2022 Events in Review

Hiroshima JALT October 2022 Monthly Meeting:


Hiroshima JALT Sneak Peek

Get a glimpse of the JALT2022 conference without going all the way to Fukuoka. You’ll see some great presentations, get to talk with the presenters – and cheer them on!


Date: Saturday, 22nd October, 18:00 - 20:00 

Place: Hiroshima YMCA – brick building (face-to-face)

Cost: Free for JALT members, only 500 yen if not. 


Join us! And, if you’re free after the Sneak Peek, let’s go out for something to eat!



PRESENTERS:


Carol Rinnert

Carol Rinnert, Professor Emeritus, Hiroshima City University, has taught English writing and linguistics in the US, Yemen, and Japan. Her research interests include development of academic writing across languages and intercultural pragmatics. She has published articles, co-authored with Hiroe Kobayashi, in international journals including The Modern Language Journal and Journal of Pragmatics.Their co-authored book, Developing Multilingual Writing: Agency, Audience, Identity, will soon be published by Springer.

Monika Szirmai

Monika Szirmai started teaching in Japan in 1995 at Kanda University of International Studies. In 1998, she moved to Hiroshima International University, where she is a professor now. She has MAs in French, English, and TEFL/TESL, as well as a Ph.D. in linguistics. Her research interests are manifold: corpus linguistics, translation, plurilingualism, humour, and CALL; just to mention a few. In her free time, she likes to play taiko, and take part in local festivals.

Jim Ronald

Jim Ronald is a professor in the Department of English at Hiroshima Shudo University. He has a PhD in Vocabulary Acquisition, but his main academic interest over the past decade has been pedagogical pragmatics, with a particular interest in working on ways to bring pragmatics to the language classroom. He has been a co-editor of two large collections of pragmatic activities for the classroom, and has become increasingly interested in aspects of student feedback and in student and teacher wellbeing.

ABSTRACTS:


Carol Rinnert: How to Be Clear and Engaging in Academic Writing: Use of Metadiscourse

Metadiscourse markers, such as paragraph connectors and hedges, help writers communicate their ideas clearly and engage with their readers (Hyland, 2017), but L2 writers often struggle with metadiscourse. This presentation shares the findings of a study of interactive and interactional metadiscourse in 185 English and Japanese short essays by Japanese and North American writers and offers several concrete suggestions for improving the use of metadiscourse to make academic writing easier to follow and more persuasive.

Monika Szirmai: Literature and Communication: Arch Enemies?

The goal of teaching foreign languages in the grammar-translation era (mainly Latin and Greek) was to enable learners to read literary works. As the goal has changed to communication, literature is very rarely used in the language classroom. As the verb forms of French literature are not used in everyday communication, it is even more time-consuming to use literature for educational purposes. However, some poems seem perfect for the classroom. In this presentation, I will focus on some poems by Jacques Prévert that are an excellent way of introducing some grammatical points and literature at the same time.

Jim Ronald: A Year of Online End-of-Class Feedback: Lessons for Teachers and Learners

End-of-class student feedback provides teachers with insights into many aspects of students' experiences in the language classroom. While these are traditionally written on slips of paper in the last minutes of class (Scrivener, 2012), this presentation reports what happened to one class when feedback was moved online using a shared Google document, and continued for 60 classes. The presenter will report how students used this interactive space, then conclude with recommendations based on this experience.


And room for one more! If you are presenting at the JALT2022 conference and haven't contacted us, you will still have some time, depending on numbers, to present your research to a friendly, supportive audience. If there are no further participants, we can use the time for sharing teaching ideas or experiences.

Hiroshima JALT September 2022 Monthly Meeting:

This month, Hiroshima JALT is finally hosting a face-to-face monthly meeting for the first time post-pandemic! Dr. Paul Hullah, Meiji Gakuin University will present his approach to using poetry in his lessons. Information follows:

How Online Learning Impacted Medium of Instruction in the First Two Years of the Pandemic 

15:00 – 17:00, Sunday, 25th September 2022 (Online - Zoom)

Presenters: Julia Kawamoto (Ehime University); Eleanor Carson (Matsuyama University); Ian Willey (Kagawa University)

Abstract: English teachers have had to adapt to different teaching formats during the COVID-19 pandemic. The presenters will describe a research project that examined how English teachers at universities in Japan used English and Japanese in their courses in 2020 and 2021. Data sources included questionnaire surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. In 2020, both Japanese and non-Japanese teachers reported using more Japanese than normal on both learning management systems (LMS) and synchronous systems (e.g., Zoom). In 2021, however, both groups made more use of English in both online and face-to-face instruction, though Japanese teachers continued to feel pressure to use Japanese. Non-Japanese teachers tended to make greater use of writing functions, such as Chat, to reinforce their statements or instructions. Following the presentation, attendees will have the chance to share how they handle various teaching situations in terms of teaching language. 

 

Fee:  Cost for JALT Members: free for all

Zoom Link: Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89736202667?pwd=U0E1UXBMT3RKNzZERldtMFRUNG4vdz09

Meeting ID: 897 3620 2667

Passcode: 320263


Eleanor Carson

Eleanor Carson is an English lecturer at Matsuyama University. She has a PhD (Applied Linguistics) at Hiroshima City University. Her research interests include medium of instruction, WTC, and student autonomy. eleanor_carson@hotmail.com

Julia Kawamoto

Julia Kawamoto has been teaching in Japan for twenty-seven years. She is an associate professor at Ehime University with a PhD in applied linguistics from Hiroshima City University. Her research interests are focus-on-form, teacher training, MOI, and willingness to communicate.

Ian Willey

Ian Willey has an MA in TESL from Kent State University and a PhD in second language writing from Hiroshima City University. He is currently an associate professor at Kagawa University. His research interests include English for Specific Purposes, Medium of Instruction, and International Posture.  

Hiroshima JALT July Monthly 2022 Meeting:

This month, Hiroshima JALT is finally hosting a face-to-face monthly meeting for the first time post-pandemic! Dr. Paul Hullah, Meiji Gakuin University will present his approach to using poetry in his lessons. Information follows:

POETRY AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE: MYTHS, AND THE MISTAKES WE MAKE

16:00 – 18:00, Saturday, 23rd July 2022, International Conference Center Seminar Room 3 (3rd floor)

Presenter: Dr Paul Hullah, Meiji Gakuin University

Abstract: Classroom use of poetry is plagued with problems. Many of these reside in the way poems are selected, and the way in which they are taught. If we can identify and set aside our own deleterious misconceptions, and thereby come usefully to understand and address those of our students, we can raise our own game and give poetry a chance. Presenting authentic examples of effective and ineffective texts and teaching strategies, and making some radical suggestions for teachers of EFL and/or literature, Hullah seeks constructively and meaningfully to revise and revitalise ways we approach and utilise a perennially misapplied resource.

 

Bio: Paul Hullah is tenured Associate Professor of British Literature at Meiji Gakuin University. He has published ‘literary’ EFL textbooks, award-winning poetry, and formal literary criticism. He received the 2013 Asia Pacific Brand Laureate International Personality Award for ‘paramount contribution to the cultivation of literature [and] education of students in Asia.’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hullah

Fee:  Cost for JALT Members: free / non-Members: 500 yen

Location: For details about the International Conference Center, please click here.

Hiroshima JALT June 2022 Monthly Meeting:

Digital technology and learning management support can play central roles in language development. During the tech-drenched pandemic, educators need to consider how to effectively integrate digital resources without causing tech-overload. This workshop is recommended for teachers who want to a) learn about online resources and activities that can build language skills inside and outside of class and b) integrate them in ways that give learners opportunities for development without becoming overwhelming. The main focus is on English, but the workshop includes some multilingual tools and examines how machine translation (tools like DeepL and add-ons for YouTube, Netflix) can be used for a wide range of languages.

デジタル技術と自己管理的学習の支援は、言語発達の中心的な役割を果たすことができる。テクノロジーに溢れたパンデミックの中で、教育者はtech-overloadを引き起こすことなく、デジタル技術を効果的に統合する方法を検討する必要がある。このワークショップは授業内外で言語能力を高めることができるデジタル技術やアクティビティについて学びたい方や tech-overloadにならず、成長の機会を与える方法を統合したい方にお勧めする。主に英語に焦点を当てるが、多言語ツールや、機械翻訳（DeepLやYouTube、Netflixのadd-onなど）を幅広い言語に使用する方法についても検討する。

Further Reading: Ohashi, L. (2018). Self-directed learning and the teacher’s role: Insights from two different teaching contexts. In P. Taalas, J. Jalkanen, L. Bradley & S. Thouësny (Eds), Future-proof CALL: Language learning as exploration and encounters – short papers from EUROCALL 2018 (pp. 236-242). Research-publishing.net. https://doi.org/10.14705/rpnet.2018.26.843

 

Bio: Louise Ohashi, associate professor at Gakushuin University, specializes in second language acquisition and language education. Her main research interests are learner autonomy, motivation, and the use of digital technologies for language learning and teaching. She is an avid language learner who speaks Japanese, Italian, French, and a little German.

学習院大学准教授。専門は第二言語習得と言語教育。主な研究テーマは、学習者の自律性、モチベーション、言語学習・教育のためのデジタル技術の利用です。日本語、イタリア語、フランス語、ドイツ語を少し話す熱心な言語学習者でもある。

 

Fee Cost for JALT Members / non-Members: Free.

More information: https://jalt.org/event/matsuyama/22-02-20


Zoom information:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82409524042

Meeting ID: 824 0952 4042

Passcode: tech

 

後援名義： 松山市教育委員会   松山市役所　観光・国際交流課

Endorsements:  Matsuyama City Board of Education

Matsuyama City Office Tourism & International Exchange Department

Hiroshima JALT May 2022 Monthly Meeting:

Hiroshima JALT April 2022 Monthly Meeting:

Hiroshima JALT March 2022 Monthly Meeting - My Share: Getting Ready! (Zoom)

Date: Saturday, March 19th

Time: 15:00 - 17:00 (JST)

* The Zoom URL will be shared a day prior to the meeting, so please make sure to check your inbox for forthcoming emails from HiJALT.

As we come to the end of one school year and look forward to the next one, what have you learned, what new challenges are you facing, and what innovations are you planning to try out? Although each teacher's context is unique in some ways (after all, for a start, only you teach your classes!), we still have a lot we can learn from each other. Join us and share your experiences and your plans, any new activities you are planning to try out. And if you just have questions, bring those along, too! All are welcome - and it's free!


If you are planning to share something at our My Share meeting, please tell us in advance to make sure that there is time for you: jmronald@gmail.com

Each person can have up to 15 minutes to show or explain their particular activity, plan, or approach. 

If you haven't told us in advance, you will still be very welcome to share your activity if there is time. If that is the case, let us know at the beginning of the session.

February 2022 Monthly Meeting

Matsuyama JALT and Hiroshima JALT are inviting you to a Zoom presentation with Speaker Susan E. Jones, Associate Professor, Kobe College



Title: Machine Translation in the Classroom: A New Approach

Date: Sunday, February 20, 2022

Time: 14:00 – 16:00 (JST)

Please visit the Matsuyama JALT Chapter Website for the Zoom link                   


The past two years have been an impetus for the implementation of educational technology in new and exciting ways. One of those technologies, machine translation, has been cast in an unfavorable light, its use discouraged in favor of “real” reading and writing exercises. Now is the time to bring this maligned tool out of hiding and embrace its potential. In this presentation and discussion, I will share a method to increase intermediate to advanced ESL students’ writing output and text analysis by using machine translation apps. In addition, participants are welcome to share their own experiences using MT in educational settings.


Bio: Susan E Jones, Associate Professor, Kobe College, teaches translation in the Department of English. With over twenty years of commercial and literary translation experience, her instruction focuses on machine translation, subtitle translation, and the translation of children’s literature. Recent presentations include Three Teachers of Translation (SWET, 2020), Machine Translation: Here to Stay (OTJ Summer Sessions, 2021), and Machine Translation-Supported Writing (workshop, JALT 2021).


Saturday, 22nd January, 18.00-20.00 via Zoom (Please note the time change from our usual meetings).This month, we have three speakers lined up and are offering a second chance to hear from these fantastic presenters, who gave talks at our recent conference. Here are their abstracts and bios:


Title: Introducing three activities to foster L2 source-based writing

 

Bio: Junko Otoshi is a professor at Okayama University in Japan. Her research interests include L1 and L2 composition studies and language testing.

 

Abstract:

Undergraduate students in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context have difficulty integrating informational sources into their texts because of their basic English writing skills and lack of academic knowledge in each discipline. Therefore, EFL writing teachers need to provide step-by-step support to help students find, connect, and integrate informational source texts into the students’ writing (Zhang, 2013). This presentation will report on an online practice for second language (L2) source-based writing activities that aim to develop rhetorical, linguistic, and critical thinking skills. Specifically, three activities—verbal reasoning quizzes, paraphrasing and response paragraph writing—and a data commentary exercise will be introduced as approaches to write a discussion essay. The presentation will conclude with some pedagogical implications for L2 source-based writing instruction, followed by student reflections on their online activities.


Title: Using Project Based Learning (PBL) 


Bio: Peter Lutes is an Associate Professor at Faculty of Agriculture of Kagawa National University. His research interests include curriculum development, English for Specific Purposes, Teacher Training, and Task & Project Based Learning. He is currently conducting funded developmental education and training programs in Japan and Cambodia.


Abstract: Project Based Learning (PBL) can be an effective tool to encourage student motivation and engagement. Learners are asked to complete projects in the target language whereby they experience using the language in a natural and practical context and can focus on their educational and  professional development. However, PBL is challenging to use in the classroom for educators. The presenter will offer a working definition PBL, and outline a model project based course that can be used at university or in corporate settings.The presenter will also share classroom techniques that have been effective in the PBL classroom.


Title: Self-reflection as a method for motivation in the ESL classroom 

 

Bio: Shaun James Alan Wilbraham is currently working as a lecturer at Hiroshima Shudo University and Hiroshima College of Foreign Languages. Outside the classroom, Shaun works on his own podcast and believes the sharing of ideas and building communities is be crucial. In the classroom, Shaun places a high importance on motivation and is dedicated to English and Spanish teaching. While his background is literary, Shaun enjoys looking at language as a tool of human perception and wishes to explore this avenue further with his research.

 

Abstract: In the ESL classroom determining a student’s motivation can be difficult. This presentation underlines the importance of reflection and how it can be used to estimate a student’s motivations. To do so, a group of students were asked to write a letter to their future self that would be then read again in a year’s time. The central hypothesis of this project is that the letter gives students a fixed time-frame in which they are to achieve a new goal. Secondly, it is also hypothesized that the contents of the letter contain the motivations of the student in the present, and these will become the focal point of the letter. From the data, mutual answers as well as anomalies were highlighted, so that the teacher is made aware of the collective motivations of the class. Finally, the presenter wishes to show how this style of exercise could be used to help students to connect with themselves and the teacher.


The Zoom link will be emailed to Newsletter subscribers a day in advance, on Friday, Jan 21st.