Lifelong Language Learning SIG’s Mini Conference / ETJ Tokyo English Language Teaching Convention
Otsuma Women’s University (Building G), Tokyo/ February 9, 2025
Conference fee: ¥1000
See the full program of the conference here: https://ltpdownloads.com/tokyo-1/ .
See the full program at a glance: https://living4now.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tokyo-presentation-schedule.pdf
10:00 – 10:45
Room 335
How to effectively use lifelong learning courses
Sachiko Nakagome
How are adult lifelong learners different from younger learners in motivation, study habits, and needs? How can you make LLL work for professional development or community building? The presenter will share her insights from 30 years as both a student and teacher of lifelong learning courses.
Aimed at: Current and potential continuing education teachers and students, parents and students of all ages
Sachiko Nakagome has taken over 20 Continuing Education classes in New York and Tokyo. She has worked as a writer, NGO and media personnel and English teacher.
11:15 – 12:00
Room 335
Incorporating service learning into an ELT curriculum
Joseph Dias
Service-learning integrates community-oriented volunteer activities that address local needs into a course, thereby allowing students to connect knowledge and theory to practice through guided reflection. The speaker will show how short-term volunteer placements with NGOs that have an international workforce can enhance both language and intercultural competence.
Aimed at: Teachers at the high school, university, and adult learning levels
Joseph Dias coordinates the Integrated English Program for the English Department at Aoyama Gakuin University and he is the president of JALT’s Lifelong Language Learning Special Interest Group.
1:00 – 1:45
Room 335
Mental health support and resources in Japan
Royanne Doi
Representatives of TELL, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing support and counseling services to Japan’s international community,will discuss the mental health landscape in Japan and the resources available to people, especially those seeking services in languages other than Japanese.
Aimed at: Teachers at every level
Royanne Doi is TELL’sExecutive Director. Shebrings a wealth of experience to TELL, including for-profit, non-profit, start-up, and academic work experience. Along with recently assuming the position as an independent non-executive director of a global Japan-based asset management company, she is also an outside director of Gojo & Company, a social impact start-up company investing in micro-finance banks in emerging markets.
2:15 – 3:00
Room 335
The classes they remember: Skits, role-plays, and the brain’s secrets
Mariana Oana Senda
This workshop combines hands-on skits and role plays with neuroscientific insights to create memorable TESOL lessons. Participants will learn how these techniques boost confidence, fluency, and creativity while engaging brain processes for retention and lifelong learning. Practical strategies for different age groups will be explored.
Aimed at: All levels of teachers, from kindergarten to university instructors.
Mariana Oana Senda specializes in TESOL and education, with additional expertise in biology and medical science, integrating skits, role-plays, and neuroscience to foster engagement, communication, and lifelong learning for diverse learners.
Room 336
English proficiency and Its influence on dating and marriage values
Asia Dobbs, Miki Tanaka
This study examines how English language acquisition influences Japanese Millennials’ and Gen Z’s views on social issues, focusing on gender roles, dating, and marriage expectations. Through anonymous surveys, we analyze how English proficiency and education impact cultural awareness and shape attitudes toward relationships and social norms among native Japanese speakers.
Aimed at: Junior high school, high school, and university teachers
Asia Dobbs iis a lecturer at Ferris University with degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Hawaii, researches Japanese sociology, focusing on how English use influences cultural norms and identity.
Miki Tanaka is a specially Appointed Assistant Professor at Bunkyo Gakuin University. She has an MA in TESOL from Winona State University and researches bilingualism and second language identity.
3:30 – 4:15
Room 335
Enhancing learner wellbeing in the language classroom
Chiyuki Yanase
This presentation explores strategies to enhance learner wellbeing in language classrooms, focusing on fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. Key approaches include promoting positive relationships, integrating mindfulness practices, offering personalized feedback, and encouraging emotional expression. The goal is to improve learners’ overall mental health, engagement, and language acquisition.
Aimed at: Teachers at the high school, university, and adult learning levels
Chiyuki Yanase is a lecturer at several universities in the Tokyo area. Her current research focuses on teacher and learner wellbeing, with an emphasis on promoting sustainable and thriving lifestyles.
Room 336
The keys to self-directed learning: Plan, do, check, act
James Underwood
Did you know it could take 2000 hours to become fluent in English? Come to this presentation to learn how to support learners in taking control of their out-of-class learning and maximising their learning potential. The presenter will explain how to guide learners through a university-level, classroom-based, Self-Directed Learning course.
Aimed at: University teachers or adult teachers
James Underwood has 20 years of experience teaching English in Japan. He is the president of the JALT Learner Development SIG and teaches at several universities.
4:45 – 5:30
Room 335
The reel challenge
Ashley Ford, Kinsella Valies, Rhea Metituk
This presentation highlights the benefits of filmmaking in language classrooms, emphasizing creativity, empowerment, and skill development. It offers a prompt and guidelines for a short video contest in an upcoming language learning film festival, providing teachers with strategies to guide students and motivate them through submission opportunities.
Aimed at: University teachers
Ashley Ford is a language lecturer at Nagoya City University utilizing filmmaking activities as a creative and meaningful way for students to express themselves and use language skills.
Kinsella Valies is an assistant professor at Jissen Women’s University. With a Masters in Applied Linguistics and a Bachelors in film, she uses filmmaking to enhance language learning.
Rhea Metituk specializes in digital media and facilitates the Myongji University English Video Contest. She is president of KOTESOL Seoul and organizes the 2025 KOTESOL International Conference and Film Contest.
Room 336
Inclusive language classroom attempts: An EFL teacher’s experience
Michael Y. Yap
The collaborative and process-learning nature of foreign language learning classes presents significant challenges to learners with special educational needs. However, these difficulties can be mitigated through specific pedagogical accommodations. This presentation shares attempts to make lessons accessible to all learners and help them gain confidence in using English.
Aimed at: EFL teachers at the junior high school, high school, and university levels
Michael Y. Yap teaches at Meiho Junior and Senior High School while doing graduate studies in Special Education. He aims to integrate his Special Education learning to support language learners with diverse needs.