Japanese Language-Lab Instructor, University of North Texas

For three academic years I built and ran weekly language-lab sessions that expanded the core curriculum—writing fresh lesson plans, designing task-based games, and leading interactive drills that turned grammar, kanji, and conversation practice into hands-on challenges. Students rotated through karuta character races, skit rehearsals, and digital quizzes I authored in Google Forms, while I provided on-the-spot pronunciation coaching and detailed handwriting feedback that lifted class performance and confidence.

Emergency Substitute Role

Covered five separate course sections for one month while the main professor was on leave. Sat in on parallel classes to match pace and content, prepared quizzes, kept gradebooks current, and earned comments such as “Wish you could teach us the rest of the term!” from students on the last day.

Interactive Language Lab

Ran weekly labs that mixed conversation games, short role-plays, kanji drills, and hiragana/katakana karuta activities—reinforcing class material and encouraging spontaneous language use.

Skit-Based Learning

Introduced an annual skit project: students wrote, memorised, and performed original dialogues—boosting speaking confidence and solidifying grammar through creative repetition and memorisation.

Grading & Handwriting Checks

Evaluated homework and tests for 100+ students. Created answer keys from scratch, then provided individual feedback on stroke order, character formation, and overall accuracy to improve handwriting and comprehension.

Culture Spotlights

Arrived early each class to screen short videos on topics like traditional music, Japanese stationery, and regional railways, followed by informal Q&A sessions that widened cultural awareness.

Tech Literacy & Student Support

Helped students install Japanese IME keyboards, troubleshoot Google Docs for kana/kanji input, and guided basic tech-literacy tasks. Also wrote recommendation letters for applicants to Japan study-abroad programmes.