Celebrating Our Trainers at the Polyglot Online Conference
This year, three of our trainers—Kumiko, Karin, and Julio—presented at the Polyglot Online Conference, a global gathering of language learners, educators, and enthusiasts. The conference brings together people from around the world who share a passion for languages, whether by presenting, attending workshops, or simply enjoying the exchange of ideas and stories. For our trainers, it was more than just a speaking opportunity; it was a chance to contribute to the global language-learning community and reflect on their own teaching philosophies.
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Kumiko – Exploring the Power of Questions in Language Learning
Kumiko’s session focused on a theme rarely discussed in depth: the impact of powerful questions in language learning. Drawing from her background in coaching and learner support, she explored how thoughtful questions can inspire reflection, build confidence, and transform learning outcomes.
“Good questions don’t just check understanding—they move a learner’s thinking,” she explained.
Her presentation covered how she uses a coaching approach in Japanese-language sessions, case studies from her learners, and practical examples of questions that help learners grow. She shared survey results from learners who said her questions helped them recognize progress they hadn’t noticed themselves.
One key insight she emphasized is that growth in language learning isn’t always visible or measurable:
“Confidence and communication ability can’t be captured by scores alone,” she said. “But when trainers notice and clearly express those changes, learners start to understand their own progress.”
For Kumiko, this experience reaffirmed her belief that language learning is not just about vocabulary or grammar, it’s about helping learners reflect, challenge themselves, and recognize their own development.
Karin – Language Learning as Training, Not Studying
For Karin, presenting at the conference was her first professional speaking opportunity—and also a moment of reflection.
Her session, titled “What You Need to Know Before You Start Learning a Language,” emphasized three core ideas:
- Language learning is not studying, but training
- Emotional control is key to long-term consistency
- Building learning strategies leads to sustainable progress
Karin explained that many learners struggle not because they lack ability, but because they don’t approach learning with strategy and repetition:
“Instead of just reading or doing flashcards passively, try to remember more each time. Set small goals, practice, and then challenge yourself again.”
She also spoke about the importance of using both positive and negative emotions productively:
“Negative feelings can actually become a strong engine for growth—if you accept them rather than avoid them.”
This perspective resonated with many attendees, connecting language learning to life skills like resilience, motivation, and self-awareness.
Julio – Making Multilingual Learning Less Overwhelming
Julio’s presentation took a practical and encouraging approach: how to make learning multiple languages feel less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
As both a learner of many languages and a trainer, he shared personal methods, mindset shifts, and stories that helped him stay motivated. While his presentation was originally planned for 10 minutes, it extended to 40 minutes because of the level of interest and interaction.
“I didn’t expect so many people to show up,” he said. “So I added more background stories to make it more interesting.”
His session explored:
- Different ways to enjoy studying multiple languages
- Strategies to overcome challenges
- The value of meeting and connecting with people through languages
One of the biggest takeaways for him was realizing that attendees actually learned from his talk—not just listened to his experiences. That discovery boosted his confidence as a presenter and educator.
The following common themes emerged from the presentations of the three speakers.
First, learning should be designed from both practical and psychological perspectives, not merely as knowledge acquisition. Kumiko’s “questions,” Karin’s “learning as training,” and Julio’s “efforts to make it enjoyable” each represent different approaches, yet all are elements that support sustained learning and practical application.
Second, learning outcomes cannot be evaluated solely by numerical metrics. All three emphasized that the key lies in how we capture and provide feedback on “invisible outcomes” like confidence, proactivity, and attitude toward learning.
To apply these insights in practice, it is effective to reconstruct training design around perspectives such as “questions that lead to action,” “continuation strategies driven by emotion,” and “mechanisms for enjoying learning.” An approach that aims not just for short-term skill acquisition but for fostering long-term learning habits and autonomy is required.
Although their topics were different, all three trainers shared a common message: language learning is deeply human. It’s not only about mastering grammar or vocabulary—it’s about curiosity, reflection, emotion, and connection.
From asking powerful questions, to treating learning as training, to finding personal joy in multilingualism—their presentations offered unique perspectives grounded in their everyday work with learners.
Their participation in the Polyglot Online Conference reflects not only their expertise but also their commitment to continual growth—as educators, learners, and members of a global community.
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