Read how Noriko went from being a teacher to published researcher with an MA TESOL.
English teacher Noriko wanted to improve her English and overall teaching. With a passion for teaching English as a second language, she embarked on an MA TESOL with CCCU.
Since graduating, not only has her teaching massively improved, but she is now a published researcher in her specialism.
Read Noriko's experience here.
Blending theory and practice
"I taught English for more than five years, mainly in Japanese secondary schools, and had encountered long-standing challenges in developing spoken English communication skills with students. So, I studied an MA TESOL to gain expertise in language teaching.
"I was particularly interested in teaching English through drama, which I found I could study at CCCU.
"Other reasons I chose the University are that it provides quality education with an emphasis on relating theory and practice. I wanted to focus on blending theory and practice to ensure that my students were learning relevant, research-backed content through effective teaching.
"Canterbury also looked like a beautiful city to experience, and I found that it was in the top ten safest cities in the UK. This was why I chose CCCU.
"My choice was right and my experience there was far beyond my expectation. I had never felt that each day was so special before living and studying in the middle of the beautiful historic city of Canterbury with wonderful friends, University staff, and local people, who kindly contributed to my making the best out of life there. I remember every joyful moment like it was yesterday."
I had never felt that each day was so special before living and studying in the middle of the beautiful historic city of Canterbury with wonderful friends, university staff, and local people, who kindly contributed to my making the best out of life there.
Gaining extra experience
"Above all else, volunteering with the International Partnership and Development team was the most invaluable experience. It was a great opportunity for me to learn to be more understanding and supportive by mixing with a variety of people.
"It was especially meaningful that I was able to work with professional English teachers as an assistant at a local language school. This motivated me to gain insight into teachers’ effective practices that can help young Japanese adult learners to enhance their spoken communication skills in English.
"Thanks to the collaborative participants in my research, I was able to accomplish my aim to identify effective ways to implement communication activities, especially in monolingual classes of young Japanese adults.
"Since completing my qualification, I have published two academic articles whilst teaching full-time since I returned to Japan. The academics at CCCU inspired me to become a researcher, and I hope to continue this reflective practice in order to thrive as a researcher and a teacher."