Advancing Teacher Research in Japan
Collaborating with QI Alumna Yukari Abe from Kyoto University
23 August 2024 I The Queensland Institute
Yukari Abe (top left) facilitates QI alumni webinar.
Are you passionate about developing critical thinking skills in your students? Curious about how professional development can transform your teaching?
At The Queensland Institute (QI), we are too. That’s why we value collaborations that go beyond the classroom, like our ongoing work with QI alumna and PhD candidate Yukari Abe from Kyoto University. Together, we’ve been exploring innovative approaches to professional development and Critical Thinking in English Language Teaching (ELT) in Japan.
As defined in the Australian School Curriculum, “Critical thinking involves students thinking broadly and deeply using skills and behaviors such as reason, logic, resourcefulness, imagination, and innovation across all learning areas, both in school and beyond.” (Learn more)
We’re proud to share insights from Yukari’s research in Japan and her experience in Australia over the last nine months with our QI community.
Connecting Queensland and Japan
Since completing her Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) at The University of Queensland in 2018, Yukari has been actively engaged in ELT research in Japan. Her PhD studies have brought her back to Australia twice, and we recently co-hosted an online webinar for QI alumni from Hong Kong, Kiribati, and Japan, all contributing to her ongoing research.
Collaborating in Professional Development
Yukari’s experience with us highlights the collaborative and enriching nature of our professional development initiatives. Reflecting on her time with QI, she shared:
"I loved collaborating with the QI team. Fiona and Philippa guided discussions on what makes ‘great’ professional development, particularly in professional learning design for workshops. I also gained valuable insights into critical thinking in English language teaching through interviews with QI trainers, Australian ELICOS teachers, co-hosting a webinar, and assisting in a workshop with Taiwanese teachers. Observing a training session with Vicki was particularly insightful."
Webinar for QI alumni in February, 2024.
A sample of Yukari's emerging CT framework.
Sharing Global Teaching Perspectives
These engagements not only deepened Yukari’s understanding of professional learning design but also broadened our perspectives on critical thinking in English Language Teaching (ELT).
The opportunity to interact with in-service teachers from various teaching contexts during the webinar was especially valuable for Yukari, expanding her research focus beyond Japan.
"Working with QI reinforced the idea we discussed together years ago—that ‘teaching is half learning.’ Preparing materials for the workshop deepened my understanding of Critical Thinking in ELT and what I wanted to convey (needing my own critical thinking!). The teachers I met offered valuable perspectives, and it was fascinating to compare insights from Australian and Japanese teachers."
Looking Ahead
Later this month, Yukari will travel to Taiwan for a conference to continue her research. We’re excited to see where her studies take her next and are confident that her work will significantly impact teacher education and many English students in Japan, who will benefit from these innovative approaches to developing critical thinking skills—enriching their learning experiences. QI’s support will be with her every step of the way!
Connect with Us
For more insights into our collaborative work, or to get in touch with Yukari, please connect with QI Co-Founders, Philippa and Fiona via email here. We’d love to hear from you.
