2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses

English Learning Methods

Academic unit or major: English language courses
Instructor(s): Ryoichi Yamane / Kumiko Kiuchi
Class Format: Exercise (Face-to-face)
Media-enhanced courses: -
Day of week/Period (Classrooms): 7-8 Wed (M-157(H1102))
Class: -
Course Code: LAE.E165
Number of credits: 010
Course offered: 2025
Offered quarter: 1Q
Syllabus updated: Mar 19, 2025
Language: Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

The aim of this course is to enable students to discover autonomous and self-directed English learning methods that align with their individual qualities, personalities, and goals. By the end of the course, students will acquire the necessary skills to continue learning independently. To achieve this, students will explore various learning strategies, including the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT. They will assess the effectiveness and challenges of these methods, engage in self-reflection through portfolio-based activities, and share insights with peers.

Course description and aims

By the end of this course, students will acquire the following knowledge and skills:

●The ability to use various English learning tools, recognize their effectiveness and limitations, and explain them.
●The ability to establish and apply autonomous learning strategies for the four English language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

Keywords

English learning tools, four English skills, autonomous learning strategies

Competencies

Specialist skills
Intercultural skills
Communication skills
Critical thinking skills
Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Each session begins with a mini-lecture by the instructor on an English learning tool, followed by hands-on practice through worksheets and activities. Students then engage in reflection and documentation of their learning experience. Through discussions and output-based activities, students will record their learning progress in their portfolios.

Note:
1. The details of the course schedule are subject to change based on the progress of the class and other relevant factors.
2. If the number of students wishing to enroll exceeds approximately 20, a limit may be imposed. All prospective students must attend the first class. Additionally, please do not purchase the textbook until your enrollment in the class is confirmed during the first session.

Course schedule/Objectives

	Course schedule	Objectives
Class 1	Introduction to AI Tools and Portfolio Overview: ●Introduction to key AI tools (ChatGPT, Grammarly, ELSA Speak) and the role of portfolios ●Students set their learning goals and begin their portfolio setup Reflection: Identify personal challenges in English learning and clarify which skills to strengthen.	Portfolio ＃1: Learn how to create effective prompts.
Class 2	Autonomous Learning Strategies for Reading Overview: ●Using ChatGPT and Grammarly to enhance reading skills ●Interpreting, summarizing, and critiquing complex texts ●Reading a passage, writing a summary independently, then comparing it with an AI-generated summary (ChatPDF) Reflection: Evaluate comprehension skills and consider how AI can support reading improvement.	Portfolio ＃2: Learn, practice, and document methods to enhance reading skills.
Class 3	Self-Improvement in Writing Overview: ●Enhancing the writing process using ChatGPT and Grammarly ●Learning essay and paragraph writing techniques, including self-editing strategies ●Introduction to back-translation Reflection: Identify weaknesses in writing and plan improvements.	Portfolio ＃3: Learn, practice, and document methods to enhance writing skills.
Class 4	Improving Listening Skills and Self-Evaluation Overview: ●Utilizing YouTube, TED-Ed, and TED videos with subtitles for listening practice ●Strategies for listening comprehension and using subtitle tools ●AI-assisted listening exercises using ChatGPT Reflection: Identify listening challenges and participate in group discussions.	Portfolio ＃4: Learn, practice, and document methods to enhance listening skills.
Class 5	Autonomous Learning Strategies for Speaking Overview: ●Exploring AI conversation tools such as ChatGPT's MIA mode ●Recording and reviewing conversations, followed by further practice with peers ●Simulating conversations and identifying areas for improvement Reflection: Evaluate speaking progress and develop a future training plan.	Portfolio ＃5: Learn, practice, and document methods to enhance speaking skills.
Class 6	Portfolio Review, Self-Analysis & Presentation Overview: ●Reviewing learning progress through portfolio analysis ●Self-assessment based on feedback from AI tools ●Sharing recommended learning methods and resetting future learning goals Reflection: Analyze the overall learning process and set post-course study plans.	Learning methods presentation
Class 7	Final Exam and review Overview: ●Reviewing presentations and reflections ●Final exam	Demonstrate autonomous English learning methods and their practical results.

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

Handout

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Materials will be introduced in each class.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Portofolio (40%)
Contributions to class activities (20%)
Presentation (20%)
Exams (20%)

The final grade will be determined by the total score from the five evaluation components mentioned above. The evaluation criteria will include how students utilize AI tools, advance their self-study, and continue beyond the course.

Related courses

none

Prerequisites

N/A

Other

N/A