The Asia Education Leader Course (AELC) is pleased to share the schedule for the Summer 2026 Pre-Study Series held from May 2026 to July 2026.

The series provides opportunities for diverse dialogues and discussions on critical issues in education, globalization and sustainable development. Participants will not only deepen knowledge and understanding of the issues presented by educational scholars but will also consider and discuss alternative/new educational approaches. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring educational scholars and practitioners to share and generate ideas with peers and scholars committed to shaping the future of education in the Asia-Pacific Region. As such, it is also preparation for students who will join the AEL Summer Course 2026.

Three sessions will be held as outlined below. Each two-hour session begins with a lecture by a scholar in the field, followed by student group discussions, student group presentations and comments from the lecturer.

Session 1: FRI May 29, 2026, 16:30‐18:30

Prof. Chen Chen, Nanjing Normal University

Title: Beyond Positive Traits in Positive Education: Adaptive Functions and Psychological Costs of Grit, Conscientiousness, and Diligence

Session 2: FRI June 26, 2026, 16:30‐18:30

Assoc. Prof. Will Brehm, Canberra University

Title: What the Map Cuts Up: Comparative Education, Regional Memory, and the Politics of Knowledge in Asia

Session 3: FRI July 17, 2026, 16:30‐18:30

Assoc. Prof. Dhirapat Kulophas, Chulalongkorn University

Title: Education in Thailand: Current Landscape, Challenges and Future Directions

No registration is required; please access the following Zoom link to participate in the series:

ZOOM URL 

https://zoom.us/j/92355557838?pwd=0nQ2SMLJX3pPtTtsWjTbAdGYDwPchu.1 

Meeting ID: 923 5555 7838 

Passcode: 194807

Any students interested in education, globalization and sustainable development are welcome to join the series regardless of participation in the AELC program.

Students of the Graduate School of Education/Faculty of Education, Tohoku University, who are registered for “International Research and Practice I” are required to participate in all　sessions.

For inquiries, please contact the AELC Secretariat at aelc(@)grp.tohoku.ac.jp