Reflections & Insights from the Osaka Trotters: Osaka Day 2 Updates

The conference has started. We must say that it has been a good learning experience thus far. We had ample opportunities to interact and learn from presenters and participants from over 40 countries. It is interesting to know what other countries are doing in the area of education. For instance, Mr Chua attended a session where a researcher from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) University spoke about using differentiated instruction strategy in teaching Science to elementary students. Spencer attended a session, entitled, " What is important to be measured in teaching?", presented by researchers from the University of Tasmania, Australia.Thomas, on the other hand, attended a session that explored the use of a particular professional development framework in the training of medical professionals.The presenters were from the University of Queensland, Australia.

One thing we observed - No matter which countries the presenters came from, they all have a common passion which is to improve and impact students' learning. This too, should be one of our goals, in creating a student-centric approach / pedagogy to impact their learning.

Three of us also attended an interesting keynote session by an academic and psychologist from Tarumanagara University, Indonesia.He spoke about using Activity (Music/Art) therapy in treating survivors from natural disasters (eg: Japan tsunami/volcanic eruption in Indonesia). It is not often that one can hear about such a topic in local conferences and this is definitely an eye opener for us.

Thomas & Spencer posing in front of the conference signboard

Of course, it was not all work and no play , the conference organisers prepared a sumptuous dinner for all participants. Through this dinner, we not only sampled authentic Japanese cuisine, we also formed several new friendships with fellow educators from other countries . An example of a new-found friendship is with Prof Marjo & Jerry from Akita International University. We were all wowed by this lovely couple's warmth hospitality and friendliness. We also met two fantastic people, Prof Judith D Chapman from Australian Catholic University and Prof David Aspin from Monash University. We enjoyed their company thoroughly.

Our new-found friends : (Clockwise): P, Mr Jerry Platt & Prof Marjo Misutomi (Akita International University,Japan)

Lively interaction with Jerry

New found friends . Among them - Prof Judith D Chapman, Australian Catholic University, Australia & University of Cambridge ,UK ; Prof Marjo & Mr Jerry Platt & Prof David Aspin, Monash University, Australia

With Prof David Aspin,Monash Univesity, Australia

Afte dinner, we found some time to tour Umeda area, a popular shopping area near our hotel. Osaka is well-known for her food. You can literally find something to eat, everywhere and anywhere.