Thursday, January 30, 2014

Dr. Junko Yamamoto (old)



What courses are you currently teaching and what are you most proud of about those courses?
During spring 2014, I teach one section of SEFE230: Production and Utilization of Instructional Technology. I also supervise 15 student teachers. The most proud moment was made possible by the collective work of my colleagues and students. I was visiting my student teachers during the first week of this semester. One principal at a nearby high school gave me a huge smile and spoke highly of the SRU student teachers in recent years. Later in the same day, one cooperating teacher, who has supervised student teachers two semesters in a row, praised SRU by stating how well our program prepares our teacher candidates. It speaks volume as to the dedication and teamwork in our department, and how our candidates meet our expectations through their hard work.

What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
I am proud of being a part of organizations and teams that reach their goals. For example, I serve on the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association’s Executive Committee. We worked tirelessly for our Pittsburgh conference for the fall of 2013. Now we are getting ready for awarding school districts with outstanding world language programs, and are gearing up for our State College conference for fall 2014.
I was also an editor-in-chief for two instructional technology books. It was wonderful to work with many brilliant people. One of the chapter contributors from the book projects recently contemplated becoming an editor-in-chief for the same publisher and we have had insightful phone conversations. I find that scholarship lead to further discussions with other scholars.
My recent publication also was a product of teamwork. Dr. Stephen Larson in the Computer Science Department and I co-authored:
Larson, S., & Yamamoto, J. (2013). Flipping the college spreadsheet skills classroom: Initial empirical results. Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences, 4(10), 751-758. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cisjournal.org/journalofcomputi…/…/vol4no10_3.pdf
The inter-departmental scholarship gave me a unique perspective from a computer scientist. I believe that scholars need to seek truth and honesty through modest findings better than earth-shattering research claims that twist the truth. We shared the same philosophy as scholars. Moreover, Dr. Larson has a good sense of humor and speaks Japanese, my native tongue as well; it made the process more enjoyable.

What student success stories can you share?
I co-sponsor Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for education majors with Dr. Linda Zane, another wonderful colleague. Every semester, the members organize service projects to make an impact in our community. Last year, for example, we partnered with Wexford Elementary School in Pine-Richland to plan and deliver a day to promote reading. Four of the key members from the project presented about their learning through service in Slippery Rock University’s Professional Development Day. They were poised and articulated their reflections on their learning through the service very well. This year, Kappa Delta Pi is partnering with Moraine Elementary School in Slippery Rock to promote world culture awareness and the literature by using stories from China, France, Mexico, Thailand, Ukraine, and West Africa.

What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
It is always nice to catch up with family during the time off.
I started oil painting last summer. I have also done some woodcarving and mosaic artwork (see picture).
I also like to read Japanese novels. I have recently read “Kiku’s Prayer” and its sequel “Life of a Woman: Part II: Sachiko’s Case” by Shusaku Endo during the winter break. I read both books in Japanese, but I believe there is an English translation for the first novel if anyone is interested.

What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
Meeting the students, staffs, and faculty who are motivated to do good work and willing to support each other.

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