Kyoto JALT:

Philosophy of Teaching Difficult Students

Date: Friday, April 13th, 2001 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Speaker: Curtis Kelly, Heian Women's University

Description:
College EFL classes, dubbed "the wasteland of motivation," bring us into contact with students who are bored, indifferent, and even hostile. While there is no simple solution for dealing with such students, the problem is so central to the success of our teaching, that we must attempt to find one. The presenter has taught English in Japan for over twenty years, and is working on a doctorate in learner development. He has found that many of the problems of difficult students come from unresolved needs, developmental stages, relational learning styles in an analytical classroom, or what Palmer calls the "wall of fear" (1998). The presenter will relate these concepts to his own classroom experiences and discuss techniques for building relationships with difficult students and raising esteem. In particular, he will discuss Roger's three criteria for the humanistic approach: 1) authenticity, empathic listening, and 3) absolute positive regard. Finally, the participants will be asked to offer their experiences and suggestions for dealing with difficult students.

Organization: Kyoto Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Kyoto JALT)

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1,000 yen

Venue: Kyoto Kyoiku Bunka Center

Location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

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