My Share and Book Swap

Date and Time: 4/10/2016 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Matt Keighley, Mark Makino, Shizuno Seki, Akane Unno

Abstract: Presenters will speak on a variety of interesting and useful topics for teachers, including digitizing assignments, explicit and implicit teaching methods, and 5-minute speaking activities. We also have a book table set up where you can leave textbooks, novels, or other books (English, Japanese, or other languages) you don’t need. You also can look through the books on the table and take what you think will be useful or interesting.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free One-day members: 1000 yen

Special Saturday Event: Developing Content-Based Learning With Reading Circles

Date and Time: 3/12/2016 Saturday 19:00 - 21:00

Speakers: Wendy M. Gough

Bio: Wendy has been teaching at the college and university level in Japan for over ten years. Her teaching focus has primarily been on English for specific purposes (ESP) and her research interests include creating autonomous environments in reading and writing classrooms. At Tokai university, Wendy helps coordinate the Active Tokai Local Ambassadors (ATLAS) English group, which does community outreach projects to support the English needs of the Shimizu community. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education and plans to focus her dissertation research on ESP and ATLAS club activities.

Abstract: In content-based instruction materials and activities are selected and adapted to suit student needs while giving them hands on experience with authentic language input. One method of introducing content to university students studying English is through reading circles. Reading circles are peer-led groups in which students read the same topic and share their interpretations of it. They provide an opportunity to introduce content and promote autonomous learning while developing a wide range of linguistic skills and stimulating the transference of knowledge between the students’ L1 and L2. This presentation will discuss an action research project investigating the use of reading circles to introduce content in an intermediate level reading class at a marine sciences and technology university. The circles were scaffolded in a three-step format over the course of a semester. In the beginning the teacher prepared materials to introduce reading skills such as skimming and scanning, finding meaning from context, and vocabulary acquisition strategies. Next student groups were given readings and created reading activities to share with the other groups. Finally, the student groups chose their own readings from science and news websites and prepared materials to teach to their classmates. The topics were all self-selected by the students who chose readings based on aspects of science that they were interested in. End of term surveys showed the students enjoyed the autonomy of choosing and teaching the topics to their classmates. They also gained confidence in their reading skills.

Location: NOT KYOUIKU KAIKAN, but B-Nest, Small Meeting Room 1 (7th floor), across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members, students, and first-timers free; One-day members 1000 yen

Structured Speaking Activities for the Language Classroom 

Date and Time: 2/14/2016 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Roehl Sybing

Bio: Roehl Sybing is an Associate Instructor at Nanzan Junior College in Nagoya, Japan. He has taught English as a foreign language in Japan and the United States since 2004. His current research interests include culture in language education and critical thinking in language acquisition.

Abstract: This workshop will focus on oral communication classroom activities for language learners who depend on structure and scaffolding, even in fluency-building classroom situations. While it is the goal of language educators to create an environment that allows free and open expression of ideas in the target language, it is equally important that students are provided with classroom tasks that act upon the knowledge that they bring into the classroom. The first half of the workshop will detail classroom activities that focus on speeches and presentations, while the second half will focus on discussion activities. These activities will be suitable for all language learners in contexts ranging from junior high school to university.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members, students, and first-timers free; One-day members 1000 yen

The Student-Led Classroom

Date and Time: 12/13/2015 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Sue Sullivan

Bio: Susan Laura Sullivan teaches English at Tokai University, Shimizu. She holds a Master of Creative Arts and a Master of TESOL, and co-founded the Toyohashi Writers’ Group. Originally from Australia, s he maintains a keen interest in the ways that personal interaction with materials can lead to learner autonomy and lifelong learning.

Abstract: Ever yawned your way through presentation day? I bet you’re not the only one. How about the rest of the class? Heads on desks? Eyes shut? Not listening because they’ve had their turn? Presentations have their place in current EFL/EMI classes, but unless carefully structured, there is a danger of only a small number of students expressing themselves, and interacting with the topic and/or language for short periods of time. An alternative is the student-led class. Students are instructed to engage their classmates with the topic of the week. The model follows the idea of 20% student-teacher talk, 80% student-participant talk. Throw in rostered group summary leaders, required to lead small groups in discussion, and a form of the flipped classroom, and you’ll find students asking one another the questions you were too scared to, and often delving into topics at a deeper level than anticipated.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members free; One-day members 1000 yen

Connecting the Classroom to Daily Life: The 30-day Challenge

Date and Time: 10/11/2015 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Rob McLaughlin

Bio: Robert McLaughlin is an lecturer in the faculty of foreign languages at Tokoha University, Shizuoka. He has been teaching in Japan for over  20 years and was previously high school teacher in Canada. He holds an M.ed in TESL and has presented at numerous conferences, and has published several articles on technology and TESL, methodology and motivation. Robert was formerly Vice-President of ACTJ (Association of Canadian Teachers in Japan) and keeps strong ties in the Canadian expatriate community. 

Abstract: How can language learning in the classroom be developed and applied easily outside of the classroom? How can students apply the learning that occurs in the class to their busy, daily lives? Do your students often appear to have little to talk about or are hesitant to discuss aspects of their lives with their peers? This presentation will demonstrate how the popular "30-day Challenge" can be effectively adapted to the language classroom through the creation of genuine and meaningful communication and with improvements in motivation. The presenter will give an overview on the procedure and results of a three-lesson unit for a university level oral communication class, and will provide focus on the motivational aspects of the material. More specifically, the presentation will include the application of current and authentic media ( a Ted Talks presentation) that is both accessible, through internet and applications available for smartphones and tablet computers, and directly relevant to students' daily lives. Drawing on a survey by Dornyei and Csizer (1998), the presentation will connect the material and procedure to ten of the 51 motivational strategies as outlined by the researchers. The presenter will further relate the material to writers on EFL instruction (Ellis, 2008; Richards and Rogers, 2001) who advocate more student autonomy, small group work, and the development of cognitive processes.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members free; One-day members 1000 yen

Inspire or perspire? Getting students speaking / Here we are now, motivate us

Date and Time: 9/13/2015 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Andy Boon

Bio: Andy Boon is an associate professor in the faculty of humanities at Toyo Gakuen University, Tokyo. He has been teaching in Japan for over 17 years. He holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Aston University. He has been an active member of JALT since 2004, has presented at numerous conferences, and has published several articles on teacher development, motivation, and methodology. He is also co-author of Inspire; a 3-level listening and speaking coursebook (Cengage Learning, 2013-14).

Abstract: The first presentation will introduce the audience to a number of strategies that can help break the silence in the Japanese classroom and get students engaging in meaningful communication. Audience members will be asked to try out a number of tried and tested speaking activities and also be encouraged to share their ideas for getting students talking to one another in the L2. Inspire is a listening and speaking course with additional content reading designed to create a richer speaking experience. The spectacular National Geographic photos and video provide enduring images that inspire learners to discover the world in all its brilliance. The second presentation will deal with motivation. You walk into the classroom. The students are at the back chatting with friends, sitting in silence, checking their phones, or resting their heads on the desks. Then, suddenly, the bell sounds. It is the start of the class. How do we as teachers change the classroom dynamic to one where learning can take place for all concerned? How do we create an environment and experience that will spark our students' natural curiosity and eagerness to develop? Once in action, how can we help nurture and sustain their interest throughout the lesson when learner motivation is constantly at threat. This presentation will provide an overview of Dörnyei's motivational teaching practice model (2001), describe its practical application in the L2 classroom, and explore strategies for generating, maintaining and protecting student motivation. The audience will be invited to share their own experiences of and suggestions for stimulating teen spirit.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members free; One-day members 1000 yen

Summer Barbecue and Party - CANCELLED due to weather

Date and Time: 8/30/2015

Location: Stay home!

Fees: Free, because it's cancelled.

The Current Practice of Rogerian-Humanistic Approach in English Language Teaching

Date and Time: 6/14/2015 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Professor Takashi Miura

Bio:

Abstract: (1)This presentation aims at introducing and demonstrating the present application of Rogerian-Humanistic Language Teaching in Japan, for helping learners become able to better communicate with people, including their self, their classmates and teachers, so that they can conciliate with their invaluable though not perfect self, convey the self to others peacefully, receive the others’ self with respect and empathy, accept differences and even conflicts between the selves, resolute those differences and collaborate for nobler causes, and practice language not violence throughout these processes, both in their native language and English. (2) This presentation also aims at clarifying how we can motivate young EFL learners to take up the often tedious and painstaking task of practicing English in a country where virtually little English is really used in their daily life outside the classroom. It is only when students feel the class can satisfy their need for ego enhancement and lead to self-actualization that they get strongly motivated to learn. (3) This approach is based on the educational language teaching theories of Carl Rogers, Ron White, Sandra Savignon, etc, It employs no preaching on any doctrine, nor favors any materials with ideological messages. It places the primary aim at developing students’ English language abilities. It is through the neutral classroom procedures and activities that this approach nourishes students’ human nature, particularly their intra- and inter-personal communication abilities. Providing processes for genuine meaningful communication among the participants of the classroom is the core of this approach. (4) This presentation focuses on demonstrating some real classroom procedures and activities of classroom activities based on Rogerian-Humanistic approach that have been successfully practiced in English classes in junior-senior high schools and colleges in Japan, China, USA and others.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free One-day members: 1000 yen

My Share and Book Swap

Date and Time: 4/12/2015 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Daichi Tanabe, Akane Unno, Jane Joritz-Nakagawa and Mayumi Shimizu

Abstract: We also have a book table set up where you can leave textbooks, novels, or other books (English, Japanese, or other languages) you don’t need. You also can look through the books on the table and take what you think will be useful or interesting.]]>

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free One-day members: 1000 yen

Multi-path stories in the language classroom

Date and Time: 2/22/2015 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Marcos Benevides

Bio: Marcos Benevides is is an assistant professor at J. F. Oberlin University, as well as an international award winning author and a series editor. He co-authored Widgets: A task-based course in practical English (Pearson) and Fiction in Action: Whodunit (Abax), and is the series editor of Choose Your Own Adventure graded readers (McGraw-Hill Education) and the new Atama-ii series (Atama-ii Books).

Abstract: In multi-path stories, you—the reader—are the hero, making decisions at various points in the narrative to arrive at one of several possible endings. The format was first popularised in the 80’s and 90’s by series such as Choose Your Own Adventure. Since that time, multi-path stories have become particularly successful at engaging otherwise reluctant readers. In this session, the speaker will present a variety of practical ways to use multi-path graded readers in ELT classes, including: as part of an extensive reading program, as the focus of reading and discussion tasks, and for other expansion tasks. This presentation will be of use for teachers of all levels from upper elementary to university, who teach classes of any size. The first 30 participants will receive a free print copy of an Atama-ii Books graded reader.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free One-day members: Free!

Conference Reports and End-of-year Party

Date and Time: 12/14/2014 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Martha Robertson, Mark Makino, Wendy Gough, Mayumi Shimizu

Abstract: Following the national conference, we will be having conference reports by several members. After this, we will be having our annual end-of-the-year dinner party!

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free One-day members: 1,000 yen

Using TED.com to promote learner autonomy and critical thinking in EFL university classrooms

Date and Time: 10/12/2014 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Floyd H. Graham III and Anthony Lavigne

Abstract: MEXT is calling for educators in Japan to cultivate critical thinking skills to help foster “solid academic abilities” in their students. In university classrooms, encouraging this proficiency assists students in analyzing and understanding the vast amounts of information readily available at their fingertips. Furthermore, to better prepare them to be global citizens and participate in dialogues with worldwide interlocutors, issues of both personal and international concern need to be addressed. How can university language teachers accomplish this while also exposing them to the variety of world Englishes likely to be encountered in their explorations and endeavors? TED.com—a free website featuring regularly updated talks from a diverse assemblage of speakers addressing issues ranging from business to the environment, war, human rights, innovation, and more—is an ideal content medium to achieve this. Scaffolding is provided in the form of transcripts and subtitles, further encouraging student autonomy, and TED talks expose students to a wider global-English narrative. The presenters will demonstrate different teacher-guided, student-centered activities which can be utilized with the website to push communicative and critical thinking skills to the next level. In addition, sample handouts will outline how best to encourage students to act as liaisons between TED and their peers. Participants leave with concrete examples to promote student autonomy and critical analysis of information, inspire candid conversations, and expose pupils to a variety of world Englishes, equipping aspiring minds with the necessary tools for a lifelong journey of learning and discovery.

Bio: Floyd H. Graham III received his MA in Second Language Studies from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. He has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka for the last eight years. He has given several international presentations on the topics of blended learning and using TED in the classroom. He is also the co-creator of a regular campus event, TED Evening Seminars, which helps bring together local and international students to have meaningful cross-cultural discussions. His research interests include identity, bilingualism, content-based instruction, and critical pedagogy. He enjoys snowboarding, surfing, and traveling in his free time. fgraham@kansaigaidai.ac.jp Anthony Lavigne has taught for several years at the university level in Japan and Korea. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka. He has given a number of international presentations and workshops on the topics of blended learning and using TED in the classroom. He is on the board of directors in an environmental responsibility group through TESOL, and is currently in the process of launching a TESOL teacher training center in Kyoto through SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont. Among his research interests are bilingualism, environmentalism, and child psychology. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, snowboarding, and camping. alavigne@kansaigaidai.ac.jp

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free One-day members: 1,000 yen

Notes: We will hold our annual officer election at the meeting and have an early dinner following the presentation.

Beyond the Textbook Pechakucha

Date and Time: 9/14/2014 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Speakers: Martha Roberts, Wendy Gough, Masahiko Goshi, Mark Makino, Kazumi Kato

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free One-day members: 1,000 yen

L2 Listening Instruction: Current trends and future directions

Date and Time: 6/8/2014 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Speakers: Joseph Siegel (Assistant Professor at Oberlin University)

Abstract: One challenge many language teachers face is how best to teach listening in an English as a foreign language (EFL) context. Research has shown that people listen more often than they use any other language skill (Nunan, 1998; Flowerdew and Miller, 2005). Despite the crucial role of listening in everyday and academic life, it is often overlooked in many EFL classrooms. Reasons for this lack of attention may be due to insufficient teacher education about listening or a shortage of practical user-friendly techniques and activities for listening instruction (e.g., Santos, Graham and Vanderplank, 2011). During this two-part session, listening instruction will be addressed in different ways: looking at current trends and developing personal pedagogies. First, in order to provide an overview of pedagogic options for listening, findings from a study on listening instruction in Japanese university EFL courses will be shared. These findings include pedagogic patterns and teaching trends based on data from 30 listening classes. Do teachers continue to rely on traditional approaches to listening that involve multiple choice and cloze exercises? Do they closely follow textbook activities? Do they offer any of their listening experiences or advice to their students? Have new pedagogic techniques like attention to decoding (Field, 2008) or a metacognitive teaching cycle (Vandergrift and Goh, 2012) transferred from the literature to the L2 classroom? Collaborative examination of the data will help teachers identify pedagogic patterns and areas for improvement in their own EFL classroom listening practices. The second part of the session will be workshop-style and will involve attendees working in groups to plan listening lessons based on short audio clips. Attendees will be invited to incorporate teaching methods discussed earlier and to apply their own original ideas for listening instruction. After participants work collaboratively to plan their listening lessons, we will share ideas to learn how various teachers might construct different activities based on the same audio material. Furthermore, teaching techniques will be demonstrated which can be applied to any listening text, including textbook and authentic materials. Teachers will gain practical ideas for the teaching of listening from a variety of approaches, such as “meaning building” and “decoding” (Field, 2008). These techniques will be accessible to all teachers at any level of EFL education, ensuring that all attendees have some take-away from the session, both research-based and practically-oriented.

Bio: Joseph Siegel has taught for several years at the university level in Japan. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages at J.F. Oberlin University in Tokyo. He has given a number of international presentations and workshops on the topics of L2 listening pedagogy and strategy instruction. He is currently a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics at Aston University (UK), where his research focuses on implementation of L2 listening strategy instruction at the university level. Among his research interests are theories of listening, classroom interaction, and action research. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, movies, and distance running. siegel@obirin.ac.jp

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Let’s talk about motivation: Theory, practice and emotional impact

Date and Time: 4/13/2014 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Keiko Sakui (Associate Professor at Kobe Shoin Women’s University) Neil Cowie (an English teacher in the Language Education Centre of Okayama University)

Abstract: Motivation is an extensively studied construct and it is not an understatement to claim that it is one of the most important factors for successful language learning outcomes. Earlier studies on motivation were often presented in terms of dichotomies such as integral vs instrumental or intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation. Recent studies, however, have expanded in scope to look at this construct from many viewpoints. One such trend of particular importance to language teachers is that of motivation from teachers’ perspectives. This explores how teachers theorize motivation, how they observe student motivation in classroom settings, and how they try to (or not) enhance learner motivation. The presenters will first introduce research that we have carried out on this topic. These studies adopted auto-ethnography and narrative as research frameworks so that motivation could be examined in a personally, emotionally and situationally sensitive manner. We will touch on such issues as identity and self-theories which are increasingly being discussed in recent studies on motivation. We will then ask the audience to reflect on how they theorize and try (or not) to change learner motivation. There will be ample opportunities for the audience to discuss and share their thoughts with others so that, hopefully, we can collaboratively gain a deeper understanding of this important topic.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Critical Thinking Skills for Student Success

Date and Time: 9/2/2014 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Robert Peacock (Oxford University Press)

Abstract: In this session we will be looking at the skills which students need for successful academic study in both communication and academic skills classes. Through practical classroom activities we will explore some ways of bringing the topics to life, teaching English all in English, learning essential vocabulary and engaging students’ critical thinking skills. We will spend the first half focusing on activities for teaching listening and speaking skills and, after a short break, look at how a similar approach can be applied to reading and writing skills classes.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: Free

Notes: This event is FREE for one-day members. Our thanks to Oxford University Press.

Researching Ethically

Date and Time: 12/8/2013 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Dr. Robert Croker

Abstract: While research can be fascinating and energizing, it can also be time-consuming and challenging. It’s tempting to focus on concrete issues such as writing strong research question(s), finding appropriate participants, and creating good quality data, and easy to overlook some of the less immediate, rather thorny issues such as how and how much we should inform potential participants about our research topic, how we can obtain and maintain their consent to participate, and how to make sure that they will not be harmed by participating in our study. Beyond the immediate participants in a study, we also have obligations to represent past researchers’ work honestly and ethically, and to future researchers to represent our own work fully and frankly. This workshop will examine these crucial ethical issues both in a practical manner – by illustrating ways to obtain and renew consent, for example – and also in a more reflective, exploratory manner – by considering the broader obligations we have to our research participants and co-researchers. This workshop will help prepare you to do more ethically sensitive research in the future.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

RBW Activities for Future Global Jinzai

Date and Time: 10/13/2013 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Emiko Mizunuma, Ph.D.: Director, Undergraduate Bridge Program, Academic English Program. David Harrison: Senior Instructor, Undergraduate Bridge Program, Academic English Program

Abstract: Japanese universities emphasize the importance of internationalizing the campus and developing students’ oral communication (=speaking) skills. English classes are expected to play the role of the gateway to the world and educate students to become Global Jinzai (global human resources). Global Jinzai are those who are globally competitive, successful and in demand. Communication skills in English are required, but more importantly, they should be able to work comfortably with educated people by collaborating and solving problems together. Teaching speaking is not enough to create global jinzai. As an American university located in Japan, our student bodies are comprised of many nationalities including Japanese as the majority. Our job is to prepare all those students to become academically competent (for their undergraduate study) and globally competitive (for their university life and future career). Unfortunately, we are given only several months to achieve the goal. In order to help students be able to speak and write as native English speakers in a short period of time, we often use reading-based writing (RBW) activities. We have found that RBW activities help develop students’ critical and logical thinking skills, and written and spoken communication skills simultaneously. This presentation will introduce the reading-based writing activities we use in the ESL programs of TUJ. The presenters will be a program director/curriculum designer (Japanese), and an instructor (a native English speaker) of the ESL programs. The presentation will start with description of the general structure and goals of our ESL programs—Bridge Program and Academic English Program—and then demonstrate the reading-based writing activities we use. The presenters will provide two different demonstrations using similar activities: one for intermediate-level students and the other for beginner-level students. Audience will be invited to participate in the demonstrations as students.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Instant Messenger Cooperative Development: Journeys of Discovery

Date and Time: 9/22/2013 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Andy Boon

Bio: Andrew Boon is an associate professor in the faculty of humanities at Toyo Gakuen University. He has been teaching in Japan for over 15 years and is currently an Aston University PhD student. His research focuses on learner support and discovery in non-judgmental environments. He has been an active member of JALT since 2004, has presented at numerous conferences, and has published articles on teacher development, motivation, and methodology. He is also a materials writer and is currently working on a new coursebook, Discover the News with David Harrington (Language Solutions, 2013).

Abstract: When conducting research by ourselves, it may be easy to become lost, take a wrong turn and be uncertain of how best to proceed with our individual projects. And yet, if provided with opportunities to articulate our jumbled thoughts and thus give them shape, clarity, and meaning in a supportive and non-judgmental environment to a fellow peer who is willing to listen and understand them, we may begin to see things more clearly, discover new perspectives on our research, and find a direction forward. This presentation will describe how a number of participants have made use of IMCD, an online tool which utilizes the Skype text chat function and CD framework for professional development (Edge, 2002). It will describe the textual journeys these participants have made in IMCD sessions to reach a “eureka” moment which then helps them to decide on possible next steps. Finally, the audience will be encouraged to embark on their own journeys of discovery.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Creating a Lifelong Language Learning Community

Date and Time: 6/23/2013 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Kevin Cleary

Bio: Kevin Cleary has been teaching in Japan since 1991, and is now associate professor at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, where he works in the International Exchange Center, supporting graduate students and TMDU’s overseas outreach efforts. Cleary has written 14 textbooks, including Adventures Abroad (MLH), Science in Focus (Seibido), Science for Everyone (Kinseido), and Science Fair (Nan'un Do). Since 1997 he has been teaching "English Through Cinema" to adult learners, many of whom have taken the course for more than 10 years. Students in this class discuss the source novel as well as its cinematic adaptation. Cleary currently serves as the President of JALT, lives in Kamakura, and can be reached at cleary. isc @tmd .ac .jp

Abstract: The presenter will report on a self-perpetuating "English Through Cinema" class he has been teaching since 1997 to adult learners. Teachers will be given the tools to create their own communities of lifelong language learners, including materials selection and strategies for attracting and retaining students. JALT President Kevin Cleary is looking forward to hearing your questions, concerns, and suggestions regarding JALT at a Q and A session at the 23 June Shizuoka Chapter meeting.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Cooperative learning for everyone

Date and Time: 4/28/2013 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Jane Nakagawa

Bio: Jane has been teaching in Japan since 1989, most recently at Aichi University of Education as associate professor where she integrated cooperative learning activities into content courses such as American History; Gender and Society; American, British and Comparative Poetry; Pedagogical Methods for Language Teachers in Training; and required EFL courses. Her research areas are cooperative learning, learning styles, content- and task-based learner- centered pedagogy, gender studies, and poetry. She is the Publications Board Chair of the Global Issues in Language Education SIG and the Publicity Chair of the Literature in Language Teaching SIG. She currently lives in Shizuoka city.

Abstract: Cooperative learning activities can be used with any age and level of learner. Research shows that cooperative learning can increase learner motivation and lead to deeper levels of learning (more memorable learning / better retention for the learners). Jane Nakagawa will briefly explain the essential components of cooperative learning. Subsequently participants in this workshop/discussion will explore ways of using cooperative learning in their classrooms. Cooperative learning techniques will be demonstrated and classroom materials shared. Participants will be encouraged to brainstorm their own techniques and adapt materials to fit their specific learners.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Extending your reach with Moodle materials

Date and Time: 2/24/2013 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: David White (Cengage)

Abstract: As a CMS/LMS, Moodle has a proven track record for being flexible, time-saving and efficient for monitoring students' progress. Moodle has been successfully implemented at a number of institutions in Japan and, by blending print and digital materials, students and instructors alike have benefited by an extended "teaching reach" through this learning environment. Creating content for Moodle that complements and expands core texts, however, can be an extensive workload for which teachers may not have time or patience. What if such content was already created and available for use in your classes? The presenter will introduce a project Cengage Learning is developing to provide complimentary Moodle content that can be offered to institutions and accessed across different platforms including tablets and smartphones.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: Free for everyone!

ASC Brain Science and Materials Design

Date and Time: 12/9/2012 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Curtis Kelly

Abstract: Part 1: Brain Plasticity and Learning: The Role of Emotion, Cognition and Movement We learn because the brain is plastic. It is not hard-wired as was long believed, and we are now learning how the reward system affects plasticity and learning, including the super-learning we call addiction. Dopamine is essential for permanent learning, and the fact that the reward system connects the cognitive, emotional, memory, and movement parts of our brains give us clues as to what we need to do in the language classroom. Part 2: Using Brain Science in Lesson Planning How can we use neuroscience to improve language teaching? How can we design materials that are brain-compatible? The presenter will show how he used concepts from brain science to make activities in Active Skills For Communication brain friendly, and ask participants to design their own.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Notes: There will be an end-of-year party after the presentation!

In My Life: Scrapbooking, Conversation Strategies, Body Language, and Presentations

Date and Time: 10/28/2012 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: David Kluge (sponsored by Macmillan LanguageHouse)

Bio: David Kluge is a professor of English at Nanzan University. His interests include CALL, composition, materials development, and implementing oral interpretation, drama, and debate in the language classroom.

Abstract: Do our lessons present language in a way valuable to our students? Conversational textbooks use generic characters and situations that place our students’ experiences on the sidelines. This lack of student focus can be counterproductive when pursuing lesson aims. Scrapbooks engage students by allowing them to use their real life experiences for real content that is at the right interest level for the particular group of students. In this presentation we will explore effective ways of scrapbooking, presenting, and using body language to engage our students. Come along and enjoy the fun!

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: Free for everyone!

Project Based Learning

Date and Time: 10/11/2012 7:00pm-9:00pm - Special Lecture!

Speakers: John Eyles

Abstract: Projects International (PI) is a not for profit network of educators working to develop student's communicative / action competence to participate positively as citizens in a global society. It does this by working with schools, businesses and communities to integrate project work with English as a Foreign Language (EFL) curriculum. The goal is globally communicative students able to take individual and cooperative actions for an economically prosperous and environmentally sound future. The presentation looks at the PI philosophy and method of project based learning, reviews past projects and leads a discussion on how similar initiatives can be developed in classrooms throughout Japan. Links to resources will be provided.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

National Conference Preview

Date and Time: 9/23/2012 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Various presenters

Abstract: Get a sneak preview of some of the presentations that will be made by Shizuoka chapter members at the upcoming National Conference in October. The presentations will be followed by our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Officer Elections.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

EFL Teacher Journeys - 1-day mini conference

Date and Time: 6/24/2012 9:00am-5:00pm

Speakers: Various presenters

Abstract: Get a sneak preview of some of the presentations that will be made by Shizuoka chapter members at the upcoming National Conference in October. The presentations will be followed by our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Officer Elections.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Links: https://sites.google.com/site/teacherjourneys/home

Using questionnaires and student reflections to better understand your classroom

Date and Time: 4/22/2012 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Robert Croker

Bio: Robert Croker is a professor in the Faculty of Policy Studies at Nanzan University, and co-editor of Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics: A Practical Introduction (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009).

Abstract: We stand at the front of our classrooms looking at our students, hoping to understand what they are thinking about our thoughtfully chosen materials and our carefully created activities. Observing students in this way can help us build a picture of what they do, but it cannot really help us understand what they think or feel. As an alternative, occasional short questionnaires combined with short regular student reflections can provide a small but useful window into our students' minds and hearts. This workshop will illustrate how to create and use such questionnaires and student reflections in your classroom, to better understand your own teaching and your students' learning.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen

Thoughts on ELT Materials Development

Date and Time: 2/26/2012 2:00pm-4:00pm

Speakers: Marcos Benevides (J.F. Oberlin University)

Bio: Marcos co-authored Widgets: A task-based course in practical English (Pearson, 2008) and Fiction in Action: Whodunit (Abax, 2010). He is currently series editor for the upcoming Choose Your Own Adventure graded reader series (McGraw-Hill, 2012). He has received the Duke of Edinburgh English Book Award and the British Council International Award for Innovation, both for Whodunit. It was the first time that a coursebook written in Japan has won either award, and the second time in history that one book has won both. He currently lives in Tokyo and teaches at J.F. Oberlin University.

Abstract: Marcos will outline his how his experience as an ESL learner influenced his approach to teaching, and in turn how both continue to inform his work as a writer of ELT materials. This presentation will be of interest to most teachers at any level, but especially to those who want to explore some of the complex connections between learners, teachers, and coursebooks.

Location: 静岡県教育会館 Shizuoka ken Kyoiku kaikan, across from Cenova and Shin-Shizuoka station

Fees: JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: 1,000 yen