JALT2025 - Tokyo

Developing Autonomy through Japanese Cultural Concepts

Oct 31, 2025, 4:35 PM

30m

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

Research-oriented Presentation (30-minutes) Learner Development Room 505

Speakers

Dr Hiroyo Nakagawa (Osaka Jogakuin University and College)Dr Tamara Swenson (Osaka Jogakuin University)

Description

This presentation discusses students’ development of autonomy through a content-based English class studying Japanese culture. Seven participants at a private women’s university completed pre- post-reflections about cultural concepts and autonomy. Two were interviewed. Data were examined for factors related to language learning, awareness of the concepts, and learner autonomy. The results suggest that providing students with clear steps for becoming independent leads to the development of autonomy and contributes to improving English skills.

Summary

This presentation discusses students’ development of autonomy through a content-based English class studying Japanese culture. Seven participants at a private women’s university completed pre- post-reflections about cultural concepts and autonomy. Two were interviewed. Data were examined for factors related to language learning, awareness of the concepts, and learner autonomy. The results suggest that providing students with clear steps for becoming independent leads to the development of autonomy and contributes to improving English skills.