July 31st Fukui JALT Event: Narrative Inquiry of ALT Identity

This presentation introduces a study that explored, via narrative interviewing, the identities and their constructions of ALTs in the JET program. It is of critical importance to understand the complexities of ALT identity because how teachers view themselves as professionals, how they project themselves to others (e.g., students), and how others perceive them impact all aspects of their lives, including teacher development, interactions with colleagues, and pedagogical choices or classroom practices (Kayi-Aydar, 2019). The participants in the study were 22 former ALTs with diverse demographic variables who have experience living in various parts of Japan at different time periods. Findings revealed that ALT identity is comprised of two interconnected primary categories, foreigner identity and dabbler identity, as well as their accompanying sub-categories (e.g., sojourner identity and greenhorn identity). This presentation concludes with practical implications and empirical recommendations on teacher education and identity research.

JETプログラムは「語学指導等を行う外国青年招致事業」の略称で、1987年の開始以来75ヵ国から7万人以上の外国語指導助手（ALT）を招聘している。本発表は２２人にも及ぶ元ALTの参加者から集めた個人的ナラティブデータに基づき、ALTのアイデンティティの概念化を行っている。アイデンティティは個人の判断や決断を導き、願望や意欲も方向づけるため、言語教師の思考や行動、成長を理解する上で非常に重要な構成要素である。本発表では「外国人」、「素人」等といった複雑なALTのアイデンティティを明らかしつつ、実践的かつ現実的な提言が多々なされる。

Bio info / 平塚貴晶： Takaaki Hiratsuka is an associate professor at Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan, where he teaches a range of applied linguistics courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He currently supervises master’s and PhD students in related fields of language teacher education and narrative inquiry. His recent book publications include: Narrative inquiry into language teacher identity: ALTs in the JET program (2022, Routledge) and Team teachers in Japan: Beliefs, identities, and emotions (forthcoming, Routledge).

龍谷大学准教授。博士（応用言語学）。専門は第二言語教師教育で、特に英語科教授法や英語教師認知学をテーマに研究教育活動を行っている。著書に「Narrative inquiry into language teacher identity: ALTs in the JET program」(Routledge)、「Team teachers in Japan: Beliefs, identities, and emotions」(Routledge)など。

RSVP / 参加表明 We are asking for an RSVP from you if you plan to join this event. We are continuing to use COVID cautionary measures. The RSVP will also let the presenter know how to prepare. Send your RSVP to our Program Chair, Wayne Malcolm at: wamalcolmjalt2008@gmail.com by July 29th (Friday). 本イベントに参加される方は、RSVPをお願いしています。COVIDの注意事項を継続的に使用しています。また、RSVPは発表者に準備の仕方を知らせるものです。7月29日(金)までに、プログラム委員長のWayne Malcolm (wamalcolmjalt2008@gmail.com) まで、RSVPをお送りください。 COST: FREE FOR ALL JALT MEMBERS / 会員無料 500 yen for NON-JALT MEMBERS (Please pay at the Venue) / 非会員 500円 (会場にてお支払いください)