Speaker: Donald Carroll
Date &Time: Sunday, December 2nd,   2pm-4pm
Place: Kagawa University, Olive Square, English Café

Abstract

Textbook dialogs are notoriously unnatural, which is to say they do not reflect the organization and practices empirically observable in naturally occurring conversation.  The goal of this workshop is to show teachers how to “re-imagine” textbook dialogs to bring them more into line with real conversation. After an introduction to some of the most commonly observed features of naturally occurring talk-in-interaction, workshop participants will be taking actual instances of textbook dialogs and re-writing (and re-enacting) them according to observations from the field of conversation analysis.  A selection of sample textbook dialogs will be provided that we can rework individually and in groups. In addition, participants are invited to bring their own EFL textbooks with dialogs (or photocopies of textbook dialogs). No prior experience with conversation analysis is needed. Continue reading →

Are you presenting at JALT2018 and would like to spread the word about your presentation and let your friends and colleagues know that you will be presenting? Graphics available!

9th Annual Shikoku JALT Conference – Zentsuji, Kagawa
Date: Saturday, June 16, 2018 (1:00-5:30)
Venue: Shikoku Gakuin University, Building 4, Room 426
Sponsors: Matsuyama JALT, East Shikoku JALT, Oxford University Press
JALT Members and students: free
One-Day Member Fee: 1,000 yen
PDF of the program: 9th Annual Shikoku JALT Conference

Speaker:Ben Crystal
Date and time: Monday, June 18 – 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: Kochi University of Technology, Eikokuji Campus, Room A-108
Co-sponsor: Literature in Language Teaching SIG (LiLT)

Abstract: Ben Crystal builds upon themes raised in his 2017 ‘Speaking the Bright and Beautiful English of Shakespeare’ lecture for East Shikoku JALT by guiding participants in workshop format towards a more detailed understanding of the language of Shakespeare. The inventor of over 1,000 words still in use today, and one of the greatest players with our language, Shakespeare’s English often makes little sense until it’s spoken out-loud. Ben will focus on the language that Shakespeare uses to suspend disbelief, and how he creates mystery and excitement in the Elizabethan mind. This workshop will be of interest to Shakespeare enthusiasts, teachers who use literature in language teaching, and anyone interested in the history of the English language. Continue reading →

Speakers: Wendy Jones Nakanishi, Shikoku Gakuin University;
Gareth Perkins, Kagawa University

Date: 05-20-2018
Time: 14:00-16:00
Place: English Café, Kagawa University

Abstract:  The use of creative writing exercises in the English-language classroom can develop students’ interest and confidence in writing in English. There are many different kinds of exercises the teacher can use to get the students to write both poetry and prose. Wendy will talk about a range of creative writing ideas focusing on students’ own lives which can help them develop a desire for writing. Gareth will describe an activity to teach relative pronouns in a fun way as well as to encourage goal motivated study. Continue reading →

Speaker: Naomi Wilks-Smith, RMIT University
Date and time: Tuesday, May the 8th at 6:30pm
Location: Room A108 of the KUT Eikokuji Campus, 2-22 Eikokujichō, Kōchi-shi, Kōchi-ken 780-0844

Abstract: A significant hurdle for learners of languages is the confidence to use the language meaningfully. Many learners have studied a second language for years, but still lack the confidence to use the language in an authentic context. This gap highlights the difference between learning a language and using a language. Learning a language does not always translate to being able to use the language in context. So, what can we do as teachers to increase learners’ productive language output and, importantly, build the confidence in learners to use their second languages? Continue reading →