Supporting English Language Teaching in Japan
Re-connecting with Tokyo teachers in workshops, webinars, and friendship.
30 October 2024 I The Queensland Institute
Fiona Wiebusch (centre) facilitates training in Tokyo.
Over the last 12 months, we have been thrilled to re-engage with our English Language Teaching colleagues in the Tokyo Metropolitan region, delivering professional development workshops, webinars, and reconnecting with alumni.
These interactions have strengthened both our commitment to empowering educators in Japan with practical, tailored solutions and deepened the personal connections that extend beyond the classroom.
Facilitating QI workshops in Tokyo, Nov 2023.
In-Person Workshop on Micro-Activities for the Classroom
In November 2023, The Queensland Institute led a hands-on workshop at Higashiyama Junior High School, focusing on micro-skills development in the English language classroom. Teachers engaged in practical, adaptable activities aimed at improving student engagement in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These strategies, designed to be easily implemented in any setting, were well-received by teachers balancing busy schedules and diverse teaching environments.
One participant shared:
“The micro-activities we learned are perfect for when I’m short on time. They’re easy to implement but still very effective at getting students involved.”
Another remarked:
“I feel more confident now to deliver engaging lessons even without much technology. The workshop helped me see how small changes can make a big difference.”
For Fiona Wiebusch, Co-Founder of The Queensland Institute, it was a joy to reconnect with colleagues in Tokyo:
"It was inspiring to see the dedication of these educators and to share practical ideas that make a real difference in their teaching."
We are especially grateful to Masataka Kondo and Yumi Yoshida for their warm hospitality and support in making this workshop a success.
Hosting online workshops in Dec, 2023.
Online Webinar on Learner Motivation in Language Classrooms
In December 2023, we continued our engagement with an online webinar at Tokyo Metropolitan Sakuradai High School. This session focused on learner motivation, blending low-tech and digital tools to create a flexible, engaging environment for students.
The teachers appreciated the balance of practical, small-scale activities and more tech-based solutions, with many finding the approaches immediately applicable.
One teacher commented:
“The webinar gave me new ideas for getting my students to participate more actively, whether we’re using devices or working with traditional methods.”
Another added:
“It gave me tools to help my students find their ‘reason’ for studying English, which is key to keeping them engaged in class.”
The positive feedback from these sessions has encouraged us to keep refining our professional development offerings, ensuring that they meet the practical needs of educators across diverse teaching environments. Special thanks to Principal Mochimaru and Lead Teacher, Kiyoe Terao.
Sato Furukawa visits Queensland, July 2024.
Reconnecting with Alumni and their family in Queensland
In July 2024, we were delighted to welcome Sato Furukawa and his wife, Akemi, back to Queensland. Sato, who now works at a Japanese Immersion school in Perth, Western Australia, returned to compete in the 42km Gold Coast Marathon, known as Australia's premier road race, held annually since 1979. He achieved his personal best time and enjoyed revisiting his ‘second home’ in Queensland.
QI Co-Founder, Fiona Wiebusch, was there to greet Sato and Akemi at the finish line before showing them around the beautiful Tallebudgera Creek district, making the visit even more memorable.
The Kondo family visit Australia, Oct 2024.
In October 2024, we had the joy of welcoming back alumni Masa and Yukari Kondo, along with their children, for a special visit to Queensland. Masa and Yukari, who first connected with us during a teacher training program at The University of Queensland’s ICTE in 2017, have remained close friends and collaborators ever since. Over the years, we’ve celebrated milestones together—attending their wedding in Tokyo, collaborating on webinars, and sharing professional successes.
Their recent visit was filled with special moments, from Masa’s incredible achievement of completing his first Australian Ironman to the joy of little Comari tasting watermelon for the first time. It was a beautiful reminder of the deep connections we’ve nurtured—both professional and personal.
Spending time with Masa, Yukari, and their family reminded us of the importance of relationships that extend beyond the classroom. Fiona reflected,
“These relationships are at the heart of what we do, and we are grateful for the continued friendship and shared experiences that make our work in education so meaningful.”
Looking Ahead: Empowering Educators in Japan
Our work with Tokyo Metropolitan educators has reinforced our commitment to driving innovation in English language education in Japan.
We look forward to building on these partnerships to empower global educators to teach with confidence and creativity—and to welcoming more alumni and their families to beautiful Queensland, Australia!
More magical moments in Tokyo and Australia:
Connect with us
To learn how we can help you to build customised professional development programs for your school district, connect with Philippa and Fiona via email. We’d love to hear from you!
