Culture and linguistic diversity in education in the UK and Japan

22 May 2025 - 23 May 2025, 9am - 12pm

This conference is organised by UCL and the University of Tokyo. The conference will be opened by Professor Lynn Ang, UCL IOE Pro-Director and Vice-Dean Research.

In the context of increased migration, it is important to consider the educational needs and trajectories as well as the identities of migrant and minority ethnic pupils and share current research evidence and existing good practices from the UK and Japan. The two countries have very different histories and educational systems that make the sharing of knowledge and practices between the two countries not only very important, but also allow for a fascinating intellectual endeavour.

Researchers from the UK and Japan will present their findings exploring four dimensions of culture and linguistic diversity in education over two half-days and arranged into four thematic panels.

Schedule

Day 1: 22nd May

• Panel 1: Belongings and Identity - Dr Dina Mehmedbegovic-Smith (IOE); Dr Thomas H Bak (University of Edinburgh); Dr Yuki Nagae (Stockholm University); Dr Fumiko Takahashi (University of Tokyo)
• Panel 2: Academic Achievement and Pathways - Professor Roberto Filippi (IOE); Dr Mirela Xhaferraj (UCL SSEES); Dr Rafaela Yoshiy Yoshioka (Tokyo Metropolitan University); Dr. Giulia Dugar (University of Bologna)

Day 2: 23rd May

• Panel 3: Classroom Language Practices - Dr Yu Ishii (University of Tokyo); Professor Lynn Ang (IOE), Dr Ramona Gonczol (UCL SSEES), Dr Yordanka Velkova (UCL SSEES); Dr Olga Cara (IOE)
• Panel 4: Home Language Practices - Dr Sara Young (IOE); Dr Effrosyni Argyri (IOE); Professor Janice Nakamura (Kanagawa University)

There will be a separate workshop for PhD students on 20 May and a film screening on 21 of May to set the scene for the discussions on ethnic diversity and multilingualism in the education context of the two countries.

This event will be particularly useful for researchers and practitioners interested in linguistic and cultural diversity in education.

Related links

• Centre for Sociology of Education and Equity
• Department of Education, Practice and Society

Image

Abby Chung via Pexels.