Nagasaki JALT:

Two Presentations: (1) Looking at Changes in the Center Shiken - Now vs. Then; (2) Studies on Japanese EFL Learners' Demotivation

Date: Saturday, January 26th, 2008 Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker: (1) Michael Guest, Miyazaki University; (2) Keita Kikuchi, Waseda University

Description:
For our first meeting of 2008, we are pleased to host two different but complementary presentations. Michael Guest of Miyazaki University will outline some important but often disregarded facts, features and practical circumstances regarding the Center Shiken in terms of its 1981 and 2006 versions. It will be argued that the current form of the test -- in accordance with MEXT's stated intentions -- could actually have a beneficial washback effect, one that could be used to foster the development of basic communicative competence. Discussion will focus upon how teaching for success on the Center Shiken might actually dovetail with progressive and/or holistic teaching methodologies.

In the other session, Keita Kikuchi of Waseda University will draw on various studies concerned with Japanese English learners' demotivation patterns. Participants are expected to freely share their point of view based on their own experiences in classrooms so that we can understand this complicated issue together after the presentation of qualitative and quantitative research findings. All welcome!

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

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1000 yen

Venue: Dejima Koryu Kaikan, 4F (this is the large white building next to Dejima Wharf and Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum; take #5 streetcar to Shiminbyoinmae stop, or take #1 streetcar to Dejima stop.)

Location: Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

Contact Nagasaki JALT

Website: www.nankyujalt.org