Practical Tips for Teaching Oral Communication Classes in Japan 

by Bruno Vannieu

Getting Japanese students to speak in class can be challenging. One reason is that certain aspects of Japanese culture are magnified in the language classroom, where they can hinder communication and learning. In this workshop, I will share nine practical, classroom-tested strategies that acknowledge and work with those cultural realities, based on 25 years of teaching experience in Japan.

I will show how simple, down-to-earth procedures can help build momentum and foster a positive classroom dynamic—regardless of class size, academic level, or students’ initial motivation. While our focus will be on oral communication, many of the techniques can be adapted to other types of language classes as well.

My goal is to offer clarity and encouragement to teachers just beginning their careers in Japanese high schools or universities, and to offer fresh perspectives for more experienced educators. I hope to save you some of the trial and error I faced—and help you create more active, talkative, and engaged classrooms.