Introduction of i-ARRC
The International Academic Research and Resource Center for Language Education (i-ARRC) at ILAS was established to deliver innovative language education in a global society. In addition to administering foreign language courses as part of the university's liberal arts and general education, it supports students' autonomous language learning.
The Center comprises three divisions: the Division of English Language Education, the Division of Education for Languages Other Than English or Japanese, and the Division of Extracurricular Education.
The Division of English Language Education ensures the effective administration and medium-to-long-term improvement of courses in English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP): Writing and Listening (WL) and E3 (courses for improving English language skills). In WL, the Division provides listening-learning materials and conducts small-group classes, encouraging students to engage in autonomous language study. The Division has been developing original writing textbooks and is planning to update E3 courses. It thus contributes to the development of academic language skills through EGAP courses.
The Division of Education for Languages Other Than English or Japanese focuses on upgrading teaching environments for better learning outcomes in those languages as part of liberal arts and general education courses. The Division supports its language instructors by providing an online tool for sharing lesson tips, as well as other faculty development services. It thus promotes classes that incorporate students' feedback into teaching.
The Division of Extracurricular Education aims to enhance students' command of foreign languages in cooperation with the regular curriculum teaching. It organizes events for conversation, discussion, and speech presentation in foreign languages and supports students who prepare for standardized tests in such languages. The Division particularly encourages Japanese students, often not presumed to be outgoing, to study abroad and join international academic exchange activities within the university. It also offers them opportunities to communicate with international students and promotes the construction of a university-wide platform to develop the communication skills of Japanese and international students.
