Marugoto Plus Better Now

Negishi, M. (2015). The JF Standard and its relation to CEFR. Japanese Language Education Methods , 22(1), 12–13.

Marugoto, Japanese language teaching, JF Standard, digital immersion, AI in language learning, VR pedagogy 1. Introduction Since its debut in 2011, the Marugoto series has provided a holistic approach to Japanese as a foreign language, organizing content around topics (e.g., “friends,” “travel,” “work”) and integrating language use with cultural artifacts. Its strength lies in the “Can-do” statements that empower learners to self-assess their ability to accomplish real-world tasks (Japan Foundation, 2019).

Limitations: small sample, 8-week duration, single institution. Replication with lower proficiency levels and longitudinal retention tests is needed. Marugoto Plus is not a replacement for the original series but a pedagogical enhancement that responds to digital-native learners’ needs. By layering AI conversation, gamified kanji, and VR culture onto Marugoto’s solid foundation, educators can achieve higher spontaneous output and engagement without sacrificing curricular rigor.

[Additional references would include: Rasa documentation, Immerse VR efficacy studies, WaniKani retention data, etc.] Sample Marubot dialogue (Unit: “Asking for directions”) Appendix B: VR quest design template for Marugoto Plus Appendix C: Survey instrument and raw data tables Correspondence: [generated academic contact] Conflict of Interest Statement: The author declares no competing interests. Funding: This research received no specific grant from funding agencies.

– A fine-tuned LLM that uses Marugoto’s vocabulary and grammar per unit, prompts open-ended replies, and provides pronunciation feedback via automatic speech recognition (ASR).