Language Teaching in a Global Age:
Shaping the Classroom, Shaping the World

This year’s conference theme addresses the vital need for foreign language skills in our multicultural world and the special mission of classroom instructors to prepare students to survive and thrive in a global age. The theme highlights the increased contact that our learners have with foreign tourists, residents and co-workers from around the globe, the new communication technologies that enhance borderless language learning, and the need for language instructors to "think globally, teach locally."

The wide range of conference sessions will touch on topics such as:

• content-based approaches to bringing international themes into the classroom
• the value of study abroad programs in sending language students overseas
• the roles of web-based technology in enhancing language learning
• global standards of language testing and assessment
• English as a global language and the teaching of World Englishes

JALT2017 will bring together language researchers, curriculum developers, materials writers and classroom teachers to discuss the latest innovations in our field. The conference will provide a unique chance to hear talks by world experts, explore the latest teaching materials and connect with JALT’s 27 Special Interest Groups. Given this year's global theme, it’s appropriate that our conference will be held in Tsukuba, a dynamic international hub of academic research and the site of the ground-breaking “Expo 1985” Tsukuba World’s Fair.

Start planning now to attend this special event. See you in Tsukuba in November!

Kip A. Cates
JALT2017 Conference Chair

Special thanks to Tsukuba Tourist and Convention Association and City of Tsukuba

We are pleased to announce we are able to held the conference in Tsukuba with the aid and
kind assistance of the Tsukuba Tsukuba Tourist Convention Association and City of Tsukuba.

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JALT 2017 has Koen-meigi from the following:

• Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology - Japan
• The Japan Foundation
• Science Council of Japan
• City of Tsukuba
• Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education
• Tsukuba City Board of Education