Category: Event

  • A Growth Mindset for Language Education – Adrian Leis

    February 15 @ 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

    Location: KIOXIA AIINA in Morioka – Room 602

    〒020-0045　1-7-1 Moriokaekinishidori, Morioka, Iwate 020-0045, Japan

    Abstract

    This presentation explores how growth mindset theory can empower learners to see ability as something that can be developed rather than fixed. Drawing on research in educational psychology and classroom-based practice, the presentation examines how beliefs about intelligence influence motivation, risk-taking, and resilience. Through interactive examples and practical activities, participants will experience how small changes in feedback, task design, and classroom culture can strengthen students’ willingness to challenge themselves. The session also invites participants to reflect on their own mindsets, both as language teachers and as language learners, highlighting the role of scaffolding, praise, and productive failure in building confidence, creativity, and long-term engagement with learning.

    Profile

    Adrian Leis is a professor at Tohoku Gakuin University and founder of SielpA Books. His work focuses on language-learning motivation, self-worth theory, and task-based pedagogy. He is widely published and actively involved in teacher education, textbook development, and research that bridges theory with classroom practice.

  • Event – Emily MacFarlane: Proven Techniques for Building EFL Speaking Fluency

    Date and Time: December 14 @ 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

    Place: AIINA 1:30pm to 4pm.  Room 817.

    Abstract: This workshop equips EFL teachers with five research-backed techniques to dramatically improve students’ speaking fluency through structured practice and strategic communication training. The session will also introduce recent fluency research findings from Tohoku University examining an online fluency tool for first-year university EFL students. This research explores the impact of filler words on speech rate, the effect of repeated tool usage on fluency improvement, and student perceptions of both the online tool and their own fluency development. Designed for Japanese EFL contexts, the workshop addresses common challenges including students’ silent pauses, accuracy obsession, and unnatural rhythm patterns. Teachers experience each technique firsthand before learning practical implementation strategies, classroom troubleshooting, and fluency-focused assessment methods. Participants will leave with concrete tools to transform hesitant speakers into confident communicators.

    Teaser: Transform your students from hesitant speakers into confident communicators! Learn five research-backed techniques including 1-minute speeches, 4-3-2 activities, and shadowing practice. Experience each method yourself for immediate classroom implementation. Perfect for all EFL levels.

    Bio: Emily MacFarlane is an experienced English language educator who teaches at various universities in Sendai.  Her most recent research is on improving speaking fluency in Japanese university students.

  • Event – Bringing the JALT Conference Home

    November 16 @ 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

    Date: November 16, 2025 (Sunday)

    Time: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

    Location: AIINA – Room 807

    JALT Conference presentations for those who could not attend

    Presenters will be:

    Jim Smiley: Developing Argument Structure in Japanese L2 Writers

    Jacob Petersen: Enhancing Intercultural Competence and English learning through COIL: Insights from a Japanese-Norwegian pilot study