Rate My Professor Kumiko Katayama

Katayama's key publications demonstrate her contributions to applied linguistics and language pedagogy. In 'What Makes Students Speak Japanese in Immersion Programs?' (Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2019), she uses Critical Discourse Analysis on policies and documents to show how peer dynamics with background/heritage learners (20-25% of students), class environments allowing English use, and ambiguous treatment of diverse learners impact speaking skills. The study highlights self-censorship among proficient background speakers due to shyness and pressure, advocating policy reforms for inclusive immersion education. She co-authored 'Japanese migrant teachers in Australia' (Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, 2026) with T. Onodera and K. Hashimoto. Other works explore English use in immersion and consumer concerns in rural Japan. Katayama serves on the editorial board of the Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics, supervises higher degree students, coordinates Japan in-country independent study programs, convenes language speech contests, and presents seminars on student-centered language teaching shifts.