Mary Nobuoka, Keio University/Waseda University

Teaching can sometimes be a stressful and demanding profession, but it is also inspiring and energizing. How can teachers stay in the inspiring and energizing zone more often? In the past three decades, psychologists have started focusing on the thinking and behaviors that bring people fulfillment (Seligman, 2011). This talk will help teachers become more aware of their beliefs, understand the basics of positive psychology and give techniques and interventions to help build well-being. The group activities presented in the presentation will also serve as ideas for teachers to engage students when teaching online with Zoom and for face-to-face classroom activities.
Bio: Mary Nobuoka came to Japan in 1994 and teaches at Keio University and Waseda University. She has an unusual background for a language teacher in Japan: She received a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Illinois and an MA in Interdisciplinary Humanities with a focus in Philosophy from California State University. This background has enabled her to think outside the box and create a variety of content courses in leadership skills, economic trends and literature courses. In addition to language, Mary has also taught Japanese Ikebana. She holds teacher certification from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana and still practices the art regularly as part of her meditation practices. She lives in Yokohama with her Japanese husband,18-year-old-son and two adorable cats.
Online meeting details will be announced later.