Research-led teaching
To tackle the 21st century’s grand challenges, students need to develop strong critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. I am committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that enables students to build a growth mindset for lifelong learning, discovery and achievement.
I encourage students to come seek individual support, discuss academic interests, and explore opportunities to collaborate on research during dedicated office hours.
Approach
Freedom of expression is valued in my classroom. Respect for others and their opinions is expected at all times.
I incorporate insights from biodiversity conservation research into my teaching to spark interest, spur investigation, trigger debate, and invite inquiry.
My teaching style is strongly influenced by my experiences coaching soccer and my training as a snowboard instructor.
I encourage students to keep the classroom a phone-free space and to use laptops only where needed for activities.
Fall 2024 courses
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APU course code: 038330EA
Fall 2024 timetable: Monday period 3 (12:30-14:10)
Fall 2024 venue: J302 (ZOOM 928 7146 1293)
This module introduces Environmental Education using an interdisciplinary approach, and emphasizes the development of practical communication skills with different audiences and across contexts. There are four areas of focus: i) science communication, ii) environmental education across age groups, iii) engaging with businesses in the private sector, and iv) environmental awareness and the general public. These are supported by case studies, group activities and course assessments designed to provide opportunities for students to develop practical communication skills.
Before taking this course, students are strongly recommended to complete one of the following first-year ST courses: (a) Biodiversity, (b) Pollution Prevention, or (c) Sustainable Urban Development.
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APU course code: 038340ED
Fall 2024 timetable: Monday period 6 (18:00-19:40)
Fall 2024 venue: F210 (ZOOM 992 9157 6166)
In this course, academic literature selected by teachers is used to explain not only specialized knowledge but also how to write academic papers.
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APU course code: 038341EB
Fall 2024 timetable: Tuesday period 6 (18:00-19:40)
Fall 2024 venue: F212 (ZOOM 918 7795 9670)
In this course, upon detailed explanation of the method of literature search, students are instructed to write a literature review on a course of their own interest.
FY2025 courses (TBC)
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Biodiversity
Critical Reading I
Critical Reading II
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HC Conservation Seminar (Zemi)
Environmental Education
Beppu Community Development
Critical Reading I
Critical Reading II
Multicultural Cooperative Workshop (MCW)
Fall 2024 office hours
Drop-in hours
Monday period 5 (16:10-17:50)
Appointment hours
Tuesday periods 4 & 5 (14:20-17:50)
Other times may be available on request.
APU students who wish to make an appointment are kindly asked to fill out the form.
Location
Room 329, Green Commons (Building J), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, 1-1 Jumonjibaru, Beppu, Oita, 874-8577 Japan
〒874-8577 日本大分県別府市十文字原1-1 立命館アジア太平洋大学 グリーンコモンズ （J棟）329号室
Top 10 books: Recommended general reading
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As Thucydides explained, "it was the rise of Athens and the fear that this instilled in Sparta that made war inevitable" more than two millennia ago. Today, the US and China are set on a similar collision course. Averting disaster in the US-China relationship will define the trajectory of civilization in the 21st century - this book explores how.
Originally published in 2017
https://www.belfercenter.org/thucydides-trap/overview-thucydides-trap
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A beautiful, vivid and intimate memoir set in Hong Kong, my hometown. The author recounts her life story in evocative detail, and in so doing illustrates how personal struggles and growth, how family life and social bonds, and how belonging and group identity are woven into the sociopolitical landscape of the place we call home.
香港人加油
Originally published in 2022
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A plain-English exploration of how the process of evolution has given rise to the complexity, diversity and beauty we can observe in the natural world today. A fantastic introduction to the biological concepts of evolution regardless of background knowledge in science.
Originally published in 1986
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/14234/the-blind-watchmaker-by-richard-dawkins/9780141026169
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In 2013, social went mobile. The mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults plunged. Cognitive ability, social development, and neurological development have all taken a hit. Jonathan Haidt presents the evidence, and puts forward the case for us to act collectively - and urgently - to ditch our screen addictions and reinstate the play-based childhood.
Originally published in 2024
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The authors explore how three “Great Untruths” have been increasingly woven into childhood, parenting and education in America: (1) what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker; (2) always trust your feelings; and (3) life is a battle between good people and evil people. These have led to political polarization, social dysfunction and illiberal identity politics. While focused on the US, the insights from this book extend to the broader Western world and beyond.
Originally published in 2018
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How do we think? Fascinating book with insights into how our cognitive systems work.
Originally published in 2011
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/56314/thinking-fast-and-slow-by-kahneman-daniel/9780141033570
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Foundational reading for students in environmental studies, this is a classic study of our changing attitudes toward wilderness over time and the origins of the environmental and conservation movements.
Originally published in 1965
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300190380/wilderness-and-the-american-mind/
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This dystopian masterpiece is a cautionary tale of the terrifying dangers of totalitarianism. A literary classic with relevance that will endure as long as humanity (and its worst impulses) persists.
Originally published in 1949
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/57013/nineteen-eighty-four-by-george-orwell/9780241453513
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Problems abound around the world, but this work reminds us that positivity, optimism and scientific rationality will put us on the right track to finding solutions. No matter how bad things seem, human progress will prevail.
Originally published in 2018
https://stevenpinker.com/publications/enlightenment-now-case-reason-science-humanism-and-progress
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The evidence that boys and men are struggling in the 21st century is clear, but highlighting these challenges in the current political climate can be perilous. We must recognize that doing more for boys and men doesn’t mean doing less for girls and women. This work provides a thorough and thoughtful reminder that social change should not be zero-sum, and that policies must ensure that everyone can flourish.
Originally published in 2022