I am an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Temple University Japan (TUJ). I teach courses on international business, environmental studies, and race & diversity.
I adopt the 'Flipped Classroom' and 'Minimally Invasive Education' methods in my classes. These self-learning methods allow my students to tailor my courses to their immediate and strategic needs. Under my guidance and consistent feedback, students design a self-directed learning environment that suits their learning pace and main interests.
I embrace Generative AI as a powerful learning-assistance tool. Some of the techniques I use to guide students in harnessing the possibilities, and mitigating the risks, of this disruptive technology are: reverse engineering and collective excitation based on tailor-made scaffolds as well as self-directed, experiential, and group learning.
I resort to various techniques to instill grit, growth mindset, and divergent thinking (1, 2, 3) in students. This cognitive toolbox helps them thrive under the novelties and pressures created by self-directed learning environments.
Students in my classes are also fundamentally challenged while being pushed to actively collaborate with classmates on meaningful projects and activities before and during class. They collectively build a community of practice based on the principle that the more they share, the more they learn and grow as members of a community that they nurture and that looks after them.
I classify and provide open individual feedback in every class to reward the students leading the collective effort and to signal to the cohort what the best practices and main lessons learned are.
Every student is treated as a professional. Students are held accountable for their actions and assume responsibilities in a mature manner especially when it comes to meeting expectations and deadlines.
Students are also trained to communicate effectively and appropriately while finding ways to be productive. They are expected to act ethically and respectfully at all times and be a team-oriented individual who possesses strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Students in my courses can expect to acquire the well sought-after and fun skills of digital storytelling through the introduction and application of various creative software, so they can become effective positive changemakers for their communities and increase the market value of their academic knowledge, creative process, and technical abilities.
Students also enjoy the opportunity to interact with scholars and professionals depicting proven and significant knowledge and skills. Students can expect to learn from and network with two to four guest speakers every semester.
Humans are at a critical juncture in their relationship with the environment. Many of the global changes occurring in the atmosphere, climate, and oceans can be attributed to human activity. While the standard of living has increased for many people across the globe, the technological advancements that have made this possible, and are part of the solution, endanger future generations because of their environmental impacts. Environmental toxins and air pollution are increasing, and fossil fuels and forests are being depleted at unsustainable rates. Now more than ever, the viability of human life depends on the scientific understanding of global environmental change, and on developing science-based policies to both protect the environment and promote human well-being in a just and sustainable manner.
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Carina Keskitalo, Professor at Umeå University
Nic Harty-Morris, Operations Manager at Everybody Eats
Kasumi Fujita, Council Member of Osaki Town
Mariane Uehara, Coordinator at 'Inana Innovators Program
Robin Lewis, Founder at mymizu
Kerri Chen, Senior Manager at Robert Walters
Jennie Dahlén, Slow Fashion
Dr. Micah Fisher, Research Fellow at the East-West Center
Dr. Andrea Urushima, Lecturer at Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University
Brandon Bodenstein, PhD Candidate at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Chikara Ushiki, Ashoka Japan
Katie Brill, Director of Partnerships and Communications at Junk Kouture
Mark Gonzaga, PhD Candidate at the University of Tokyo
Leo Liwag, Co-Founder and CEO of Hashi Media
Hon. Sujeet Kumar, Member of The Indian Parliament
Dr. Caitlin Wyndham, Researcher and Learning Leader at Blue Dragon Children's Foundation
James Pakele, Founding President of Dynamic Community Solutions
Dr. Ya'ara Rosner Manor, Architect and Urban Planner
Find below samples of multimedia submission for ENST 0842: Sustainable Environments
Kotaro
This video discusses the relationship between increasing female university attendance and the number of female leaders in Japan. It highlights significant regional disparities in female university enrollment, particularly the gap between Tokyo and other prefectures like Kagoshima and Iwate. The video emphasizes the need to address these educational disparities to achieve gender equality in Japan.
Key Takeaways
A correlation is posited between increased female university attendance and a rise in female leaders, leading to positive societal impact.
Significant regional disparities exist in Japan regarding female university enrollment; Tokyo shows much higher rates than Kagoshima and Iwate prefectures.
Overcoming regional educational gaps is crucial for achieving gender equality in Japan.
A shift away from a male-centered mindset is essential for addressing this issue.
The video questions whether Japan can achieve gender equality, suggesting a need for societal change.
Olivia Scheuer:
olivia.scheuer@temple.edu
This video is a short reflection by Olivia Scheuer on Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower. Scheuer discusses how the novel's depiction of a broken society resonated with her, highlighting issues of poverty, gender inequality, and the lack of justice. She connects the novel's themes to contemporary societal issues.
Key Takeaways
Dystopian Relevance: Scheuer found Butler's depiction of a broken society in Parable of the Sower alarmingly relevant to current social issues.
Gender Inequality: The book prompted Scheuer to reflect on the ongoing challenges women face, such as silencing and societal expectations.
Importance of Equality and Respect: Scheuer emphasizes the novel's message about the importance of embracing diversity and treating each other equally, regardless of background.
Call to Action: The book inspired Scheuer to consider the future and the necessity of taking immediate action.
Jasmine Mehta: jasmine.mehta@temple.edu
This video challenges the notion that population growth is the sole cause of environmental crises. It argues that systemic inequalities, poor resource management, and a lack of innovation play equally significant roles. The video promotes a shift in focus from solely addressing population numbers to embracing education, innovation, and sustainable practices.
Key Takeaways
Systemic inequalities and poor resource management are major contributors to environmental problems, often outweighing the impact of population size. The video uses examples of poverty, chaos, and pollution to illustrate this point.
Smart agricultural practices and urban planning can mitigate environmental challenges even in densely populated areas. The Green Revolution is cited as an example of successful innovation in agriculture.
Focusing on education and innovation empowers individuals to make informed choices about balancing growth and sustainability. The video suggests that informed choices, rather than population control, are key to a sustainable future.
Sustainable solutions require collaboration and innovation, not just population control. The video calls for collective action to build a sustainable future.
Tea Migita
This video discusses the environmental and health problems associated with disposable menstrual products (pads and tampons). It proposes DIY reusable menstrual pads as a solution to reduce waste, consumerism, and harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
Disposable menstrual products contribute significantly to waste and pollution, impacting landfills and even marine life.
These products often contain chemicals harmful to human health and the environment.
Creating reusable menstrual pads from old clothes is presented as a sustainable alternative.
DIY pads are suggested as a way to reduce waste, lower costs, and decrease the environmental impact of menstruation.
Making reusable pads can also help destigmatize menstruation.
Angeliah Barraza-Hernandez
This video summarizes key findings from the book "Violence Against Women During Coronavirus When Staying Home Isn't Safe" by Fitzner. It focuses on the increased domestic violence during lockdowns, highlighting the inadequacy of support systems and the significant economic impact of this issue.
Key Takeaways
Increased Domestic Violence During Lockdowns: The pandemic led to a surge in domestic violence, disproportionately affecting women, children, and marginalized communities. This is referred to as a "shadow pandemic."
Overwhelmed Support Systems: Support services were overwhelmed, struggling to adapt to remote work and address the increased demand. Systemic injustices and insufficient infrastructure led to delays in justice for survivors.
Significant Economic Impact: Violence against women has substantial economic consequences, costing some countries up to 3.7% of their GDP in 2019 alone – more than double what many governments spend on education.
Call to Action: The video emphasizes the urgent need for governments, communities, and individuals to improve support systems for victims of domestic violence, ensuring they are effective and accessible.
Home is Not Always Safe: The video serves as a reminder that home is not always a safe haven, particularly for victims of domestic violence. Continued awareness and support for those at risk are crucial even after the pandemic.
Lilian Ozawa
This short video discusses the environmental and social impact of fast fashion and proposes slow fashion as a solution. It highlights the problems of resource waste, human rights violations, and rampant consumerism within the fashion industry and suggests alternatives like supporting local manufacturers, extending the life of clothing, and sharing clothes.
Key Takeaways
Fast fashion's negative impacts: The video points out the significant negative environmental and social consequences of fast fashion, including resource depletion, human rights abuses, and unsustainable consumerism.
Slow fashion as a solution: Slow fashion is presented as a key approach to mitigating these negative impacts.
Practical strategies for slow fashion: The video suggests several practical ways to embrace slow fashion, such as repairing clothes, renting accessories, and sharing clothing.
The influence of marketing: The video acknowledges the challenges of changing consumer behavior due to the powerful influence of marketing on consumers.
The call to action: The video encourages viewers to understand the issues related to unsustainable fashion practices and to adopt more sustainable strategies.
This short video critiques Greta Thunberg's approach to climate change, arguing that while her points are valid, she oversimplifies the issue by presenting it as a purely black-and-white matter. The video emphasizes the need to consider trade-offs, equity among different nations, and the media's role in raising awareness.
Key Takeaways
Oversimplification: Greta Thunberg's approach lacks nuance, failing to acknowledge the complexities and trade-offs inherent in climate action.
Equity: Climate action must consider the varying capabilities and circumstances of different countries (e.g., Sweden vs. Niger).
Media's Role: While the media is vital for raising awareness, it's not sufficient to address the complexities of climate change.
Complexity: Climate change is a multifaceted issue that transcends simple "black and white" solutions. Immediate action is crucial.
Nadine Salem
This video presents a sustainability proposal addressing the issue of animal confinement at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan. The speaker, a sustainability consultant, proposes relocating the zoo to Yamanashi prefecture to provide animals with more spacious and appropriate living environments.
Key Takeaways
Animal Welfare Concerns: Ueno Zoo's confined spaces negatively impact animal health, leading to aggression, self-harm, and abnormal behavior, shortening lifespans.
Proposed Solution: Relocation: Relocating the zoo to Yamanashi prefecture is suggested. This location offers ample space due to numerous vacant houses ("akas").
Yamanashi Prefecture Advantages: Yamanashi is only 1.5 hours from Tokyo, maintaining accessibility, and possesses many vacant houses, making land acquisition cost-effective.
Sustainability Focus: The proposal emphasizes protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Improved Animal Habitats: Relocation allows for creating more spacious and suitable environments for the animals.
This course is designed to teach students how to think about race and diversity through the lens of three social problems in schools. Social problems are part of modern society. They represent a gap between what we would like society to be like and the lived reality for individuals in the society. Race and diversity are implicated in the framing of these three issues as social problems and in devising solutions that move us towards a more equitable society. Devising solutions to social problems and participating in their implementation is an important role for citizens in a democracy. In order to do so we need to understand the role of race and diversity in modern American society and in our own lived experience. This General Education course will examine three pressing social problems in American society that play out in our schools--segregation and racial isolation in schools, school violence, and dropout. Questions that will guide our exploration of these social problems include: Can schools "solve" social problems? How do schools and teachers participate in the social construction of race? How does a student's race influence his or her experiences in American schools? Note: A student may not take both Kids in Crisis to fulfill the Race and Diversity requirement AND Kids, Community and Controversy to fulfill the Human Behavior requirement.
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Kanako Uzawa, Ainu Scholar & Associated Researcher at the University of Oslo
Rachel Davidson, the Ivy Academy
Dr. Heena Akbar, Pacific Fijian academic and researcher at the University of Queensland
Dr. He Xinqi, Assistant Professor at Rikkyo University
Dr. Kunisuke Hirano, Assistant Professor at Keio University
Dr. Teng Siao See, Assistant Dean and Research Scientist at NTU
Dr. Heidi Layne, Senior Lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä
Dr. Nina Burridge, Honorary Associate Professor at University of Technology, Sydney
Dr. Jonathan Okamura, Professor at University of Hawaii at Manoa
Dr. Jing Xu, Director of Admission and Strategic Enrollment at Keys School
Dr. Madoka Hammine, Assistant Professor at the University of Denver
Dr. Yuuka Wickstrum, Associate Professor at Mukogawa Women's University
Find below samples of multimedia submission for EDUC 0823: Kids in Crisis
Anju Wagner
This short video introduces the concept of implicit bias, explaining how it's shaped by various life experiences and influences our perceptions and behaviors. The speaker also touches upon systemic racism and its role in societal hierarchies and marginalization. The video concludes by prompting viewers to reflect on their own biases.
Key Takeaways
Implicit bias is formed throughout life: Our upbringing, experiences, culture, media, and conversations shape how we perceive the world.
Implicit bias impacts decisions and relationships: It influences how we behave and interact with others.
Systemic racism is deeply rooted: It marginalizes minority groups and creates societal hierarchies.
Stereotypes reflect implicit bias: Examples given include stereotypes about Asians, white people, and Black people. These stereotypes are not inherently true but are reinforced by confirmation bias.
Everyone possesses implicit bias: Acknowledging this is the first step toward addressing it.
Emma McGrath:
This video explains the difference between racism and systemic racism. The speaker, Emma McGrath, argues that systemic racism is not merely individual prejudice but is embedded within institutions and systems of power, creating inequalities for minority groups.
Key Takeaways
Systemic racism is not just individual prejudice: It's ingrained in institutions and power structures.
Systemic racism affects minority students disproportionately: They face challenges such as underfunded schools, harsher discipline, and implicit bias from teachers.
Even with equal laws, systemic racism persists: Inequalities remain due to power structures shaped by historical oppression and stereotypes.
The video encourages self-reflection: Viewers are prompted to consider their role in perpetuating or challenging systemic racism.
Bria Smith: @inkpond_1229; LinkedIn)
This short video features Bria reflecting on a semester's learning, emphasizing the importance of participating in conversations about race and diversity, particularly those involving issues beyond the United States. Bria highlights the limitations of her previous, primarily US-centric, and African-American focused perspective on these issues.
Key Takeaways
Broadening Perspectives: Bria recognizes the need to engage in discussions about race and diversity that extend beyond her previous, largely US-focused, and African-American-centered experiences.
Global Context of Anti-Blackness: She observes instances of anti-blackness and whiteness in various cultural contexts, highlighting the global nature of these issues.
Empathy and Shared Struggle: Bria stresses the importance of empathy and understanding that these are not solely "black issues" but global concerns.
Stepping Outside of Self: Bria emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the ability to step outside one's own perspective to understand the experiences of others.
This video discusses the persistent issue of racism throughout history, highlighting the limitations of past efforts towards racial integration and the challenges in openly addressing racism. It emphasizes the need for understanding different racial groups before making judgments based on skin color.
Key Takeaways
Despite historical efforts like the Civil Rights Movement, achieving racial equality remains incomplete.
Many white people struggle to discuss racism, often reacting defensively or silently.
The video advocates for learning about diverse racial groups (e.g., Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians, Rohingya) before judging based on appearance.
The video implicitly criticizes superficial judgments based on skin color.
Ekaterina: @katyahulayev; LinkedIn)
This video discusses racial profiling in American schools, highlighting the disproportionate disciplinary actions against Black students compared to their white counterparts. It uses statistics to illustrate this disparity and cites examples of unfair treatment. The video concludes with a call for change to create safer school environments for all students.
Key Takeaways
Black students are disproportionately suspended and expelled from schools compared to their representation in the student population.
The video presents statistics indicating Black students make up a smaller percentage of the student body than their percentage in suspensions and expulsions.
White students' representation in disciplinary actions is proportionally lower compared to their population in schools.
The video cites examples of Black students facing harsher punishments for minor infractions than white students.
The video advocates for school reform to address systemic racism and create safer learning environments for all students.
Jun Ito
This video discusses the Zainichi Korean population in Japan, a minority group largely overlooked despite numbering around 400,000. It challenges the perception of Japan as a homogenous nation by highlighting the history and current situation of this community.
Key Takeaways
Between 1910 and 1945, over 700,000 Koreans were brought to Japan to work, often in difficult conditions.
Many Zainichi Koreans were forced to fight for Imperial Japan during World War II.
Zainichi Koreans face discrimination and lack full political rights in Japan. They cannot vote until they relinquish their special permanent resident status.
Many Zainichi Koreans are giving up their Zainichi status to gain Japanese citizenship due to ongoing discrimination.
Managing your finances is an important and needed skill in society today. This course explores the areas needed to manage household and personal finances. This non-technical course will prepare students to make more informed decisions in a complicated financial world, enabling them to reach their financial goals. Some of the topics explored will include but are not limited to: creating and managing budgets, taxes, savings, estate planning, retirement goals, major purchases, risk management and insurance planning, credit cards, loans, investments, and interest rates.
Guest Speakers:
Jeffrey J. Ling, Certified Financial Advisor at Sagient
Hisashi Shidooka, Chief Investment Officer at Epic Partners
Jasmine Smith, Co-Founder at Marlo Studios
Ben Shearon, Founder at Retire Japan
Alex Shapiro, Co-Founder at Blackship Realty
David Otani, Founder at Otani & Partners
Vijoy Chattergy, Founder at VMLH, LLC
Find below samples of multimedia submission for RMI 2501: Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning
by @twinxszs
This short video is a book review of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," focusing on its practical advice for managing personal finances. The speaker, a Temple University Japan student, highlights the book's key lessons on setting financial goals, managing savings and debt, and avoiding behavioral biases in financial decision-making.
Key Takeaways
The book emphasizes understanding one's financial situation and setting smart goals.
It provides practical steps for setting specific financial targets and regularly reviewing financial statements.
The book covers managing cash, savings, credit, and debt effectively.
It highlights the importance of maintaining a good credit score and building a healthy credit profile.
The book addresses psychological aspects of financial decision-making, such as avoiding biases like overconfidence.
Hiroto Kusano
This video summarizes key takeaways from a book ("Getting Richer by Robot" by Kosaki) concerning investment strategies. The speaker discusses contrasting viewpoints on investment approaches, specifically regarding S&P 500 investment and diversification.
Key Takeaways
S&P 500 Investment: Kosaki advocates for investing in the S&P 500, citing its historical growth over 90 years and superior performance compared to average hedge fund managers. The low management cost is also highlighted as a benefit.
Diversification Debate: Kosaki argues against diversification, referencing Warren Buffett's approach. However, the speaker cautions that this advice is geared towards experienced investors; less experienced investors should prioritize diversification as a conservative strategy.
Contrasting Viewpoints: The video notes an apparent contradiction in Kosaki's arguments: while advocating against diversification, Kosaki also highlights the S&P 500's inherent diversification as a benefit.
Independent Decision-Making: The video emphasizes the importance of considering various perspectives but ultimately making independent, strategic investment decisions based on one's own risk tolerance and knowledge.
Keisha Ishino
This video is a short advertisement or book review for "Clever Girl Finance," a personal finance book aimed at women. It highlights the book's approach to investing, contrasting it with traditional, potentially confusing investment books written by men. The video emphasizes the book's empowering message for women seeking financial independence and generational wealth.
Key Takeaways
The video promotes "Clever Girl Finance" as an accessible alternative to complex investment books.
It focuses on the book's value for women seeking financial empowerment.
The reviewer learned valuable investing lessons from the book, including avoiding emotional investing, understanding the rule of 72 and compounding interest, and the importance of building lasting wealth.
The video stresses the particular relevance of investing for women to build enduring wealth.
If you wish to be a guest speaker in one of the courses above, feel free to drop me a message (muehara@temple.edu).