2014/09/14

Implementing Self-Regulated Learning in Junior High School

Speakers: Miyuki Akamatsu and Sachiko Maruoka

One of the great difficulties we have as language teachers is our limited information regarding our students' individual language learning methods. In this presentation Akamatsu and Maruoka dealt with student use of meta-cognitive strategies in self-regulated vocabulary learning, concentrating on the use of these strategies in increasing language learning motivation.

To start, Gunma JALT attendees worked in pairs to discuss the situations of their students in regard to vocabulary study. Akamatsu and Maruoka then presented the methods and results of their survey of junior high school students on their cognitive learning strategies, self-efficacy, and their motivational strategies towards learning English. The correlations between learning strategies and motivation produced some interesting results. Not only did the introduction of meta-cognitive strategies increase student motivation, student anxiety also decreased. Accordingly, Akamatsu and Maruoka recommended introducing learners to meta-cognitive language learning strategies, even young learners such as junior high school students.

In the discussion that followed their presentation, Gunma JALT attendees commented on their own situations and offered ideas as to how future research might be implemented.

Miyuki Akamatsu teaches at Kasukabe Kyoei Junior and Senior High School in Saitama. She is a recent MA (TESOL) graduate from Teachers College Columbia University. Her research interests include focus on form in second language acquisition, task-based language learning and teaching, learner autonomy, and self-regulated learning.

Sachiko Maruoka teaches all age levels at a language school in Saitama. She is a recent MA (TESOL) graduate from Teachers College Columbia University and the co-president of the Teachers College Columbia University Japan Alumni Association (TCCUJAA). Her research interests focus on learner autonomy, self-regulated learning, cooperative learning and teacher development.

Time: Sunday, September 14, 2014 14:00 ~ 16:30

Location:

Maebashi Kyoai Gakuen College

1154-4 Koyahara-machi

Maebashi, Gunma 379-2192

http://www.kyoai.ac.jp/

Attendance:

Members: FREE

One-day Members: ¥1,000

1st-time Members and students: FREE

Drinks & snacks served during break!!!