In this post, we highlight the award-winning achievement of Oxford EMI course participant Professor Takashi Nozu of Waseda University, Japan.

In the world of English Medium Instruction (EMI), we naturally focus on how to transition from teaching in a first language (L1) to teaching in English. However, one of the markers of a successful pedagogical framework is its transferability. The question is, can the student-centered, evidence-based strategies explored on Oxford EMI training courses enhance teaching quality, no matter the language of instruction?

Following recent news from a past Oxford EMI course participant, we believe the answer is a resounding “yes”.

The Oxford EMI course at Waseda University

Waseda University first hosted an Oxford EMI face-to-face training course in 2023. Among that cohort of dedicated EMI lecturers was Professor Takashi Nozu from the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

During the course, he, along with all course participants, focussed on the key pedagogy that helps support a more interactive EMI classroom, as well as management techniques to deal with the complexities of EMI classroom dynamics.

While the programme is designed to support lecturers teaching their subjects through English, Professor Nozu realised the core tenets of principled pedagogical intervention are universal. In other words, as many other course participants from around the world have agreed, the teaching practices explored on the Oxford EMI  course can work successfully, whatever the language of instruction. A case in point, Professor Nozu recently received the prestigious Waseda University President’s Teaching Award (in Japanese) for his course on Environmental Coexistence and Regional Social Systems Theory, taught through Japanese Medium Instruction (JMI).

A turning point in pedagogy

Professor Nozu attributes a shift in his approach to course design and classroom delivery to his participation on the Oxford EMI course. Delivered in partnership with the Waseda University Research Centre, this acted as a catalyst for rethinking how students engage with complex material.

By implementing specific techniques mastered during the training course, Professor Nozu successfully transformed the classroom dynamics, guiding the students to move from a passive listening role to a more active, critical, and verbal one. Instead of merely consuming information, his students began to challenge ideas and share their own perspectives.

Reflecting on this professional evolution in an email to the Oxford EMI team, Professor Nozu highlighted how the programme’s influence transcends language barriers:

“Even though the class I taught was in Japanese, the ideas and skills I gained from the Oxford EMI program really helped me improve my teaching. I really appreciate your support throughout the program.”

Professor Takashi Nozu

Award-winning practices

As explained in more detail on the Center for Higher Education Studies blog (in Japanese), Professor Nozu moved away from the traditional “chalk and talk” style lecture and towards a more student-centred, interactive approach. The course he created and delivered allowed for:

• More think-time: Giving students more time to think about their answers before sharing thoughts with peers or the class.
• Greater inclusivity: Ensuring all students, regardless of their initial confidence levels, had a platform to contribute.
• Enhanced dialogue with students: Gathering anonymous student feedback on classes throughout the course in order to improve in future.

The success of this course demonstrates that effective instructional strategies, such as scaffolding, interactive lecturing, and student-centered engagement, are universal, regardless of the language of instruction.

Congratulations

The whole Oxford EMI team congratulates Professor Nozu on his well-deserved award. His success underscores a vital philosophy at Oxford EMI – good teaching is global. Whether the medium is English, Japanese, or any other language, the goal remains to empower students to become active participants in their own learning.

Our thanks to the team at Waseda University, with whom we look forward to continuing our partnership.
If you are interested in joining the face-to-face Oxford EMI training course, hosted by Waseda University in Tokyo this summer, please get in touch.

Thanks

Our thanks to the team at Waseda University, with whom we look forward to continuing our partnership.
If you are interested in joining the face-to-face Oxford EMI training course, hosted by Waseda University in Tokyo this summer, please get in touch.