Cecilia Ikeguchi, Tim Cook, Deborah Grow, Naoko Ochiai, Rika Otsu, Naomi Takagi

Why are Japanese’ communication skills lagging behind their Asian counterparts? What is missing in Japanese EFL education? What is necessary to achieve fluency? What can Japan　learn from EFL/ESL teaching and language environments of other countries? Professionals from diverse cultural background in JALT Ibaraki Chapter will discuss these issues and suggest ways to successfully achieve the goal of effective English instruction in Japanese elementary schools. (Cecilia Ikeguchi)

Venue:  Ibaraki University, Mito, Ibaraki-prefecture

Theme: Towards an Effective Implementation of EFL Education in Japan

Date: Ibaraki-JALT Meeting on September 17, 2023 

Fee: Members:Free, Non-Members: 500 yen

Venue:  Ibaraki University, Mito, Ibaraki-prefecture

　Address:  2-1-1, Bunkyo, Mito
    Location map in Japanese:  https://www.ibaraki.ac.jp/generalinfo/campus/mito/
    Access in English:  https://www.ibaraki.ac.jp/en/access/
    Meeting Room: First Floor of the University Library (in front of the main gate)

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How to reach the library and/or park your car
The only thing you need to do on the day is to write your name and so on at the main gate. Then the guard will give you a parking card.
  Her instructions are:  
1.  Meet the guard first at the main gate.  They’ll give you a parking card.  
2. Enter from the right gate (来客用駐車場入り口（Visitor’s parking lot entrance).  You can park in A or B.  
3.  Go to the first floor of the library. 
(by Rika Otsu)
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Morning session: 

The speakers in the morning session will describe the general situation of English language education in elementary schools and identify the problems. 

10:30:  Greeting from the president 

10:40-11:00  Presentation 1:  Naomi Takagi

                Title:  Elementary English Education: Goals, Practice, and Challenges 

11:00-11:10  Q&A

11:10-11:30  Presentation 2:  Rika Otsu

                Title: Voluntary Reading English picture books to elementary school students 

11:30-11:40  Q&A

11:40-12:00  Presentation 3:  Naoko Ochiai

               Title: Let’s make your classroom a fun place to speak: Empowering Teachers through

Educational Apps and the CEFR

12:00-12:10  Q&A

12:10-13:30  Lunch break

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About lunch, there are Coco’s and Gusto near the university. Or, we can buy Obento at a convenience store near the university and eat at the table outside the auditorium or nearby park if it’s not too hot. (by Rika Otsu)

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Afternoon session: 

The speakers in the afternoon session will discuss the situation of English in different language environments suggesting reasons based on realities and research why Japan lags behind.

13:30:  Greeting from the president

13:40-14:00  Presentation 3:  Timothy Cook

Title:   ELT situation in Finland

14:00-14:10  Q&A 

14:10-14:30 Presentation 4:  Deborah Grow

Title:  Observations  on differences in learning English between Japanese, Chinese & Vietnamese students.

14:30-14:40  Q&A

14:40-15:00  Presentation 5:  Cecilia B-Ikeguchi

Title:  Look Outside: Issues in FLE Reforms in Japan

15:00-15:10  Q&A 

15:10-15:40  Overall comments & discussion 

15:40-16:00  Business meeting