Efforts to Continue Japanese Language and Cultural Education in Times of Emergency : A Focus on Initiatives in Short-Term International Student Education during the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

研究論文This paper discusses the practical implementation and significance of Japanese language and cultural education for short-term international students at Osaka University’s Center for Japanese Language and Culture (CJLC), from the enactment of the Special Measures Law for the Response to the Novel Coronavirus on March 13, 2020, until May 2023 when COVID-19 transitioned to a Category 5 infectious disease. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CJLC implemented various practices in Japanese language and cultural education, including 1) streamlining placement tests and establishing an online course registration system for smoothly operating classes immediately after students’arrival in Japan; 2) conducting pre-departure orientation for advance studyabroad training; 3) establishing a framework for handling teaching materials with a focus on long-term perspectives through copyright arrangements for materials issued by CJLC; 4) building a framework for conducting research activities, presentations, and experiential training even during the pandemic; 5) acquiring expertise in planning and managing intensive courses and short-term study-abroad programs as emergency relief measures for credit unitization; and 6) enhancing understanding and support for international students within the university through relationship-building with other departments. The realization of these initiatives during the pandemic contributed to the qualitative improvement of education under normal circumstances, such as through efficient and effective pre-departure education, diversified options for research activities and experiential training, and reinforcement of support systems for the physical and mental well-being of international students. It also indicated that CJLC had gained the ability to build a new educational framework tailored to the post-COVID era, as well as to plan and operate special courses to make up for lost educational opportunities during emergencies