Below is a selection of conferences, workshops, training programs, and webinars I have attended, presented at, or helped organize—all focused on teaching and professional development.
Duolingo Webinar & Learning Session
Date: May 9, 2025
Format: Synchronous Online (Total: 1.5 hours)
Organizer: Special Interest Group on AI & Technology, American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ)
Description:
Co-organized and participated in a live webinar featuring Anthony Chan, Japanese Learning Designer at Duolingo. The session offered a hands-on introduction to Duolingo’s latest features and instructional strategies. Participants explored how the app is used in both classroom and individual learning contexts, and engaged in a collaborative discussion on practical classroom applications and learner support strategies.
The 31st Princeton Japanese Pedagogy Forum
Date: May 3, 2025
Format: In-person
Location: Princeton University
Description:
Attended the 31st annual forum focused on Japanese language pedagogy. Delivered a presentation as a primary presenter.
Minobe, M. & Nomura, Y. (2025). Preliminary Virtual Exchange: An American University Japanese Language Program Partnering with a Japanese Elementary School, 31st Princeton Japanese Pedagogy Forum, Princeton University, Princeton, May 3, 2025.
Date: August 21, 2024
Format: Synchronous Online (Total: 1 hour)
Organizer: Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence, Utah State University
Description:
Engaged in a hands-on workshop exploring the use of AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, to support the development of clear and effective learning objectives. The session highlighted practical applications of generative AI in instructional design.
Date: August 14, 2024
Format: In-person
Location: Utah State University
Organizer: Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence, Utah State University
Description:
Attended the full conference.
Date: August 13, 2024
Format: Synchronous Online (Total: 1 hour)
Organizer: Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence, Utah State University
Description:
Attended a workshop centered on techniques to increase student motivation and engagement. The session emphasized evidence-based approaches to fostering intrinsic motivation and supporting student success.
Date: August 9, 2024
Format: Synchronous Online (Total: 1 hour)
Organizer: Center for Empowering Teaching Excellence, Utah State University
Description:
Participated in a professional development workshop focused on inclusive teaching practices. The session explored strategies for creating equitable learning environments and fostering a sense of belonging among diverse student populations.
International Conference on Japanese Language Education (ICJLE) 2024
Date: August 1–3, 2024
Format: In-person
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Description:
Attended the conference. Co-organized a workshop and delivered a presentation as a primary presenter.
Kawada, M., Kitade, K., Kamiyoshi, U., & Minobe, M. (2024). “日本語教師の専門性を支える社会関係資本の探求 [Exploring the Social Capital that Supports the Expertise of Japanese Language Teachers].” International Conference on Japanese Language Education (ICJLE) 2024, University of Wisconcin-Madison, Madison, August 2, 2024.
Minobe, M., Wei, M., Matsuo, A., Matsumoto, K., & Fukada, A. (2024). “Learn Japanese Onlineを利用したブレンディッドラーニング [Implementing a Blended Learning with Learn Japanse Online.]” International Conference on Japanese Language Education (ICJLE) 2024, University of Wisconcin-Madison, Madison, August 3, 2024.
Date: August 1, 2024
Format: In-person (Total: 3 hours)
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Event: International Conference on Japanese Language Education
Description:
Participated in a workshop led by Yo Azama Sensei focused on performance-based approaches to Japanese language education. The session emphasized the development of both practical teaching skills and humanistic qualities essential for effective language instruction.
Mid-Career Japanese Language Teacher Training Program
Date: July 2024 – January 2025
Format: Synchronous & Asynchronous Online (Total: 30 hours)
Organizer: The Association for Japanese Language Education (Japan)
Program Title:
日本語教育学会の人材、知財、ネットワークを活かした中堅日本語教師のための研修プログラム
Description:
Participated in a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan)–commissioned training program designed to strengthen the competencies of mid-career Japanese language teachers. The program focused on developing practical teaching strategies, reflective practices, and leadership skills aligned with national standards for professional growth.
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2023 Convention and World Languages Expo
Date: November 17–19, 2023
Format: In-person
Location: McCormick Place West
Description:
Attended the conference and delivered a presentation.
Minobe, M. (2023). “Experiences on a Remote Island in Japan: A Sociolinguistic Norm Perspective.” American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2023 Convention and World Languages Expo, Chicago, IL, USA, November 17, 2023.
International Conference on Computer Assisted Systems For Teaching & Learning Japanese 2023 (CASTEL/J 2023)
Date: August 10–11, 2023
Format: In-person
Location: Ho Chi Minh City University of Education
Description:
Attended the conference and delivered a presentation as a primary presenter.
Minobe, M., Miyata, S., Kadowaki, Y., Suzuki, S., Okumura, N., & Wei, M. (2023). “ブレンディッドラーニングを支援するオンライン教科書に統合された文法学習支援システム [Grammar Learning Support System Integrated with an Online Textbook for Effective Blended Learning.]” International Conference on Computer Assisted Systems For Teaching & Learning Japanese 2023 (CASTEL/J 2023), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, August 10, 2023.
American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ) 2023 Annual Spring Conference
Date: March 16, 2023
Format: In-person
Location: Hynes Convention Center, Boston
Description:
Attended the conference and delivered a presentation in a pedagogy panel on assessment.
Minobe, M. (2023). “上級日本語クラスでのセルフアセスメント導入の試み [Research on Self-assessment in Advanced Japanese Course].” American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ) 2023 Annual Spring Conference, Boston, MA, USA, March 16, 2023.
The 28th Princeton Japanese Pedagogy Forum
Date: April 30, 2022
Format: Synchronous & Asynchronous Online
Description:
Attended the conference and delivered a presentation.
Matsuo, A., Fukada, A., Wei, M., Minobe, M., & Naganuma, R. (2022). “オンライン初級教科書「オンラインで学ぶ日本語 Learn Japanese Online (LJO)」―使用の実際と学生の反応― [Online Elementary Textbook “Learn Japanese Online (LJO)”: Actual Use and Student Reactions].” 28th Princeton Japanese Pedagogy Forum, Online, April 30, 2022.
International Conference on Computer Assisted Systems For Teaching & Learning Japanese 2021 (CASTEL/J 2021)
Date: August 10-11, 2021
Format: Synchronous & Asynchronous Online
Description:
Attended the full conference. Delivered a poster presentation.
Fukada, A., Wei, M., Minobe, M., Naganuma, R., & Matsuo, A. (2021). “IT利用によるオンライン初級教科書『オンラインで学ぶ日本語 Learn Japanese Online (LJO)』の開発 [Development of Online Elementary Textbook “Learn Japanese Online (LJO)]” International Conference on Computer Assisted Systems For Teaching & Learning Japanese 2021 (CASTEL/J 2021), Online, Aug 10-11, 2021.
OPI and MOPI Assessment Workshops
Date: June 4 – June 30, 2021
Format: Synchronous & Asynchronous Online
Organizer: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
Description:
Engaged in a comprehensive training program focused on evaluating spoken language proficiency. The workshops covered key principles of proficiency-based assessment, including interview formats, rating criteria, and practical techniques. Participants gained hands-on experience by observing and conducting mock interviews across a range of ability levels.
The 27th Princeton Japanese Pedagogy Forum
Date: May 8, 2021
Format: Synchronous & Asynchronous Online
Description:
Attended the conference and delivered a pre-recorded presentation.
Minobe, M. (2021). “日本語学習者によるセルフアセスメントと評価基準作成の試み —日本語使用者としての肯定的なイメージの構築のために— [An Attempt to Incorporate Self-Assessment and Evaluation Criteria Development by Japanese Language Learners].” 27th Princeton Japanese Pedagogy Forum, Online, May 8, 2021.
The 28th Central Association of Teachers of Japanese Conference (CATJ 28)
Date: May 31, 2020
Format: Synchronous Online
Description:
Attended the conference and delivered a presentation.
Minobe, M. (2020). “卒業後の日本語学習を継続させるために ―日本語クラスで理想自己を構築する試み― [For Continuing Japanese Language Study after Graduation: An Attempt to Construct the Ideal Self in Japanese Language Class].” The 28th Central Association of Teachers of Japanese Conference (CATJ 28), Online, May 31, 2020.
The 25th Princeton Japanese Pedagogy Forum
Date: May 11-12, 2019
Format: In-person
Location: Princeton University
Description:
Attended the conference.
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2018 Convention and World Languages Expo
Date: November 16–18, 2018
Format: In-person
Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
Description:
Attended the conference.
New Jersey Association of Teachers of Japanese (NJATJ) 勉強会 (Study Group Session)
Date: July 17, 2018
Format: In-person
Location: Hosted at a member's home
Description:
Participated in an NJATJ study group, where I presented my classroom teaching practices. I focused on strategies for sustaining over 90% target language use during instruction and highlighted the importance of designing semantic units using a backward design approach.
The 24th Princeton Japanese Pedagogy Forum
Date: May 12-13, 2018
Format: In-person
Location: Princeton University
Description:
Attended the conference.
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2017 Convention and World Languages Expo
Date: November 17–19, 2017
Format: In-person
Location: Music City Center, Nashville
Description:
Attended the conference.
New Jersey Association of Teachers of Japanese (NJATJ) 勉強会 (Study Group Session)
Date: August 30, 2017
Format: In-person
Location: Hosted at a member's home
Description:
Participated in an NJATJ study group focused on sharing teaching practices and cultural exchange experiences. Discussions included using Japanese anime and dramas in the classroom, with teachers sharing their experiences, materials, and worksheets, as well as organizing student exchange programs and educational trips to Japan, including recommendations for travel agencies, accommodations, and events.