CPD workshop for Japanese teachers

On Friday, 21st February, Erika Marcet (Head of Japanese Section, MLAL) and third-year students of the Bachelor of Education with Languages (Ben S., Leo O. and Jack L.) were invited to a continuing professional development (CPD) course in Dublin. The event was organised and funded by Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI). The CPD ran from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, and it included icebreaker activities, exchange of ideas and sharing of classroom practices, insights into contemporary Japan through language learning, self-reflection and networking opportunities. 

Reflecting on the morning session, Ben said: “I benefitted from being able to meet other experienced teachers and for them to be able to share their knowledge and teaching practices with me.” The afternoon session focused on a practical activity to deepen participants’ cultural knowledge of furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. This is what Jack had to say about this experience: “I was able to learn about more about furoshiki culture, which I had seen prior but had no knowledge about. I was also able to learn about general Japanese language tied into modern society and culture.” 

Ben, Jack, and Leo are part of the first cohort of students to study Japanese as part of the Bachelor of Education with Languages at UL. Joining the community of Japanese teachers in Ireland this early in their studies is an enriching experience for them. As Leo put it: “I very much enjoyed the CPD. It was great being able to interact with fellow teachers of Japanese and to share experiences and different methods of teaching the language and culture. I am very grateful to the Japanese Section at UL for opening doors and new opportunities.” In 2020, Ireland ranked first in Europe for the highest number of learners of Japanese per 100,000 people, and in 2023/2024, over 2,000 students were learning the Japanese language and culture in Senior Cycle. 

See @uljapanese for photos of the day