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Dr Tetsushi Ohara

Dr Tetsushi Ohara

Lecturer

PhD, UNSW

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA)
School of Humanities & Languages

I am a Lecturer in Japanese Studies in the School of Humanities and Languages at UNSW. My area of expertise is language education within the broader field of applied linguistics, with a particular focus on Japanese language education. I have extensive experience in Japanese language education, including teaching and course coordination, at UNSW and a Japanese university.

My educational practice focuses on supporting students to become autonomous learners through learning experiences both within and beyond the classroom. To this end, I take a holistic approach to language learning and education that goes beyond the acquisition of linguistic knowledge, and this perspective informs both my educational practice and research.

My research areas include learner autonomy, learner agency, learner-centred course design and pedagogy, self-access language learning and self-access centres, and language education informed by sociocultural theory. I am also interested in translingual perspectives on language and their implications for language education.
E-mail
t.ohara@unsw.edu.au
  • Books | 2009
    Afterain Design Studio ; Hung Y-T; Ohara T, 2009, Rain, Afterain Design Studio
  • Book Chapters | 2014
    Thomson CK; Ohara T, 2014, 'Nihongo o shiyou suru ba to shite no kyoushitsu de no naika o kangaeru: Oosutoraria no daigaku no shokyu nihongo jugyou no bunseki [Internalisation in a classroom as a place to use Japanese language: An analysis of an elementary Japanese course at an Australian university]', in 日本語／日本語教育研究会 [Japanese / Japanese Education and Research ], Coco Publishing, pp. 263 - 278, http://www.cocopb.com/COCO/home.html
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Ohara T, 2024, 'Ootonomii to engeejimento: Igi aru gakushuu keiken no kouchiku o mezashite [Autonomy and engagement: Toward creating significant learning experiences]', Acquisition of Japanese as a Second Language, 27, pp. 101 - 107
    Journal articles | 2023
    Ohara T; Ishimura F; Yatsuda H, 2023, 'Classroom activities to foster learner agency in Japanese language learning: Toward a new pedagogical approach to expansive learning', Journal of Japanese Language Teaching, 186, pp. 32 - 46, http://dx.doi.org/10.20721/nihongokyoiku.186.0_32
    Journal articles | 2020
    Ohara T; Ishimura F, 2020, 'Emergency Remote Support at the Self-Access Learning Center: Successes and Limitations', Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, pp. 235 - 249, http://dx.doi.org/10.37237/110310
    Journal articles | 2020
    Ohara T; Mizukura R, 2020, 'The Role of a self-access learning center in Japan: Accommodation of translingual practice amidst international educational reform', JASAL Journal, 1, pp. 5 - 36, https://jasalorg.com/journal-june20-ohara-mizukura/
    Journal articles | 2019
    Ohara T, 2019, 'A Sociocultural Approach to Learner Autonomy in the Language Classroom', Relay Journal, pp. 17 - 26, http://dx.doi.org/10.37237/relay/020103
  • Reports | 2025
    Ohara T, 2025, Research on learning through boundary crossing in Japanese language education at the university, 23K12223 (Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists), https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/en/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-23K12223/
    Conference Presentations | 2024
    Mizukura R; Yoshida T; Ohara T, 2024, 'Case studies of Japanese university students with diverse learning backgrounds: Different appropriation processes in English-only learning environments', presented at The 21st AILA World Congress 2024, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, 11 August 2024 - 16 August 2024
    Conference Presentations | 2024
    Ohara T, 2024, 'Daigaku ni okeru ekkyou teki gakushuu: Gakusei wa kyoushitsu to self-access learning center (SALC) no kyoukai o oudan shite nani o manandeiruno ka [Boundary-crossing learning in higher education: What do students learn by crossing the contexts of classes and the self-access learning center (SALC)?]', presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2024, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, 01 August 2024 - 03 August 2024
    Conference Presentations | 2024
    Ohara T, 2024, 'Vertical and horizontal learning at the self-access center', presented at The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning (JASAL) 2024 National Conference, Soka University, Japan, 26 October 2024 - 26 October 2024
    Conference Presentations | 2023
    Ohara T, 2023, 'Kyoushitsu o tooshite kangaeru manabi no eigenshii: Daigaku naigai no gengo katsudou no jirei o moto ni [Learner agency in educational activities inside and outside the university]', presented at Japanese Studies Association of Australia - International Conference of the Network for Translingual Japanese (JSAA-ICNTJ) 2023, UNSW, USYD, UTS, 01 September 2023 - 03 September 2023
    Conference Presentations | 2023
    Ohara T, 2023, 'Kyoushitsu to self-access learning center tono ekkyou kara kangaeru gengo gakushuu to gengo shiyou no seitousei [An analysis of legitimacy of language learning and language use through the perspective of boundary crossing between the classroom and the self-access learning center]', presented at Association for Language and Cultural Education 2023 Annual Conference, Kansai University, 04 March 2023 - 05 March 2023
    Conference Presentations | 2023
    Ohara T, 2023, 'Ootonomii to engeejimento: Igi aru gakushuu keiken no kouchiku o mezashite [Autonomy and engagement: Toward creating significant learning experiences]', presented at The Symposium of The 34th National Conference, Japanese Association of Second Language Acquisition,, Kinjo Gakuin University, Japan, 09 December 2023 - 10 December 2023
    Conference Presentations | 2023
    Ohara T, 2023, 'Self-access learning center ni okeru gakusei no manabi to eigenshii [Learner agency and language learning in the self-access learning center]', presented at Japanese Studies Association of Australia - International Conference of the Network for Translingual Japanese (JSAA-ICNTJ) 2023, UNSW, USYD, UTS, 01 September 2023 - 03 September 2023
    Conference Papers | 2023
    Shimasaki K; Kojima T; Fukui N; Thomson C; Tajima M; Ohara T, 2023, 'Kotoba o manabu gakushuusha tachi no ekkyou: Karera wa donoyouni kyoukai o koe, nani o mananda ka [Boundary crossing of language learners: How they crossed boundaries and what they learned]', Kansai University, pp. 160 - 171, presented at Association for Language and Cultural Education 2023 Annual Conference, Kansai University, 04 March 2023
    Conference Presentations | 2022
    Ohara T, 2022, 'Diversity, Ideology, and the Self-Access Center', presented at The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning (JASAL) 2022 National Conference, Akita International University, Japan, 22 October 2022 - 22 October 2022
    Conference Presentations | 2020
    Ohara T; Eto T; Ishimura F; Mack L; Medley N, 2020, 'An Attempt to Create a Virtual Social Space through Zoom', presented at The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning 2020 National Conference, Online, 05 December 2020 - 05 December 2020
    Conference Presentations | 2019
    Ohara T; Mizukura R, 2019, 'Articulating the Role of the Self-Access Learning Center in a Translingual Environment', presented at The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning 2019 Conference, Otemon Gakuin University, Japan, 30 November 2019 - 01 December 2019
    Conference Presentations | 2018
    Ohara T; Medley N, 2018, 'Exploring the Roles of the Self-Access Learning Center in a Multi-language Environment', presented at The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning 2018 Conference (JASAL2018xSUTLF5), Sojo University, Japan, 15 December 2018 - 15 December 2018
    Theses / Dissertations | 2017
    Ohara T, 2017, Articulating the social dimensions of learner autonomy in the Japanese language classroom, http://dx.doi.org/10.26190/unsworks/3276
    Conference Presentations | 2016
    Ohara T, 2016, 'Gakushuusha ootonomii o tooshite miru kyoushitsu deno gakushuu to gakushuusha no nouryoku ni kansuru ichikousatsu [An examination of classroom learning and learners’ abilities through the lens of learner autonomy]', presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2016, Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, 09 September 2016 - 10 September 2016
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Ohara T, 2016, 'Gakushuusha ootonomii o tooshite miru kyoushitsu deno gakushuu to gakushuusha no nouryoku ni kansuru ichikousatsu [An examination of classroom learning and learners’ abilities through the lens of learner autonomy]', Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2016, Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, 09 September 2016 - 10 September 2016
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Ohara T, 2013, 'Conceptualisation of Learner Autonomy in Language Learning: Learner Autonomy as the Mediated Capacity', in Proceedings of the 18th Conference of The Japanese Studies Association of Australia, Japan Institute, Australian National University, Australia National University, pp. 1 - 13, presented at The 18th Biennial Conference of the Japanese Studies Association of Australia, Australia National University, 08 July 2013 - 11 July 2013, http://japaninstitute.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/u6/20_Ohara_Tetsushi-JSAA2013.pdf
    Conference Presentations | 2013
    Ohara T, 2013, 'Conceptualization of learner autonomy in language learning based on sociocultural theory', presented at Emergences and Convergences: Postgraduate Research Conference, UNSW
    Conference Presentations | 2013
    Ohara T, 2013, 'Thinking through the classroom interpersonal relationships: An Analysis of dynamic relationships among learners and teachers in Japanese language classrooms', presented at The 18th Biennial Japanese Studies Association of Australia Conference, Australian National University, 08 July 2013 - 11 July 2013
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Ohara T; Shimasaki K, Okawa Y , 2012, 'Lost in Research: An attempt to create a learning community for research students at an Australian university', in National Symposium on Japanese Language Education Proceedings 2012: Creating the Future, The Japan Foundation, Sydney, The University of Melbourne, pp. 129 - 141, presented at National Symposium on Japanese Language Education 2012, The University of Melbourne, 01 November 2012 - 02 November 2012, https://nsjle.org.au/nsjle/media/2012-Tetsushi-Ohara_Lost-in-research.pdf
    Conference Presentations | 2012
    Ohara T; Thomson C, 2012, 'Changing classroom culture via languages of the learners: A case of an elementary Japanese language course design.', presented at School of International Studies 2012 Conference, UNSW
    Conference Presentations | 2012
    Ohara T, 2012, 'Kyoushitsu nai deno shiyou gengo ni tsuite no ichi kousatsu: Oosutoraria no daigaku no gakushuusha no shiten kara [A study of language use in the classroom: Perspectives of learners at an Australian university]', presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2012, Nagoya University, 17 August 2012 - 20 August 2012
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Ohara T, 2012, 'Kyoushitsu nai deno shiyou gengo ni tsuite no ichi kousatsu: Oosutoraria no daigaku no gakushuusha no shiten kara [A study of language use in the classroom: Perspectives of learners at an Australian university]', Nagoya University, pp. 321 - 321, presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2012, Nagoya University, 17 August 2012 - 20 August 2012
    Reports | 2012
    Ohara T, 2012, Big Bento Lunch
    Conference Presentations | 2011
    Ohara T, 2011, 'An analysis of community in language learning', presented at The 17th Biennial Japanese Studies Association of Australia Conference, The University of Melbourne, 04 July 2011 - 07 July 2011
    Conference Presentations | 2010
    Ohara T, 2010, 'Oosutoraria no daigaku no shokyuu nihongo kyouiku ni okeru gakushuusha shutai no jissen: Gakushuusha chuushin no kykushitsu deno intaakushon to gakushuusha shutai ni tsuite no ichikousatsu [Learner agency in beginner Japanese language education at an Australian university: An examination of learner-centred classroom interaction and learner agency]', presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2010, National Chengchi University, Taiwan, 31 July 2010 - 01 August 2010
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Ohara T, 2010, 'Oosutoraria no daigaku no shokyuu nihongo kyouiku ni okeru gakushuusha shutai no jissen: Gakushuusha chuushin no kykushitsu deno intaakushon to gakushuusha shutai ni tsuite no ichikousatsu [Learner agency in beginner Japanese language education at an Australian university: An examination of learner-centred classroom interaction and learner agency]', Dah Hsin Publishing, National Chengchi University, Taiwan, presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2010, National Chengchi University, Taiwan, 31 July 2010 - 01 August 2010
    Conference Presentations | 2009
    Ohara T, 2009, 'Shokyuu nihongo kyouiku ni kansuru gakushuu kankyou no dezain: Nihongo o shiyousuru katsudou no ba toshite no kyoushitsu intaakushon [Designing learning environments for beginner Japanese language education: Classroom interaction as a site for using Japanese]', presented at apanese Studies Association of Australia – International Conference on Japanese Language Education International Conference 2009, UNSW, 13 July 2009 - 16 July 2009
    Conference Presentations | 2008
    Ohara T, 2008, 'Shokyuu nihongo kyouiku ni okeru gakushuu kankyou no dezain: Komyunitee to shiteno kyoushitu unei [Designing learning environments in beginner Japanese language education: Managing the classroom as a community]', presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2008, Busan University of Foreign Studies, 11 July 2008 - 13 July 2008
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Ohara T, 2008, 'Shokyuu nihongo kyouiku ni okeru gakushuu kankyou no dezain: Komyunitee to shiteno kyoushitu unei [Designing learning environments in beginner Japanese language education: Managing the classroom as a community]', Busan University of Foreign Studies, pp. 139 - 142, presented at The International Conference on Japanese Language Education 2008, Busan University of Foreign Studies, 11 July 2008 - 13 July 2008

2026 Education Focussed Grant, UNSW, Australia

2023-2025 Kaken: Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (23K12223: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists), Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan 

2023 Grassroots Practice Support Program Funds (collaboration with four members), Ritsumeikan Trust, Japan      

2021 Faculty Initiative Program Funds (collaboration with two members), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan  

2024 Faculty Award in the Field of Research, Center for Language Education, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

2022 Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Teaching, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

2021 Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Research, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

2019 Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Teaching, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

2018 Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Teaching, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

2012 Dean’s Student Leadership Award, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UNSW, Australia

2010 University International Postgraduate Award, UNSW, Australia                                                      

My research is closely connected to my educational practice. I draw on theories and concepts to design courses and learning activities, and investigate what and how students learn through these practices. I then conceptualise insights emerging from this research and use them to further develop my educational practice. In this way, my research and educational practice continuously inform and develop each other. Through this ongoing interaction between research and practice, I aim to contribute to broader understandings of language learning and to the further development of research and practice in language education.

I am particularly interested in how learners can be supported to develop learner autonomy and agency, and in learner-centred approaches to language education. My research also extends beyond the classroom to self-access language learning. I investigate what and how students learn through facilities such as self-access centres, which support autonomous learning beyond the classroom, and explore the roles these learning environments can play in students’ language learning and development.

My Teaching

I teach Japanese language courses across the curriculum, from introductory Japanese through to professional-level Japanese.