TIINA MATIKAINEN (TAMAGAWA UNIVERSITY )

RESHAPING JAPANESE HIGHER EDUCATION: NON-NATIVE ENGLISH-SPEAKING INSTRUCTORS AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF TRANS-SPEAKERISM : TEACHER EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This presentation discusses a study investigating the nuanced landscape of professional teacher identities and agency, focusing on five non-native, non-Japanese English-speaking educators in Japanese higher education. Utilizing a multi-case study methodology within a post-structuralist framework, the study delves into the narratives of these instructors through individual and group interviews. A central inquiry of the study is the active promotion of trans-speakerism by these educators within their classroom and institutional contexts. Examining their pedagogical methods, communication strategies, and collaborative initiatives reveals their efforts to cultivate a more inclusive and diverse linguistic atmosphere. The study probes into how these educators derive meaning from their experiences, including interactions with students, colleagues, and administrators. It explores the intricate interplay of their professional, cultural, and personal identities, shedding light on the dynamic process of identity negotiation in English language instruction within Japan's higher education sector. Ultimately, this research enhances understanding of how non-native English-speaking educators navigate and reshape the educational landscape, offering valuable insights for language education and teacher development.

Tiina Matikainen, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor at Tamagawa University. She has been teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Japan for over 20 years. Her research interests include L2 lexicon, academic English language programs, teacher agency, and teacher development.