Yukio Takefuta

Takefuta and three research collaborators were awarded The Japan Association for Language Education & Technology Academic Prize in 2007 for the development, application, and evaluation of the system, "Three-step Auditory Comprehension Approach."

The research on the development, application and evaluation of the system of the Three-step Auditory Comprehension Approach received the academic award in 2007 from the Japan Association for Language Education and Technology.

In 1996, an award from the Japan Association of College English Teachers (JACET) was presented to the practical training that was put in practice in the Center for Language Education, Chiba University through using the CALL teaching materials (Computer-assisted Language Learning courseware) developed by the graduates of Takefuta's research laboratory based on the 3 Step System. He also received a poster prize, Chiba University's Open Research ‘99, from the university's president for the practical report of the students he taught in the educational department of Chiba University. Starting from 2000, he served as the research representative for the Research of Foreign Language CALL Teaching Material Advances which received the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the CALL materials have been used widely in many educational institutes since 2001.

In 1991, based upon his pioneering research, he created a unique teaching theory called the Three-step Auditory Comprehension Approach (3 Step System) which increases the effectiveness of English listening skills and vocabulary skills training. This 3 Step System combines a broad expanse of academic knowledge with an interdisciplinary or integrated approach.

Takefuta was principal of the Attached Junior High School of Education, Chiba University for the period 1989–1994. He also participated in the development and reformation of university education and research as well as participating in the development, enhancement and operation of the Attached Junior High School of Education. For his dedication and outstanding achievements he made for these local education administrations, he received an award presented by MEXT in October 2008.

He received the Japan Association of College English Teachers (JACET) Award in 1984 for publishing Nihonjin Eigo no Kagaku [A Scientific Observation of Japanese English] and Hiaringu no Koudou Kagaku [A Scientific Observation of Listening in Action] which summarized research that became the basis for scientific English education and other related fields.

During the establishment of the Graduate School of Education (MA) in April 1982 and the Graduate School of Science and Technology (Ph.D.) in April 1986, Takefuta participated in the enhancement and development of a graduate school of Chiba University by serving as vice chairman of Chiba University Graduate School of Education's establishment committee. He was also assigned to the Chiba University Graduate School general problem investigating committee by the president of Chiba University.

In addition to his contribution to the academic society, Takefuta served as a longtime English instructor course's lecturer for the MEXT (1982–2000), a member of the Open University of Japan's Center of ICT and Distance Education (CODE) multimedia teaching materials development committee, and the advisor of multimedia teaching materials creative team, as well as person of reference for the House of Councilors' investigation committee of national life.

Yukio Takefuta (竹蓋 幸生) (May 20, 1935 – April 30, 2014) was a Japanese English education scholar. Professor Emeritus of Chiba University, he devoted his life to the study and research of English phonetics, English education, and systems engineering, thus advancing English education in Japanese institutions of higher education. He served as a board member for universities and academic societies. He was awarded the Senior Fourth Rank (Shoshii) and the Order of the Sacred Treasures in 2014 for his notable contributions to the scientific approach to learning.