Call For Presenters for online event on “Development and Globalization in Japanese Education” January 29 2023

The Kyoto, Gifu, and Kobe Chapters and GILE (Global Issues in Language Education) SIG are looking for presenters for our upcoming event on January 29, 2023. MEXT policy is pushing many educators in Japan to push for 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.  
 
We have already received confirmation from Professor Yilin Sun, JALT 2022 conference keynote, who will be speaking on culturally responsive teaching, and the importance of focusing on asset-based over deficit-based teaching to build students’ learning power when faced with diverse situations. We have also asked her to expand on her ideas about helping students cultivate self-efficacy to be drivers of change and promote DEI issues themselves. 
 
In addition to Professor Sun, we have received confirmation that Kyoto Chapter member Professor Yuko Igarashi of Ritsumeikan University will also speak. She is currently researching how English textbooks authorized by MEXT in Japan are organized in relation to its language education policy, and what kind of textbooks should be used. She is also able to talk about the problem of native speakerism among Japanese students which she believes  is likely to be formed by English education (textbooks and instructors) as well as Japanese society.
 
What can you present about:
We are looking for speakers from one of our four organizations who embrace diversity in their classrooms and can speak about their classroom practice, introduce an activity idea, or lead a short workshop or even discussion on a related issue. We are especially interested in hearing how teachers raise awareness of global issues in the classroom and also cultivate learners who are social activists themselves. Your parallel sessions will run in the morning of January 29, and we will hear from our two keynote speakers in the afternoon.
 
Interested?
Please contact jaltkyoto@gmail.com to submit your 150-200 word presentation abstract plus title, presenter name(s), email, and professional affiliation. Presentations will be 25 minutes maximum. Deadline: January 15 midnight JST. Please note that presenters must be members in good standing of one of these four groups within JALT to be considered.