Date and Time: Sunday, 23 October, 2011; 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Theme: Approaches to Communication with three of our JALT Toyohashi members presenting
Location: Room 543, Building 5, Aichi University Toyohashi Campus Find it
Members - Free Non-members - 1,000 yen
Presenter 1: James Matchett presented- The English Space
This year a program was started at Hokuriku University called the English Space. Basically it is a place for students to come and have conversations in English, mostly with native English speakers. The speaker will explain how the program operates and give some good and bad points about the system after having worked with it for half a year.
James Matchett is a full time professor at Hokuriku University. He studied drama and debate both in high school and at university and often incorporates elements of them into his classes. He is also president of Toyohashi JALT.
Presenter 2: Anthony Robins presented- Understanding and Adjusting to Students' Changing Modes of Online Communication
Teachers today are faced with keeping up and catching up with their students' changing modes of interaction as online communication develops and changes direction. This presentation will focus on the results of questionnaires looking at types of online communication use which were given to students. Following introduction of the data, implications for language learning and teaching will be discussed, including the optimum modes for learner:learner interaction, for teacher:learner interaction, and for building up and reinforcing links made through online international exchange activities and study abroad experiences. Issues related to teachers' involvement and intervention or non-intervention will also be considered.
Anthony Robins is teaching on the International Cultural Studies course at Aichi University of Education.
Previous to that, he taught in Britain, Greece, and at language schools and universities of technology in Japan.
Presenter 3: Martha Robertson presented- Sharing visions: Facilitating cross-cultural awareness in the English language classroom
"Everyone has a culture" and "people really do view the world in different ways" are examples of cultural concepts that lead to more effective cross-cultural communication. This presentation offers ideas and materials for supporting students in going beyond holidays, customs, and cultural traditions to gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs and values that make each culture unique.
Martha Robertson teaches in the Department of Comparative Cultures at Aichi University. Her background is in Comparative Literature and Alternative Education. Her research interests are learner autonomy, critical pedagogy, and sustained content language teaching.
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