicum, Dr. Wanwimon, the Dean of the Faculty of Global Communication, awarded OUS students certificates and commemorative gifts. Over these two weeks, OUS students not only gained exposure to the Thai language and culture but also experienced the challenges and rewards of conveying their own language and culture to others.
To be a Japanese language teacher, it is essential not only to have knowledge and skills related to the language and teaching methods but also to sincerely understand learners from diverse backgrounds. This practicum at the Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology provided OUS students not only with an opportunity to learn how to teach Japanese but also with the valuable experience of being a linguistic and cultural minority themselves. It was an important step in developing a deeper understanding of the diverse learners of Japanese.