Hiroko's Page

Hi I am Hiroko Schierman, a high school Japanese teacher from Charlottesville, VA. After finishing my undergraduate study in English Literature in Tokyo, I came to the United States about 25 years ago for graduate school where I majored in Theatre. I have been teaching Japanese at a public high school for the last 15 years or so. I have a husband, two adult children, and a dog. I have always been interested in discovering and utilizing the teaching methods that would actively engage my students in the culture, immerse them in the language, and encourage in-class communication. Since I have started to explore PBL and PBLL, I feel that I have gained a solid pedagogy that can motivate the students to be engaged not only in the language learning process, but also in the pursuit of their personal interests. I am excited to be a part of the Summer Institute and hope to learn more from and contribute to a community of like-minded teachers.