Course improvement grant spotlight: “Incorporating Japanese cultural experiences for Japanese language course”

Posted by Cynthia Brame on Thursday, November 4, 2021 in Commentary, Grants, News.

Asami Nakano, Lecturer in Asian Studies, talked with CFT assistant director Julaine Fowlin about her Course Improvement Grant, “Incorporating Japanese cultural experiences for Japanese language course.” Asami believes that authentic language learning involves integration of cultural experiences. In the video interview, she shares that in Tennessee there are not many opportunities for authentic Japanese cultural experiences, and she will be using the grant for a Tea ceremony. As the famous Japanese saying says “to experience something one time makes more sense than listening 400 times.” Asami encourages others to just apply for the internal teaching grant opportunities if they have an idea to improve their teaching or student experience. She found the grant application process to be very straight forward. Asami values inclusion and a sense of belonging. Her teaching philosophy is to create a safe and kind environment for students to learn and work together, she believes, students learn from the experience, and learn from each other, so her job is to help them to learn, guide them, and learn with them as well.