Kansai-Hokuriku 4-Corners: Exploring the Global and Local Dimensions of Narrative Inquiry in Language Teacher Identity Research

Friday, Dec 1, 7-9 pm
Join us for an enlightening workshop that delves into the profound global and local applications of narrative inquiry within the realm of language teacher identity research. Narrative inquiry is a meticulous examination of “how individuals employ stories to construct meaning from their experiences in fields of inquiry where comprehending phenomena from the perspectives of those who undergo them is of paramount significance" (Barkhuizen et al., 2014, p. 2). Language teacher identity, on the other hand, encapsulates the manner in which educators perceive themselves as instructors and how they are perceived by others in their role as educators. Throughout this workshop, Professor Barkhuizen and Professor Takaaki Hiratsuka will elucidate the intricacies of narrative inquiry and the concept of language teacher identity. They will underscore the profound advantages of equipping researchers with a deep understanding of narrative inquiry’s fundamental principles in the context of language education. Additionally, they will emphasize the importance of educators being mindful of the evolution of their identities within the specific contexts in which they operate.

Gary Barkhuizen is Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. His teaching and research interests are in the areas of language teacher education, teacher and learner identity, study abroad, and narrative inquiry. Originally from South Africa, he obtained his MA from Essex University in the UK, and his doctorate from Teachers College, Colombia University. His latest book is Language Teachers Studying Abroad: Identities, Emotions and Disruptions (2022, Multilingual Matters). 

Takaaki Hiratsuka is Professor of Applied Linguistics at Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan, where he supervises master’s and PhD students, both Japanese and non-Japanese, in related fields of language teacher education and narrative inquiry. His recent book publications include: Narrative Inquiry into Language Teacher Identity: ALTs in the JET program (2022, Routledge), Team Teachers in Japan: Beliefs, Identities, and Emotions (2023, Routledge), and Native-speakerism and Trans-speakerism: Entering a New Era (in press, Cambridge University Press).

This video of the two presenters discussing Professor Barkhuizen's plenary topic will give a good sense of what to expect.

This event is co-sponsored by the Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hokuriku Chapters of JALT, and will be held online as part of the 4-Corners Tour in which invited speakers at the annual international JALT conference give additional presentations throughout the country before and after the conference. Please register here to receive the Zoom link.

Promoting Critical Multiculturalism in the Japanese EFL Classroom: Conceptualization, Design, and Delivery

Promoting Critical Multiculturalism in the Japanese EFL Classroom: Conceptualization, Design, and Delivery

Sunday, October 8, 2023 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm

In an era of social justice and racial reckoning, teachers have been increasingly addressing topics related to race/racism, ethnicity, and identity. However, some may consider tackling such issues as daunting, complex, and too controversial to broach in Japanese EFL settings. This may be due to not only vague student background knowledge but also teacher uncertainty with respect to course design and implementation. This workshop will demonstrate how Kubota's (2012) basic concepts of critical multiculturalism can be applied to design a university CLIL course. Activities from the course will be simulated, and discussions that reflect on those activities will be facilitated. Any questions or concerns about best practices when it comes to the promotion of diversity, intercultural awareness, and inclusion in ELT course creation will be addressed.

Gregory Paul Glasgow is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at Kanda University of International Studies. He is a critical applied linguist who draws on social theory to examine the politics of Global English(es) in language teaching in contemporary society. Most specifically, he is interested in issues of language, race, and identity as they relate to the implementation of English language education policy and pedagogical practice. Glasgow holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Queensland in Australia and previously served as an English Language Specialist for the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

ZOOM Online presentation *registration required*
Contact: fujimotodonna@gmail.com to get the Zoom link; and with any questions.
This event is co-sponsored with SIETAR-Kansai.

Summer social by the river, in Minoh park

Come join us in Minoh Park by (and in) the river to cool down, connect with old and new friends, and help wind down the semester while helping raise awareness of and some funds for a good cause. We'll have some refreshments to share, but please bring a bento if you like, snacks, beverages, and a rubber duck if you have one and would like to participate in the rubber duck race! (Rubber ducks can be found at Daiso and other stores.) It's 100 yen to sponsor a duck, or pitch in whatever you like, with all proceeds going to support Kodomo Shokudo, a volunteer group that provides free or reduced-priced meals for underprivileged children in Minoh and throughout Japan.

Meet at Minoh station at 2:00, or join us on the east bank of the river about halfway to the falls whenever you can, for as long or as short a time as you like as you enjoy all that the park has to offer. All are welcome, and the more the merrier!

If you miss the group get-together at 2pm, simply come up the walkway towards the waterfall. Walk past the Insect Museum and after walking under the red bridge at Ryoanji Temple you will see Yamamoto Coffee shop on your right. Go down the slope towards it, cross the rustic bridge looking at the "Monsoon Cafe" blue tarp, take a left, and keep walking along the river until you find us near the next bridge and public bathroom.

RSVP here to give us an idea of how many to expect, and to get emails of updated and more detailed information.

2011 Back to School Event

Date: Sunday, April 24, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Osaka Gakuin University, Building No. 2
Admission: Students: 300 yen, JALT members: 500 yen, Non-members: 1000 yen

JALT’s Osaka Chapter, in collaboration with the Framework and Language Portfolio SIG and Task Based Learning SIG, is proud to sponsor our second annual Back to School event, to be held April 24 at Osaka Gakuin University.

At this mini-conference there will be presentations on a wide range of topics including theory and practice related to Task-Based Learning and the Common European Framework (CEFR), as well as presentations on pedagogical practices and topics of interest and practical application to classroom language teachers. 

The schedule of presentations can be downloaded HERE.

100% of proceeds from this event will be going to support relief efforts in Tohoku via the Save the Children organization, so come join us for a great day of sharing ideas that are sure to help start off the new school year on a positive note.

Map of Osaka Gakuin University. More transportation information HERE.

Pecha Kucha Night and Bonenkai

Date: Saturday December 18, 2010
Time: 16:00 - 18:00 (Bonenkai at 6:30)
Location: Konan University, Nishinomiya Campus, 8-33 Takamatsu-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo

Osaka JALT, in association with the Kobe, Nara, and Kyoto Chapters, will co-sponsor a Pecha Kucha Night at Konan University, Hirao School of Management (CUBE) in Nishinomiya, followed by a bonenkai at the highly acclaimed Busy Bee Cafe.

Here's the url for a great write-up of the Busy Bee Cafe that was in the Kansai Scene:  http://www.kansaiscene.com/2004_01/html/food.shtml

Presenters include James Crocker, Mike Riffle, Mayumi Asaba, David Kolf, Ted Bonnah, Steve Cornwell, John Campbell-Larsen, Matthew Walsh, Brent Jones, and Greg Rouault.

What is Pecha Kucha? Pecha Kucha is a short presentation style originating from Tokyo that has strict time limits. Presenters show 20 slides for 20 seconds each, so each speaker has just six minutes and forty seconds for their whole presentation. For more information about Pecha Kucha click here.

The venue for this event is just south of Hankyu Nishinomiya Kita-guchi station.The bonenkai, at the Busy Bee Cafe, is a short 8 min walk from Hankyu Nishinomiya Kitaguchi Stn, Northwest exit. There will be reserved seating for 30 people. The bonenkai cost will be ¥1,500 for food only, and a cash bar.

Please contact osakajalt@yahoo.com  if you'd like to make a presentation, sign up for the bonenkai, or for more information.

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