JALT2020

46th Annual International Conference on Language Teaching and Learning & Educational Materials Exhibition

Online at Eventzil.la

With the support and advice from the JALT Chapter Presidents, SIG Coordinators, and all in attendance at the June 13th Executive Board Meeting, it is our pleasure to announce that JALT2020 will be an online conference. We look forward to welcoming you to our innovative, dynamic and online JALT2020 International Conference in just a few months!

Community plays an important role in language education, both inside and outside classrooms, and will take centre stage at JALT2020. The theme of this year’s conference encourages participants to reflect on the importance of community, explore ways we can strengthen our professional communities and help students enhance their learning communities. We welcome sessions on any area of language education and professional development, particularly those which address the theme: Communities of Teachers and Learners. We are opening our call to teachers, students, administrators, publishers, and others who have an interest in learning about and shaping language education in Japan and beyond.

JALT meets Wenger’s (2006) three crucial characteristics of communities of practice: “shared domain of interest”, engagement in joint activities and discussions, and shared practice. Many people in the JALT community share the same interests of professionally developing as language educators and helping others to develop, with a common goal of improving the educational opportunities of the force that drives this community: language learners. By bringing together people who have different backgrounds and expertise, JALT2020 can move us closer to that goal and help us to make that community thrive. We welcome people with all levels of experience and believe that all participants have something valuable to share with others. Join us to share your stories, experiences, research, questions and passion for our vibrant field.

This year, we are making a special call for collaboration. Sessions by sole presenters are still welcome but we want to encourage collaboration before and during the conference by calling for more joint sessions. Look around and ask yourself:

• Do you know anyone with similar interests?
• Do you know anyone that you have thought about doing research with?
• Do you know anyone who has never presented before and would benefit from your support? 
• Do you know anyone who is more experienced that you could reach out to? 
• Can you get new people involved in your SIG Forum?

We will also be offering a number of sessions that aim to foster networking opportunities, such as:

• An orientation session for new JALT International Conference participants 
• A meet and greet for Japan-based and internationally-based educators
• A session for finding a partner for your JALT2021 proposal

Ideas for other sessions are welcome through this website’s contact form.

Funding: We will be offering three fee-waiver scholarships that cover the cost of registration for JALT2020. Full details are on the scholarship link.

We believe JALT2020 has the potential to bring people together in meaningful ways and lead to new developments in the lives of individual participants and the field at large, but none of this will happen without you. We sincerely hope you will join us.

Louise Ohashi and Mizuka Tsukamoto
JALT2020 Conference Co-Chairs