The "SHARP-Do" and "Book Buddies" projects: Two stories of grant-funded work by foreign language teachers

This presentation, will explore 2 Suruga Grant funded projects initiated by foreign language teachers. The first project, the Shizuoka Action Research and Professional Development Organization (SHARP-DŌ), was a research-based organization for foreign and Japanese teachers in Shizuoka.

Standardized Language testing in Japan

Standardized language testing is ubiquitous in Japan. Inexpensive and easily mass distributed, their use has been encouraged at every level of the education system. Over the past thirty years, external testing agencies have been increasingly relied upon to make standardized tests for use as benchmarks in the education system and in the private sector.

Encouraging learner autonomy through peer feedback in the writing classroom

Peer feedback is crucial for managing group dynamics, empowering effective writing and developing learner autonomy. By reflecting on the writing process and peer work, learners can improve their own writing skills while supporting that same development in their classmates. This support helps create a safe, mutually beneficial environment-a community of writers-where learning can flourish.

The Dejima-zation of English

This presentation will be an interactive examination of the obstacles to learn to speak English in Japan. The presenter will go over some historical and philosophical reasons for this. The intention of this session is for all of us to share our stories and to realize what we work against. That is, a slowly changing education system and a deap seated resistance to foreign culture and influence.

A Look at English language learning throughout the Japanese school system”: Open forum discussion.

Three speakers will introduce their perspectives on EFL issues in the Japanese school system followed immediately by open, moderated discussion. Audience participation is most definitely encouraged. Topics will progress according to school-age group (i.e. children, Jr. high school, high school, university). Each topic will be allotted 30-40 minutes for presentation and discusssion.

Improvisational Psychodrama (即興心理劇)

Psychodrama is a therapeutic technique conceived and developed by Jacob L. Moreno, MD. Using experiential guided drama techniques, psychodrama provides a safe, supportive environment in which participants can practice new roles, language and behaviors, thus facilitating insight, personal growth, and integration.

Using Video Materials to Facilitate Students’ Creative Thinking and Improve Their English Skills.

The presenter will discuss the ways to facilitate students’ creative thinking and improve their English skills with the help of some video material (short clips from the Internet). It is always difficult to engage students in any language learning situation if they consider the activities too difficult, dull, or unrealistic.

My Share & Year End Social

Annual Year-end meeting where members gather and share an activity, idea, project, or anything else that is on their minds. This is followed by a social at another location T.B.A.

list of presentations:

- David Stephens – One Language Card Set, Several Game Variations

JALT2012: Making a Difference

JALT2012 is NPO JALT's 38th Annual International Conference on Language Teaching and Learning & Educational Materials Exhibition. The conference is scheduled for 12 – 15 October 2012 at ACT City, Hamamatsu in Shizuoka prefecture.

The dead end of public English education in Japan

Japan’s public education system for English as a foreign language is driving down a dead end road. Part 1 will show the significant number of verifiable errors in the grammar and lexis of many English textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education. These errors can be linked to the false assumption that Japanese cannot learn English except through translation.