JALT Event

Location: Kannai Hall Youth Center (〒231-0013 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Sumiyoshicho, 4 Chome−42-1, Floor B2)

Time: starts @ 13:00

Presenter 1: Samuel Lambert

Abstract:

Randomization can bring an element of surprise and variety to conversation classes. The unpredictable nature means students will need to adapt quickly to unpredictable situations. Randomization in classes was traditionally achieved through the use of dice, cards or paper materials. Technology simplifies the use of randomization in conversation classes but also greatly expands on what can be achieved with it. I will introduce 5 different activities that I created that use randomization, and discuss the advantage technology has over traditional methods of randomization. 

Bio:

Samuel Lambert has a background of linguistics and teaching experience in teaching at a Japanese University. He is particularly interested in the advance of technologies and the effects it will have on the future of education.

Presenter 2: Kriti Arora

Abstract:

This presentation explores the nature of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) of Japanese university students, in particular, the cognitive, affective, and behavioural aspects of using Web 2.0 tools for learning English. Based on the students’ inputs, the presentation will also describe an ideal PLE for learning English and provide some suggestions to support its development.

Bio:

Arora Kriti is a graduate student of the Masters in International Language Education: TESOL at Soka University, Japan. Her academic interests include technology-enhanced language learning, intercultural competence, and fan-based pedagogy.

Presenter 3: Tomoko Kojima

Abstract:

This presentation explores the intricate dimensions of academic writing, encompassing elements such as grammar, syntax, structure, format, content, and academic conventions. The writing process often proves stressful for EFL students. Tomoko Kojima shares her approach to integrating the genre perspective into academic writing instruction through "kakikae", a rewriting process aiming to mitigate stress and enhance the writing experience. While adaptable for students at various proficiency levels, the presentation focuses on strategies tailored explicitly for junior high school students. By sharing her insights, Tomoko Kojima seeks to provide practical guidance and strategies that may empower educators to enhance their students' writing skills.

Bio:

Tomoko Kojima is a lecturer with diverse teaching backgrounds across various age groups. She has contributed her expertise to educational institutions such as Keio Yochisha Elementary School, Kaisei High School, Gakugeidaigaku Affiliated High School at the OizumiCampus, and Waseda University. Currently, she holds a permanent teaching position at Keio Futsubu Junior High School. She also teaches academic writing at Keio University School of Medicine and the Jikei University School of Medicine.

Come and join Nagoya JALT for our December presentation. The title is “Help Me Hear What I Can See: Reading While Listening, Self-Efficacy Sources and Foreign Language Anxiety in the EFL Classroom”. It will be presented by Heather Doiron.

This presentation explores the notion that a reading-while-listening (RWL) approach activates student sources of self-efficacy (SES) and consequently mediates a reduction in foreign language anxiety (FLA) in the EFL classroom. This presentation will review relevant literature to demonstrate the interdependent and iterative nature of RWL and SES and how their combined impact potentially influences FLA. It will conclude with a brief overview of the relevance of SES in EFL learning environments and how the combination of SES and RWL is important for FLA reduction.

The event will be held on December 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 at the Nagoya International Center, 4th Floor. It is free for members and students, and 1,000 yen for non-members.

Then join us afterward for our Bonenkai at Gyoza no Haha from 8 pm and 10 pm. Join us for this two-hour party to eat, drink, and enjoy the wonderful company. The cost is 3,500 yen and there is a 15-person limit. Please register here: https://forms.gle/QdXnQFjQ2UdPxSAW9

The language teaching industry is constantly changing, and advancements in the science of mind and brain have the potential to transform language teaching methods. The joint JALT Nankyu Chapter and the JALT Mind, Brain, and Education Special Interest Group (BRAIN SIG) conference aims to examine how the latest research on the mind and brain can be practically applied in educational contexts. We invite proposals from both members and non-members of the BRAIN SIG to make this conference informative and inspiring. Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how mind, brain, and education intersect, and how this multidisciplinary approach can enhance language teaching practices.

As with SUTLF 2023, this conference will offer opportunities for both in-person and online presentations, as well as dual-purpose rooms in which live speakers can be streamed to online attendees. Please be sure to mark yourself as attending either online or in person when you register.

Registration will open on January 1st. Tickets are 3000 yen (3500 for non-members) and free for students. Lunch and networking tickets will also be available.

January 25th, 2024, 12:10-13:00

Kochi University, Asakura Campus,
Room 334 (on the third floor of Building 3) 

The JALT East Shikoku Chapter is now accepting proposals for short talks presenting an idea for ELT classroom practice. The MyShare format will combine short and punchy presentations* with follow-up questions and discussion. Participants may bring their lunch to enjoy during the session.

*Presentation length will be decided based on the number of submissions. Expected length is 5-10 minutes.

The deadline for submissions is January 12th, 2025.
Fees

1. Any JALT member may attend the event free of charge.

2. There is no presentation fee for JALT members with accepted proposals.

3. Non-JALT members may attend for free but there is a presentation fee of 1000 yen for accepted proposals from all non-members.

4. Co-presenter submissions are welcomed but the main speaker shall be responsible for any payment of presentation fees for non-member co-presenters.

(UPDATED POST)

Our final schedule is all set now!  We have a full day of presenters with exciting and innovative research topics.

Please check out the photo and our registration page.

Of course, let us know if you have any questions a jalt.td.sig@gmail.com

TD SIG Coordinator,

Jon Thomas

(Previous post from December follows below)

One of Teacher Development SIG's first self-hosted face-to-face events in years will be held on February 17th, 2024 at Hakodate University!

We are accepting proposals from JALT and non-JALT members who are interested in presenting about the topics listed below:

• Track 1: Curriculum Reform & Professional Development
• Track 2: Activating Learning & Educational Technology
• Track 3: English for Specific Purposes

Other topics will be considered depending on the presentation theme. Presenters will be able to choose between a 25-minute presentation, 45-minute presentation (including workshop format), or a poster presentation.

Submit your proposal through this link: https://forms.gle/PfzjxShDVhTET2YFA

The proposal deadline is January 7, 2024.

Attention all Eikaiwa Teachers! Come join the winter edition of the Eikaiwa Forum. As usual, everything will be online and free. Teachers and professionals from the Eikaiwa industry can share their experiences, discuss teaching techniques, network with other educators, and overall just broaden thier horizons. 

This winter's speakers are: 

Camilo Villanueva will be giving a presentation on Creative Writing and Literature in the Language Learning Classroom. 

Camilo is an EFL Lecturer at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. He has an MFA in Fiction Writing from Concordia University, St. Paul, and a BA in Anthropology from Emory University and is currently a doctoral student in English literature and pedagogy at Murray State University. He researches using creative writing and literature in the EFL classroom.

Samia Haseeb Khan will be giving a presentation on Fun and Interactive Games.

Samia was raised in Oman and India. She has been instructing learners of all ages and skill levels for over fourteen years, having established her base in Kansai, and has been juggling personal research with translation efforts lately. 

At "world famous" local backpackers/cafe KAMP!

Presenters contribute short, visually oriented presentations for 6 to 8 minutes on a topic important to them: research, philosophy of teaching, etc. (Hopefully your presentation will relate somehow to Japan, Okayama, and/or language teaching/learning, but it's not a strict requirement.) Q&A after each presentation, the length of which depends on how many presenters we have overall.

After this event we will have our annual year-end gathering at a local eatery-drinkery. Details TBA.

TBLT and ELF: Implications for materials design

Justin Harris, Kindai University

This talk will focus on how ELT materials design can effectively reflect core principles of Task Based Language Teaching (TBLT) and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). It will begin with discussion on the basics of TBLT and ELF, providing clear, practical examples from classroom tested tasks that focus on both. In addition, there will be reference to challenges that teachers can expect when trying to implement these approaches in their classrooms, and how to overcome them. Although the talk will be grounded in theory, the main focus will be on practice. There will be also be time for audience contributions and discussions.

Projects: Utilizing Interviews & Storytelling

Alexandra Sebastiano, Seishin University & Okayama University

This short presentation will focus on an end of the year project that Tom Fast and I collaborated on, at Notre Dame Seishin University with our first year students. The theme of the project was based on storytelling and interviews. Students planned and conducted an interview with a family member using the skills they learned in class. Classwork was supported by using various online resources: Storycorp, CapCut, and Flip.

Study Abroad and International Fieldwork

Tony Walsh, Fukuchiyama University, Kyoto

This presentation provides insights into two pilot courses involving students studying abroad in Australia (university students) and Canada (junior high school students). We discuss homestay and dormitory living, along with before/after reflections of students. We will also focus on hits and misses in making courses preparing students for study abroad. Finally, we look at an international fieldwork course. Students learn about multiculturalism, how to celebrate diversity, and how to address sensitive issues through exchange practices with institutions and industries. This experience can encourage social consciousness and leadership. Conceptualising foreign issues can help open perspectives not only internationally but in rural communities of Japan.

Equal and Inclusive Learning Opportunities for Linguistic and Ethnic Minority Children Through Mother Tongue Based Education and Heritage Language Education

Nyein Su Hlaing, Okayama University postgraduate researcher

For multicultural societies, securing equal opportunities and rights for all groups is a challenge. My country, Myanmar, is rich in ethnic diversity, but there is a lack of equal rights, especially in education. One great need for equal educational opportunities is to eliminate language barriers. Heritage language education (HLE) and mother-tongue based education (MTB) are key factors in meeting this need. My presentation will discuss the importance of HLE and MTB, not only in Myanmar but in other countries as well, including Japan. It is hoped that this study will raise awareness of minorities’ languages and their unique cultures and, additionally, will lead to establishing equal learning atmospheres that can ensure cultivation of qualified human resources.

TELL (Tokyo English Lifeline): Providing Mental Health Support to Japan's International Community

Arnold Arao, TELL Volunteer Coordinator

TELL (Tokyo English Lifeline) is a not-for-profit organization providing mental health services to the international community in Japan, specifically addressing the country’s growing mental health care needs. TELL's main service is a free, confidential crisis line where individuals can talk freely to trained volunteers about the struggles they are experiencing (anxiety, depression, abuse, discrimination, etc.) and receive support and information about resources that are available in their area. Arnold will talk about TELL's services and the mental health needs of the international community in Japan.

Meeting Challenges of Learner Diversity with Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Heather Suzuki, Fukuyama University

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an instructional framework developed around the principle that there is no such thing as the average learner and that diverse learning needs can be met through multiple means of representation, engagement, and action and expression. The framework can work as a checklist providing both practical strategies and suggestions for improving accessibility to learning. This presentation will introduce UDL and show how it was used when designing, delivering, and reflecting on lessons for classes with diverse learning needs.