Why are you studying English? One of the foremost goals of English education worldwide has become global communication, which involves being able to communicate effectively and appropriately with different kinds of people in different kinds of situations. That requires more than just good English skills!

A lot of research has been done investigating what skills, attitudes or knowledge will help students become good global communicators, but most of the research has been done in Western countries and is based on Western cultural assumptions. However, there are many more people in the world who speak English as a second language than as a first, so adapting to Western communication norms is not always appropriate.

I am interested in understanding what students in Japan need most to help them to use their English language skills to communicate both effectively and appropriately in a global context. Recent research suggests that being able to think critically and express oneself in a contextually appropriate way are key. My research investigates pedagogies that foster those key skills, as well as other aspects of global competence (e.g., listening skills, being able to withhold judgement, understanding and appreciating diversity). I enjoy developing my own global communication skills together with students as we seek to learn together through discussions about themes such as culture, identity, diversity, prejudice and privilege. I look forward to learning together with you.