Peace as a Global Language Conference 2004

Conference Dates: September 24th, 25th and 26th 2004

Location: Kyoto Museum for World Peace at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
Information on PGL 2005 is at www.pgljapan.org

IN SEPTEMBER this year, peace will once again be celebrated through the 3rd Peace as a Global Language Conference (PGL III). We are pleased to announce that this year's conference is scheduled to be held at the Kyoto Museum for World Peace, Ritsumeikan University. We feel honoured to have the opportunity to continue the PGL tradition and hope that each and every participant will come away with a renewed understanding of our main theme of peace and global studies no matter what their line of work may be.

This conference is both important and very timely as we welcome a world-wide growing trend in the reform of teaching and learning methods to instill global understanding in all fields of inquiry. Indeed, Japan itself is coming of age in the beckoning of the use of content based inquiry in the teaching and learning of foreign languages.

PGL III is therefore proud to demonstrate collaboration between the often segregated groups of students, faculty and NGO activists in an attempt to instill real-world learning with a focus on the issues that undeniably affect us all in this shrinking eco-village we call earth.

The evident marriage of social issues awareness with language learning in Japan and elsewhere has proven a boon to all concerned. Students are becoming more excited about the prospect of learning and expanding their horizons in a foreign language, while teachers are stimulated by a complimentary fill of learning while they become energised seeing their students develop as conscious human beings.

Finally, PGL III is intertwined with the concepts of progressive learning, whereby students' development takes precedence over utilising schooling as a tool of societal purpose in assimilation, social legitimisation, stratification and standardisation. We hope potential participants will be pleased to learn that most presentations at PGL III will tackle complex issues regarding the shift to meaningful learning as opposed to process based standardisation which permeates formal schooling situations world-wide. Please do join us in celebrating PGLIII and share in the joy of contributing to peace and the advancement of global studies.

Peace to you all.

The PGL III Organizing Committee