The Japan Association for Language Teaching

Kyoto Chapter

(Read the archived description for the Kyoto Chapter)

Kyoto Chapter Events in 2007

Events archive by year:
2008 [3]; 2007; 2006 [6]; 2005 [6]; 2004 [4]; 2003 [5]; 2002 [4]; 2001 [7];

Friday, January 19th, 2007

Concept mapping in content-based classrooms

Speaker: Heidi Evans and Todd Squires
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Fri., January 19th, 2007)
Fee (JALT members): free
Fee (One-Day members): 1,000 yen
Prefecture: Kyoto
City: Kyoto
Venue: Kyoto Kyoiku Bunka Center, Marutamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Description: Many Japanese university English language programs are moving towards content-based instruction. Confronted with unknown, specialist vocabulary and new concepts, students in content-based courses struggle with not only learning a new subject area but also learning the vocabulary linked to these concepts. Through the use of concept maps, teachers can provide students with a tool for learning new vocabulary, comprehending texts, and synthesizing and organizing new information in meaningful ways that personalize language and content learning.

Saturday, May 12th, 2007

Effective Methods for Japanese as a Second Language Public Speaking

Speaker: Peter Sakura
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Sat., May 12th, 2007)
Fee (JALT members): free
Fee (One-Day members): 1,000 yen
Prefecture: Kyoto
City: Kyoto
Venue: Kyoto Kyoiku Bunka Center, Marutamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Description: When do Japanese learners typically make speeches? What specific phrases can be used in formal situations? How are speeches evaluated? What resources are available? This workshop, intended for people who are either teaching or learning Japanese as a second language, aims to identify effective methods for public speaking. For example, time will be devoted to exploring what can be said at opening and closing ceremonies. Using concrete examples and templates from workshop handouts, actual speeches may be composed for use in future situations. Workshop participants are invited to bring their own teaching materials or speeches to share. Other JSL teaching and learning techniques will be discussed.

Saturday, June 23rd, 2007

Pedagogical issues relating to the study abroad experiences of Japanese university students

Speaker: Michael Furmanovsky
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Sat., June 23rd, 2007)
Fee (JALT members): free
Fee (One-Day members): 1,000 yen
Prefecture: Kyoto
City: Kyoto
Venue: Kyoto Kyoiku Bunka Center, Marutamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Description: This presentation focuses on pedagogical issues relating to the study abroad experiences of Japanese university students. First, the survey results of 25 students studying at a language center in Melbourne, Australia will be presented. Then the speaker will focus on the pedagogical implications of the qualitative data, and discuss two single-semester classes that he created at his university.

Saturday, September 22nd, 2007

My Share Activities and Pizza

Speaker: Members and guests
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Sat., September 22nd, 2007)
Fee (JALT members): free
Fee (One-Day members): 1,000 yen
Prefecture: Kyoto
City: Kyoto
Venue: Kyoto Kyoiku Bunka Center, Marutamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Description: Have you got a favorite activity to start off a new term? Come and share one, be it a game or warm-up activity! Or just stop by, listen, and enjoy a slice of pizza. It'll be a great opportunity to get some new ideas for the upcoming fall classes. If you are planning to attend, please send an email (so we can pre-order the pizza) by Sept 21, 24:00 on the JALT webpage by clicking here or by selecting 'groups', and then 'Kyoto' under 'chapters.' You will see a link to contact the chapter on the lower right part of the page.

Saturday, October 20th, 2007

Teaching Nonverbal Communication in English Classes

Speaker: Kathi Kitao
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Sat., October 20th, 2007)
Fee (JALT members): free
Fee (One-Day members): 1,000 yen
Prefecture: Kyoto
City: Kyoto
Venue: Kyoto Kyoiku Bunka Center, Marutamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Description: Nonverbal communication is an important, though often neglected, aspect of communication. The most obvious example of nonverbal communication, and one that most people think of first, is gestures. However, nonverbal communication takes a number of forms. How a person dresses, how classrooms are arranged, how far apart two people stand, who touches whom, and so on, all communicate or influence communication. Students of English can benefit from learning about nonverbal communication. An understanding of nonverbal communication can improve the effectiveness of communication. There are differences between the nonverbal communication of Japanese speakers and English speakers, and it is particularly useful for students of English to understand these differences. In addition, nonverbal communication is a subject students of English find interesting, and therefore, it can be motivating as a content topic in English. This presentation will demonstrate how nonverbal communication can be introduced and presented in English language classes.

Saturday, December 8th, 2007

Student resistance in Japanese universities: What, Who, How, and Why?

Speaker: Keiko Sakui and Neil Cowie
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (Sat., December 8th, 2007)
Fee (JALT members): free
Fee (One-Day members): 1,000 yen
Prefecture: Kyoto
City: Kyoto
Venue: Kyoto Kyoiku Bunka Center, Marutamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Description: Student resistance is not a common research topic, but it is a classroom reality that many teachers experience. The presenters will critically examine what student resistance is, how we can understand it and why some students might resist. Ample opportunities will be provided so that the participants can reflect on their own experiences.

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The Japan Association for Language Teaching
Urban Edge Bldg 5F, 1-37-9 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
Tel: 0352885443