Asahi Press and Obunsha to Host a 3-Part Seminar for High School English Teachers on AI/ICT, Foundational Skills, and Listening/Speaking

In recent years, AI technology has seen remarkable innovation, leading to its integration into various classroom scenes as part of ICT utilization. While the use of new technologies in lessons is increasingly required, there are also more opportunities to fundamentally reconsider foreign language education.

This seminar will spotlight the field of English, where teachers are expected to take a leading role during this period of transformation. We aim to introduce teaching methods from various perspectives and provide a venue for high school teachers to share information, knowledge, and skills.

Please join us for any of the three sessions based on your interests and take home hints for resolving future challenges in your teaching and guidance.

**Session 1: Handing Over the Fun of Language**

**How to Convey "I Love It" - Airplanes, Clicks, and Foreign Languages**

*Dr. Ryunosuke Kuroda (Distinguished Professor, Kanda University of International Studies)*

To a greater or lesser extent, teachers choose their path because they are fascinated by their subject. I feel this tendency is particularly strong in foreign languages. They are eager to convey not just vocabulary and grammar, but also the fun of language, the culture and history of the regions where it is spoken, and many other things. However, too much enthusiasm can make the other person withdraw, which is counterproductive. The way you convey it needs to be creative. So, what should be done? In this lecture, I will focus on the stories of three of my students who "love" language and consider how to convey that love.

**A Class that Delivers "Love" - How to Convey It in High School English**

*Speaker: Dr. Ryunosuke Kuroda (Distinguished Professor, Kanda University of International Studies)* *Interviewer: Mr. Yasumoto Otake (Kanagawa Prefectural Tama High School)*

In the second half of the lecture, Mr. Yasumoto Otake, a former student of Dr. Kuroda who is now an active high school English teacher, will join as an interviewer. He will delve into the topic, incorporating his practical experience in the high school setting.

**Speaker Introductions**

©Taka-kazu Sakurai

*Dr. Ryunosuke Kuroda (Distinguished Professor, Kanda University of International Studies)* Born in 1964. Graduated from Sophia University, Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of Russian. Completed his graduate studies at the University of Tokyo, specializing in Slavic linguistics. He has held positions such as associate professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology and Meiji University, teaching Russian, English, and linguistics. Currently a distinguished professor at Kanda University of International Studies.

His publications include "Passport Elementary Czech Dictionary" (co-editor), "The Amusement Park of Foreign Languages," "Re-introduction to Letters Sleeping on Parchment," and many others across various publishers like Hakusuisha, Sanshusha, Daigakushorin, Kodansha, Chikuma Shobo, Kadokawa, and Chuokoron-Shinsha.

*Mr. Yasumoto Otake (Kanagawa Prefectural Tama High School)* Awarded the Kanagawa Prefecture Excellent Teaching Practice Award (Division 2) in fiscal 2011. A Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) commissioned English Education Promotion Leader. His books include "The Basics of English Grammar to Answer Your Child's Questions" (ALC), "APPLAUSE English LOGIC AND EXPRESSION I-III" (Kairyudo), and co-author of "CNN Workbook Extended Course" & "CNN Workbook Intensive Course" (Asahi Press).

**Session 2: Guidance for Cultivating Foundational English Skills**

**Fostering a Mindset and Learning Guidance to Build a Solid "Foundational Stamina" in English**

*Mr. Hiroki Yamamoto (Kawaijuku)*

**Classroom Design to "Visualize" Grammar: Encouraging Student Understanding and Active Participation with PPT and Illustrations - Making Grammar Come Alive! Easy and Fun Visualization Tips**

*Mr. Koji Maruta (Aichi Shukutoku Junior and Senior High School)*

**Speaker Introductions**

*Mr. Hiroki Yamamoto (Kawaijuku)* Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Letters, Department of English (specializing in English phonetics and phonology). An English instructor at Kawaijuku, he is in charge of a wide range of classes for current and post-graduate students, and also participates in textbook creation projects and video lectures.

*Mr. Koji Maruta (Aichi Shukutoku Junior and Senior High School)* From Yamaguchi Prefecture. After graduating from Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, he worked at a cram school while completing his master's and doctoral degrees at Nagoya University Graduate School (specializing in linguistics). He then worked as a part-time lecturer at Nagoya University, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, and Aichi Institute of Technology.