The educational landscape of Japanese higher education is changing to meet the demands of increasing globalization. In terms of English language education, there has been a surge of cross-border education programs (e.g. study aboard) and a demand for English for academic and specific purposes. The acceleration of globalization also has ramifications at other levels of the English educational scene in Japan as exemplified by new initiatives in foreign language education at the primary level. Such changes have had a great impact on the conditions of English learning and teaching. For example, clear learning outcomes specifying communicative competence are strongly advocated, leading to curriculum reforms that promote a ‘teaching English in English’ policy in the secondary school context and EMI (English medium instruction) at the tertiary level. However, these changes have also raised numerous issues, ranging from the need for coherent English curricula from the primary to the tertiary levels, assessment of language programs, pedagogy options to teacher training, and professional development.
The theme of the 57th JACET International Convention (Sendai, 2018) in Tohoku will examine how quality learning outcomes in English education can be ‘assured’ at all levels. We will explore how classroom practitioners, curriculum and materials designers, program administrators, policy makers, researchers, and academics can pursue or engage in activities to ensure that quality learning outcomes are achieved in educational programs. In this regard, it will be important for participants to discuss both ways to define quality learning outcomes and ways to measure learning achievement. We will not be looking for a single comprehensive solution but rather wish to identify and delineate the challenges at stake in promoting the achievement of quality learning outcomes in language education in our knowledge-based, globalized society. Valuing and respecting diversity, we invite all interested educators from around the world to come and join the discussion.
