Development and Globalization in Japanese Education ( online via Zoom)

The Kyoto Chapter of JALT, in collaboration with the Gifu Chapter of JALT, the Kobe Chapter of JALT, and the Global Issues in Language Education Special Interest Group of JALT present their 3rd annual event on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) issues in ELT on January 29th, 2023. The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s (MEXT) policy is pushing many educators in Japan towards a more “globalized” or “diverse” education system. This goal is important but many of us have unclear definitions as to what this means and how it will affect them in their roles in their respective fields.

This event is free to those who register using the form below. Dinner in Kyoto to follow for those who are interested.

Register here.

Shifting Paradigm: Integrating Asset-based Culturally Responsive Pedagogical Principles in Teaching and Learning

Dr. Yilin Sun

With significant changes in the global society and the ELT field mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other societal and global issues, ELT educators can no longer do business as usual. Such changes and challenges have put ELT educators working in unprecedented times, dealing with the increasing gaps of access and equity to quality education especially for students from remote areas and from historically under-served student population, and the pressing needs to help students cope with the pandemic disruptions and fight against Coronavirus exhaustion. The speaker, who has extensive teaching, research and teacher education experience in ESL and EFL settings, will focus on the following questions: What educators can do to prepare ourselves to shift the paradigm in the in the new learning environment? How can ELT educators integrate asset-based pedagogical principles in teaching to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students? The speaker will engage participants in exploring these questions and challenge the conventional ways of teaching English learners in Japan.

Biography: Dr. Yilin Sun emeritus professor, former president of TESOL International Association (2014-15) and the founding president of MAAL (Macau Assn. for Applied Linguistics). She has extensive experience in teacher education, leadership, assessment, adult education, and professional development. In 2021, The English Language Specialist Program of U.S. Department of State recognized Dr. Sun as one of thirty specialists who have made a lasting impact on the TESOL field since 1991. Over the years, Dr Sun has given numerous keynote/plenary and featured presentations at international professional conferences.

Globalization in English language education: To what extent is globalization addressed in Japanese EFL textbooks?

Dr. Yuko Igarashi, Ritsumeikan University

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan has established some language education policies to respond to globalization. While these policies have been established, it was not clear to what extent globalization was addressed in current English language education. One way to determine this is to examine English textbooks approved by MEXT; the use of these textbooks is required at schools from elementary to senior high, so that MEXT can ensure the implementation of its curriculum.

In this short talk, I will present some of MEXT’s language education policies to provide a background of the current curriculum for Japan’s English language education. One of the newer policies is to create global jinzai who communicate successfully with diverse English speakers. In response to this, I will introduce my quantitative study results about how globalization is addressed in senior high school English textbooks, demonstrating the use of readings by culture type and the depiction of English use by native and non-native speakers. Given this data, I will then share my views on how MEXT can better prepare learners for establishing a successful communication in English in our global society.

Biography: Yuko Igarashi is a Professor in the College of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto where she teaches English to Japanese students and international students in content-based courses. Yuko received her PhD in Linguistics from the University of Victoria, Canada with her focus on the interaction between language policy/planning and language education. Her current research interests include English language education to prepare learners for establishing a successful intercultural communication and critical approaches to language learning and use.