Empowering Japanese Teachers of English to Support Neurodiverse Students

• Project/Area Number: 25K06612
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 09070:Educational technology-related
• Research Institution: The International University of Kagoshima
• Principal Investigator: TOLAND Sean 鹿児島国際大学, 国際文化学部, 教授 (60803864)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): CRIPPS Anthony 南山大学, 外国語学部, 教授 (20352437)
• Project Period (FY): 2025-04-01 – 2029-03-31
• Project Status: Granted (Fiscal Year 2025)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,680,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,080,000); Fiscal Year 2028: ¥780,000 (Direct Cost: ¥600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥180,000); Fiscal Year 2027: ¥1,170,000 (Direct Cost: ¥900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥270,000); Fiscal Year 2026: ¥910,000 (Direct Cost: ¥700,000、Indirect Cost: ¥210,000); Fiscal Year 2025: ¥1,820,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥420,000)
• Keywords: Blended community / Neurodiverse learners / Japanese teachers / Workshops

Outline of Research at the Start

Neurodiverse English language learners have unique strengths and learning needs that are often overlooked by teachers. Many Japanese English teachers failed to receive adequate training on teaching students with specific learning difficulties. This research project provides English teachers with an opportunity to participate in various self-directed and collaborative learning activities to help them navigate contemporary classroom challenges (e.g., ethical usage of emerging technologies) and design instructional materials that are more accessible to neurodiverse English language learners.