MSU Hosts Visiting Professor from Toyama University

In January of this year, Murray State University became host to a visiting professor from Toyama University in Toyama, Japan. Kayoko Takegoshi won a 10-month fellowship from the Japan National Ministry of Education to do research at MSU in two areas: 1) the role intercultural communication theory plays in English as a Second Language (ESL) methodology and 2) strategies to improve communication skills in English. Takegoshi is researching these areas by observing classes in intercultural communication and in the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program at MSU. She also has observed language classes at Murray Middle School. Takegoshi feels her time at MSU has been very valuable.

Takegoshi also participates in a weekly research seminar with Tom Lough, associate professor in the Department of Adolescent, Career, and Special Education. “Dr. Lough has been a great help and has given me much advice,” commented Takegoshi.

In addition to her research, Takegoshi is working on a service project for Joe Baust, director of the Center for Environmental Education. Takegoshi is summarizing each activity in a Japanese activity card packet containing instructions for 38 environmental education activities. This will allow Baust to use them in creating similar activities for his students.

Takegoshi plans on taking back several new ideas when she returns to Japan in October. In addition to continuing her regular courses in American Literature and general English, she will make several changes to her Intercultural Communication course, such as increasing the number of group activities and group presentations, and perhaps connecting her class with MSU classes via ITV or web cam.