[Learning from Professionals in the Field] Special Lectures by Instructors from Okayama Institute of Languages – Practical Guidance from Experienced Language Educators | NEWS & TOPICS

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[Learning from Professionals in the Field] Special Lectures by Instructors from Okayama Institute of Languages – Practical Guidance from Experienced Language Educators

[Learning from Professionals in the Field] Special Lectures by Instructors from Okayama Institute of Languages – Practical Guidance from Experienced Language Educators

2025.07.15 updateNews

[Learning from Professionals in the Field] Special Lectures by Instructors from Okayama Institute of Languages – Practical Guidance from Experienced Language Educators

On Thursday, July 3 and Thursday, July 10, special lectures were held in our university’s “Japanese Language Teaching Methodology I” course, featuring Ms. Nakashima and Ms. Sato, professional instructors from the Okayama Institute of Languages.

Located in Okayama City, the Okayama Institute of Languages is the largest Japanese language school in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, accredited by the Ministry of Justice, with students from over 25 countries. Recognized as one of only 41 institutions nationwide to be officially designated in the first round of approval for the new “Certified Japanese Language Education Institutions” system launched last year, the school is nationally acknowledged for its high-quality Japanese language education.

Hands-on Teaching Techniques from Experts in the Field
In Ms. Nakajima’s lecture, students learned about the essential skill of “Yasashii Japanese,” a communication technique especially important for teaching diverse learners from around the world. Through practical training, students discovered strategies such as avoiding difficult words (e.g., Sino-Japanese vocabulary, onomatopoeia, and honorific language - or keigo), using short and clear sentences, and maintaining a polite tone using “desu/masu” style to make Japanese more accessible to non-native speakers.

Ms. Sato’s lecture allowed students to experience firsthand how learners from non-kanji backgrounds approach kanji acquisition. Students had the opportunity to grade real kanji tests and essays written by learners of Japanese, reflecting on assessment criteria and what kind of learning outcomes teachers should support. This experience encouraged students to consider their own perspectives on teaching and learning.

Through these glimpses into real classroom practices, students deepened their understanding of what it means to be a Japanese language teacher.

Strong Support Toward Becoming a Registered Japanese Language Teacher
In their fourth year, OUS students have the opportunity to complete an internship at the Okayama Institute of Languages. This valuable experience goes beyond classroom teaching and includes lesson planning and learner support, enabling students to engage with the wide-ranging responsibilities of Japanese language teachers. By collaborating with professionals in the field, students gain practical skills and work toward obtaining the newly established national qualification of “Registered Japanese Language Teacher” introduced in 2024.

Our Japanese teacher training program combines both theoretical and practical approaches to foster professionals ready to contribute from day one. Through this hands-on learning, we nurture future-ready Japanese language teachers capable of thriving in a global society.

If you are a high school student interested in the promising and meaningful career of Japanese language teaching, we encourage you to join us in pursuing your dreams here at Okayama University of Science.

Okayama Institute of Language：https://www.okg-jp.com/index.html

[Learning from Professionals in the Field] Special Lectures by Instructors from Okayama Institute of Languages – Practical Guidance from Experienced Language Educators

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