Fukuoka JALT 2010 Events
September Meeting [completed]
Date: September 4, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 15:30-17:30
Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map)
Fee for JALT members: Free
Fee for one-day members: 1000 yen
Beyond knowing words: Assessing the quality of vocabulary knowledge
Speaker: John Read
One of the basic goals for second language learners is to increase the number of words they know, and we now have good measures of vocabulary size, such as Paul Nation’s Vocabulary Size Test. However, it is also important for learners to develop the quality, or depth, of their vocabulary knowledge. This talk will consider various approaches to testing vocabulary depth, including the speaker’s own word associates format, which has been investigated in a variety of educational contexts over the last 20 years, along with other word association measures. Another perspective on vocabulary depth is knowledge of multi-word lexical units, or collocations, and there will be some discussion of how that kind of knowledge can be assessed.
Presenter Bio
John Read is an associate professor in the Department of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and was Head of Department from 2007 to 2010. He has taught applied linguistics, TESOL and EAP at institutions in New Zealand, the United States and Singapore. His main research interests are in assessing second language vocabulary and the testing of English for academic and professional purposes. He is the author of Assessing vocabulary (Cambridge, 2000) and was co-editor of Language Testing from 2002 to 2006. He is currently Vice-President of the International Language Testing Association and will serve as President in 2011-12.
Date: September 4, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 15:30-17:30
Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map)
Fee for JALT members: Free
Fee for one-day members: 1000 yen
Beyond knowing words: Assessing the quality of vocabulary knowledge
Speaker: John Read
One of the basic goals for second language learners is to increase the number of words they know, and we now have good measures of vocabulary size, such as Paul Nation’s Vocabulary Size Test. However, it is also important for learners to develop the quality, or depth, of their vocabulary knowledge. This talk will consider various approaches to testing vocabulary depth, including the speaker’s own word associates format, which has been investigated in a variety of educational contexts over the last 20 years, along with other word association measures. Another perspective on vocabulary depth is knowledge of multi-word lexical units, or collocations, and there will be some discussion of how that kind of knowledge can be assessed.
Presenter Bio
John Read is an associate professor in the Department of Applied Language Studies and Linguistics at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and was Head of Department from 2007 to 2010. He has taught applied linguistics, TESOL and EAP at institutions in New Zealand, the United States and Singapore. His main research interests are in assessing second language vocabulary and the testing of English for academic and professional purposes. He is the author of Assessing vocabulary (Cambridge, 2000) and was co-editor of Language Testing from 2002 to 2006. He is currently Vice-President of the International Language Testing Association and will serve as President in 2011-12.
July Meeting [completed]
Date: July 24, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 18:30-20:30
Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map)
Fee for JALT members: Free
Fee for one-day members: 1000 yen
Communication Spotlight: Rationalizations and Developments
Speaker: Alastair Graham-Marr
Over the past several years, the Communication Spotlight textbook series has been growing quickly in the Japanese EFL market, representing a break from some of the more standard texts. In this presentation, the author will share his experiences in the process of developing the textbook. He will elucidate some of the deeper reasons behind the choice of activities, and discuss some of the alternative ways that other teachers have been applying the text to positive effect. Finally, he will discuss how the text and his own teaching approach has changed through the development process, and talk about changes currently in the works. The discussion will conclude with questions and concerns regarding the text from the floor.
Date: July 24, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 18:30-20:30
Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map)
Fee for JALT members: Free
Fee for one-day members: 1000 yen
Communication Spotlight: Rationalizations and Developments
Speaker: Alastair Graham-Marr
Over the past several years, the Communication Spotlight textbook series has been growing quickly in the Japanese EFL market, representing a break from some of the more standard texts. In this presentation, the author will share his experiences in the process of developing the textbook. He will elucidate some of the deeper reasons behind the choice of activities, and discuss some of the alternative ways that other teachers have been applying the text to positive effect. Finally, he will discuss how the text and his own teaching approach has changed through the development process, and talk about changes currently in the works. The discussion will conclude with questions and concerns regarding the text from the floor.
JALT/Tenjin Apple Store Workshop [completed]
Date: July 10, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 19:00-20:30
Location: Apple Store Fukuoka Tenjin
This joint JALT-Apple Store event will show teachers how to use the GarageBand '09 audio editing software. Participation is limited to 16 members.
Please contact the membership chair to reserve a spot.
Date: July 10, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 19:00-20:30
Location: Apple Store Fukuoka Tenjin
This joint JALT-Apple Store event will show teachers how to use the GarageBand '09 audio editing software. Participation is limited to 16 members.
Please contact the membership chair to reserve a spot.
June Meeting [completed]
Date: June 19, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 18:30-20:30
Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map)
Fee for JALT members: Free
Fee for one-day members: 1000 yen
Elementary school English activities: Are we there yet?
Speaker: Ann Mayeda
In this workshop, the presenter will begin by defining and clarifying MEXT’s course of study (beginning in 2011) for elementary school foreign English language activities and look at the reasons for some misunderstanding of this policy by various stakeholders amongst the public and private school sector. We will then focus on how schools are implementing or changing current programs based on their interpretation of the teaching guidelines. The session will include a few activities that promote a ‘foundation for communication.’ The audience will also be asked to share how activities are currently conducted at their schools and discuss whether they would be considered suitable under the aims of the guidelines. By the end of the workshop, the participants should come away with a better understanding of their role as HRT, ALT, JTE, or NT in the entire elementary English schema.
Presenter Bio
Ann Mayeda has co-coordinated (with Steven Nishida) a MEXT-funded teacher-training program hosted by Osaka Shoin Women’s University between 2007 and 2010. Her work with over 350 in-service teachers has provided her with an insider’s view of the current situation facing public elementary school teachers in their struggle to implement English in accordance with MEXT’s mandate. She has worked with young learners for over 20 years, is a teacher-trainer and consultant for several public elementary schools in the Osaka and Nara area, and has also conducted workshops for the Osaka Education Center. She also has a keen interest in learner autonomy, motivation, and learner development as it applies to children and young adult learners. She currently teaches at Konan Women’s University near Kobe.
Date: June 19, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 18:30-20:30
Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map)
Fee for JALT members: Free
Fee for one-day members: 1000 yen
Elementary school English activities: Are we there yet?
Speaker: Ann Mayeda
In this workshop, the presenter will begin by defining and clarifying MEXT’s course of study (beginning in 2011) for elementary school foreign English language activities and look at the reasons for some misunderstanding of this policy by various stakeholders amongst the public and private school sector. We will then focus on how schools are implementing or changing current programs based on their interpretation of the teaching guidelines. The session will include a few activities that promote a ‘foundation for communication.’ The audience will also be asked to share how activities are currently conducted at their schools and discuss whether they would be considered suitable under the aims of the guidelines. By the end of the workshop, the participants should come away with a better understanding of their role as HRT, ALT, JTE, or NT in the entire elementary English schema.
Presenter Bio
Ann Mayeda has co-coordinated (with Steven Nishida) a MEXT-funded teacher-training program hosted by Osaka Shoin Women’s University between 2007 and 2010. Her work with over 350 in-service teachers has provided her with an insider’s view of the current situation facing public elementary school teachers in their struggle to implement English in accordance with MEXT’s mandate. She has worked with young learners for over 20 years, is a teacher-trainer and consultant for several public elementary schools in the Osaka and Nara area, and has also conducted workshops for the Osaka Education Center. She also has a keen interest in learner autonomy, motivation, and learner development as it applies to children and young adult learners. She currently teaches at Konan Women’s University near Kobe.
May Meeting [completed]
Date: May 15, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 18:30-20:30
Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map)
Fee for JALT members: Free
Fee for one-day members: 1000 yen
Collaborative Professional Development through Peer Observation
Speaker: Christopher Stillwell
Teaching has been famously referred to as the ‘egg carton profession’ because teachers are typically isolated from one another in their classrooms, but teachers are fortunate in that they have a valuable and free resource in their midst- other teachers. This presentation will provide guidelines for tapping into this resource through peer coaching, with suggestions for ‘safe’ practices of observing peers and sharing feedback. On the basis of a review of the literature, the presenter will share important ground rules for setting up observations, and techniques for guiding post-observation conferences in such a way as to maximize the benefit for all parties involved, particularly when it comes to the prickly issue of giving peers feedback on their work. Techniques include ways to minimize the evaluative/judgmental aspect of observations, thereby making it easier for observers to see themselves in their peers’ teaching and for observees to feel safe candidly discussing the ups and downs of a lesson. Additional benefits of the work include the possibility of gathering peers’ feedback on new material being tried, getting a second pair of eyes to find out more about classroom behavior, and having a partner from whom to learn a new style of teaching. Discussion will also focus on how a third party ‘conference observer’ can promote a deeper level of reflection in post-observation conferences.
Presenter Bio
Christopher Stillwell has conducted workshops on teacher observation and collaborative professional development throughout Asia and the USA, and he has written on the topic for ELT Journal and an edited volume titled “Reigniting, Retooling and Retiring in English Language Teaching”. He has worked as a teacher trainer at Teachers College Columbia University, where he received his MA. He is currently assistant director of the Sojo International Language Center at Sojo University in Kumamoto.
Date: May 15, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 18:30-20:30
Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map)
Fee for JALT members: Free
Fee for one-day members: 1000 yen
Collaborative Professional Development through Peer Observation
Speaker: Christopher Stillwell
Teaching has been famously referred to as the ‘egg carton profession’ because teachers are typically isolated from one another in their classrooms, but teachers are fortunate in that they have a valuable and free resource in their midst- other teachers. This presentation will provide guidelines for tapping into this resource through peer coaching, with suggestions for ‘safe’ practices of observing peers and sharing feedback. On the basis of a review of the literature, the presenter will share important ground rules for setting up observations, and techniques for guiding post-observation conferences in such a way as to maximize the benefit for all parties involved, particularly when it comes to the prickly issue of giving peers feedback on their work. Techniques include ways to minimize the evaluative/judgmental aspect of observations, thereby making it easier for observers to see themselves in their peers’ teaching and for observees to feel safe candidly discussing the ups and downs of a lesson. Additional benefits of the work include the possibility of gathering peers’ feedback on new material being tried, getting a second pair of eyes to find out more about classroom behavior, and having a partner from whom to learn a new style of teaching. Discussion will also focus on how a third party ‘conference observer’ can promote a deeper level of reflection in post-observation conferences.
Presenter Bio
Christopher Stillwell has conducted workshops on teacher observation and collaborative professional development throughout Asia and the USA, and he has written on the topic for ELT Journal and an edited volume titled “Reigniting, Retooling and Retiring in English Language Teaching”. He has worked as a teacher trainer at Teachers College Columbia University, where he received his MA. He is currently assistant director of the Sojo International Language Center at Sojo University in Kumamoto.
April Meeting [completed]
Date: April 3, 2010 (Saturday) Time: 14:00-17:00 Location: Fukuoka Jo Gakuin Satellite Campus (click for map) Fee for JALT members: Free Fee for one-day members: Free Speaker: Dr. Charles M. Browne (Meiji Gakuin University) This seminar will consider the development of Lexical Competence from several points of view. Through a review of some of the core research in second language vocabulary acquisition we will first try to dispel some of the "myths" about vocabulary learning that are still prevalent among classroom practitioners and researchers. After developing a basic understanding of how vocabulary should be tested, taught and learned, we will then move on to consider a range of classroom vocabulary teaching and testing techniques based on current research. Finally, we will look at and get hands on practice in using a variety of online tools for testing, teaching and conducting research on second language vocabulary acquisition. Papers required for those who take this course for credit will ask participants to use and assess one of the many online tools in the context of current research in this area. This seminar is co-sponsored by Temple University Japan. The first three hours (Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m.) are free and open to the public. MARCH
Title: Grant and Questionnaire Writing Workshop Speaker: Keita Kikuchi Presentation 1 (18:30-19:30) Since 2009, the Ministry of Education has been accepting applications for research funds in English. This presentation will detail the procedures and pitfalls involved in successfully applying for government sponsored research grants. Examples of applications are shown so that the audience can understand what should be done. Presentation 2 (19:30-20:30) Many second language researchers use survey research to explore latent constructs and students' attitudes toward learning. This presentation will explain some of the mistakes that researchers commonly make in doing survey research, explore methods for determining well grounded items. There will be some hand-on activities to construct a questionnaire together and understand the idea with other participants. Presenter bio Keita Kikuchi is a Junior Associate Professor at Tokai University, Japan. After obtaining an M.A. in ESL from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, he has taught English in Singapore and in Japan. His research interests include curriculum development and second language acquisition, especially individual differences. FEBRUARY
This joint JALT/Apple Store event showed teachers how to use Keynote software for presentations, lessons, and other educational purposes. The first half of the event was aimed at those who had never used the software before, while the second half was focused on more experienced Keynote users. JANUARY
Title: How to Write for JALT Publications Speaker: Malcolm Swanson In this presentation, Malcolm Swanson explained the submission and selection processes for both of JALT's publications and its annual conference. He also covered the review and editorial procedures, and offered advice for optimising submissions. He gave information on the major topics covered by each publication, gave common reasons that cause submissions to be rejected, talked about the writers peer support group and also opportunities for editors. He also encouraged people to obtain more information from the JALT publications website at http://www.jalt-publications.org/. Title: Open Career Doors to EFL Teaching Positions in Colleges and Universities in Japan Speaker: Akiko Tsuda In this presentation Akiko Tsuda gave out important information about the recruiting process in Japan together with some Japanese terminology to assist in the job hunting process. She went through several points on how to prepare documents and encouraged participants to share their own experiences with job hunting. She also provided advice and resources on how to make a better Japanese resume. Participants were given the opportunity to have their own resumes checked on site.  | Previous Years
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