Teaching Younger Learners event: Towards Accessible Education for All

Abstracts:

Jennifer Yphantides:
This presentation is for teachers who are interested in learning more about autism from a parent perspective. The presenter will discuss the first symptoms of autism in small children and give specific examples from her own experience. She will also discuss the diagnostic process, supports that are available in the community, and the experience of advocating for services within the school system. Useful, concrete tips will be given to teachers in order to better support these students inside and outside the EFL classroom and to liaise with their parents.

Alexandra Burke:
This presentation will introduce practical ways of supporting neurodiverse learners in the classroom. Participants will learn about adjusting the physical aspects of a learning environment, using strategies to support learners’ working memories, and turning unexpected responses into positive learning encounters. Lastly, the presenter will discuss the Reading Barrier-Free Act of 2019 as well as the long-term outcomes of inclusive teaching.

Bios:

Jennifer Yphantides has been teaching English for 29 years. She has worked in North America, Europe, The Middle East and Asia. She is a tenured associate professor at Soka University in Tokyo, Japan. Her research interests include Diversity and Inclusion in the Foreign Language Classroom, and Women and Minorities in TESOL. She has degrees from McGill University in Canada and from Kings College, London. She also had an MA in TESOL from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University in Boston.  

Alexandra Burke has taught (and been a parent) at all levels of the Japanese public school system and currently teaches at university. She has won three Michelle Steele Best of JALT Chapter awards and 2 Best Poster awards at JALT International Conferences on the topic of inclusive teaching methods. She loves listening to audiobooks while gardening and how the camera lens brings the lives of family and friends around the world together.