Education

This course is the second of a series in learning analytics. It is strongly encouraged that learners take EDU223 Learning Analytics to prepare for this course. This course helps learners solve real-world problems via a foundation in critical thinking and data analysis. Learners bring together their knowledge of learning systems and combine these with data analytics to better understand how learning and communication take place online, especially in online learning environments. 

This is a research course. It is designed for learners to acquire the skills necessary to apply analytic methods that focus on discourse in learning contexts. We pay special attention to mediated-learning environments and foster independent skills in both Japanese and English via algorithmic methods of counting and comparing data samples. 
 

The topics of this course surround the data collection process and a simple inferential mini-study. Topics include:
- An introduction to advanced CMDA (computer-mediated discourse analysis), including examples of effective studies using CMDA

- How to develop a study- data selection.
- Constructing a human interaction study and its methodological pitfalls.
- Learner presentations of individually analyzed data.
- Introduction to Behavior Analysis.
- Introduction to Critical Discourse Analysis.
- Selecting Behavior Analysis or Critical Discourse Analysis for in-depth exploration

This course examines the nature of mathematical concepts and thinking. Students will reflect on their experience as a learner in the process of sense making, reasoning and co-constructing knowledge in mathematics. By examining origins and development of mathematical ideas in historical-cultural context and individual minds, students will understand means and issues in supporting mathematics learning

This course is intended for students who wish to participate in short- or long-term study abroad. The course addresses how students can actively think about their own goals for study abroad and how to prepare for their experience, by examining trends from a micro- and macro-perspective as well as providing examples of international experiences. In addition, through participatory learning, students will deepen their own thoughts about life and cross-cultural adaptation associated with living, whether studying or working, in a foreign country. By the end of the course, students will consider their study abroad experience as part of their career development. The course features experts in overseas study and training as guests speakers. 

This course discusses the strategies and dynamics of incorporation of underlying educational strategies towards indigenous peoples within Mexico from the Aztecs to the present through an anthropological and sociological lens. Topics include: the role of education within indigenous communities; the cultural impact of educational campaigns by the Mexican State; the current status of intercultural and bilingual education. 

This course takes a critical and in-depth look at language teaching methodology in light of recent research findings in second language acquisition. Approaches and methods will be reviewed and focus will be placed on task-based language teaching (TBLT). Theoretical and pedagogical principles underlying TBLT will be discussed as background to the approach and students will explore means of implementing TBLT in their own classrooms. Finally, comparative studies examining the merits of TBLT versus other approaches and methods will be critically examined.

This is an independent research course with research arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific research topics vary each term and are described on a special project form for each student. A substantial paper is required. The number of units varies with the student’s project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student’s special study project form.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with opportunities to gain knowledge about the historical development of schooling and educational problems/difficulties in Japanese society as well as to consider the meanings and roles of education and schooling from different perspectives.  The main focus is on the primary and secondary education in Japan; however, students will also examine other countries’ education systems.  This course consists of a mixture of lectures, discussions, and presentations. Students are also expected to give classmates a broader perspective on education systems/efforts/issues that will be discussed in this course.

This course introduces learners to various socio-cultural issues and debates impacting schools, universities, and education systems in Asia-Pacific societies. Using case studies, the course aims to provide:

- Debate and discussion of the cultural and philosophical ideas that have shaped education in East Asia.
- An exploration of debates about the purposes of formal schooling, and the role of shadow education (cram schools/private tutoring) in various Asia-Pacific contexts.
- Consideration of how education is used as a political tool to shape national identities through moral, civic, and history curricula.
- An exploration of the tensions between nationalism, internationalization of education and globalization in Asia-Pacific contexts.
- Comparison of cultural approaches to early childhood education in Eastern and Western cultures.
- Observation of the developments in higher education in the region, including participation rates, rising research outputs, regional collaboration, and the possibilities for study abroad to contribute to peace and stability among East Asian countries.
- Consideration of issues of diversity and inclusion with regard to ethnic, gender and sexual minorities in Asia-Pacific contexts.

This course provides a unique combination of theory and practice. Based on the understanding of the need for global citizens to be competent in more than one language, the course presents the main language learning theories, as well as different approaches to the teaching and learning of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Students have the opportunity to apply this theoretical knowledge to their own experience of language learning. They undertake six hours of studying a new language of their choice, and are ask to reflect on and analyze this experience in their own language learning case study.

The course offers a study of contemporary theories and best practices of gender mainstreaming in education; cultural facets of socialization to gender roles and how they interact with the organization of school and with hidden curriculum, also in an intersectional perspective; and comparing projects and actions in gender mainstreaming in education, both inside and outside the classroom. The course examines topics including: sociological perspectives on sex, gender, and sexual orientation; major theories and empirical research on socialization to gender roles; fender mainstreaming in education; anti-gender campaigns across European countries; and best teaching practices on gender mainstreaming in education in an intersectional perspective.