ELT Calendar

Sunday, February 17th, 2008

How Did We Get Here? Understanding the Current Situation of Japanese Higher Education by Examining its History
Time: 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Speaker: Joe Tomei, Kumamoto Gakuen University
Organization: Ibaraki Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching
Location: Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Short description: For those from the West, there are a large number of seemingly inexplicable features in Japanese education in general and Japanese higher education in particular.

The NHK Edigorian Series and English Activities in Elementary School
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Speaker: Tom Merner
Organization: Fukui Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching
Location: Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
Short description: The number of schools offering English activities has been increasing nationwide, and it seems as English will be implemented in the 5th and 6th grades as a once a week lesson after the next revision of the Course of Studies.

Teaching Workshop Series 2008: Teaching Children Confidently and Effectively (Niigata)
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Setsuko Toyama, Kevin Churchley, Brian Cullen and Miki Sakai
Organization: Oxford University Press
Location: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
Short description: Learn the tips and techniques needed to teach English to elementary school students with confidence from experienced teacher and co-author of the bestselling English Time series, Setsuko Toyama.

Pearson Longman Kids Tour 2008 (Tokyo)
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Speaker: Carolyn Graham, Aleda Krause, Mari Nakamura, Mayumi Tabuchi
Organization: Pearson Japan
Location: Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolis
Short description: Pearson Longman Kids Tour 2008 ('Great Teachers Inspire') will be a fun and valuable experience for all teachers of young learners. Share the latest in activity ideas with Japan's favorite authors and dedicated academic consultants.

One-day course in teaching English to children (Shizuoka)
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM
Speaker: David Paul
Organization: Language Teaching Professionals
Location: Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Short description: Topics covered: * How do children learn? * Using games effectively * Building reading and writing skills * Developing communicative skills * Integrating songs * Lesson planning * Developing international attitudes Trainer: David Paul, Author of 'Teaching English to Children in Asia', 'Communication Strategies', 'New Finding Out', 'Communicate', 'Songs and Games for Children', 'Discover English', 'Discover the World', 'Discover the Universe'.

Incorporating Intercultural Learning into EFL Classes
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Jon Dujmovich
Organization: Toyohashi Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching
Location: Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture
Short description: The presenter will share some short intercultural learning activities that can be adapted and applied to various EFL teaching contexts. Based in current intercultural theory and methods, each activity has the English language learner in mind, blending techniques and ideas in an experimental and creative way.

A Treasure Chest of Songs, Chants and Games!
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Speaker: Kim Horne
Organization: Nagoya and Gifu Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching
Location: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Short description: Explore songs, chants, dialogue games and other activities that young learners will enjoy. Discover multi-sensory techniques to draw students in and hold their attention.

Teaching Phonetics for Multiple Purposes - One Approach
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Speaker: Joe Tomei, Kumamoto Gakuen University
Organization: Ibaraki Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching
Location: Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Short description: The large number of phonetic texts available suggests that there is no real consensus about what a phonetics class should teach. In this presentation, Tomei will present the outline of his own phonetics course that addresses multiple needs in the university curriculum, needs which are often unaddressed, and include encouraging a familiarity with IPA and English dialects, coping with aspects of what a university course might be like in the West, and encouraging further interest and research.

(1) Helping Students Speak English Better; (2) My Share
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Speaker: (1) Eiko Nakamura (Okayama University and Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare ); (2) All welcome!
Organization: Hiroshima Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching
Location: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Short description: During the first hour, participants will experience The Poster Carousel, an effective oral task which gives learners opportunities to repeatedly use the knowledge they already have.