Teaching Highlights

I do my best to introduce topics to students that they probably would not talk about outside the classroom. In June 2025, I introduced two such topics in class.

The first was about understanding emotional vocabulary. I have learned firsthand the kind of difference emotional vocabulary can make in self-awareness, and I believe everyone should have some understanding of this. I gave my students a list of emotional words and asked them to divide them into six categories—namely, happy, sad, angry, scared, calm, and confused. I guided them as some of the words were placed in an inner circle and some in an outer circle. Following the lesson, many students, in their reflection papers, expressed that they had not been aware of such a range of emotions and how this knowledge would help them in life.

The second lesson aimed to bring conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues into an open and safe environment. I asked the students to discuss their thoughts and feelings about pride. This was followed by an article reading about the origin of Pride Month and how viewpoints toward pride have changed over the years. They were then asked to anonymously write questions for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I forwarded these questions to two of my friends who identify as gay and bisexual, compiled their answers, and the students spent the next lesson going through these responses and discussing their thoughts about them.

I worked at Toyo University as an adjunct professor for one semester (Spring, 2024), where I was in charge of a Global Education course titled International Health and Sports. The aim of this course was to broaden students' global perspectives by providing information on various countries and their national cultures. As part of the course, I needed to arrange a fieldwork experience that would enhance their global outlook.

I decided to visit the Sano International Cricket Ground. I coordinated with members of the Japan Cricket Association, who helped me schedule a suitable date for the students to watch a cricket match, learn about the sport, and try playing it themselves. We arrived at the field at 10:45 am on May 12th, 2024, to watch a match between Japan and Mongolia in the International League. The mayor of Sano City was also visiting that day and was thrilled to see so many students on the ground.

Cricket is not as popular in Japan as in other countries, but the Japan Cricket Association is doing an excellent job promoting the game. For most of the students, it was their first time watching or playing cricket. The staff was very enthusiastic about our visit. After the match, students were divided into four teams and played a mini-game themselves. The staff helped with explaining the basic rules of cricket and coaching the students. It was incredibly rewarding to see the students enjoy an event I organized from start to finish. Some stayed back to play even after being told they could leave, and one student expressed his ambition to play for the team someday. That’s all I needed to hear.