JALT International 2015

Harnessing the power of visual design Cameron Romney

Sponsored by Materials Writers SIG

Making great teaching materials is not only about the content but also how it is presented. Research has shown that visual design influences both student comprehension and motivation. This workshop will offer some visual design best practices to improve student learning, and demonstrate how they can be applied to materials using word processing software. Participants are encouraged to bring copies of their own materials and/or their laptop to practice with.

November 21, 2015 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

The Student’s Voice in EFL Materials Smiley, Jim - Tohoku Bunka Gakuen University; Barker, David - Gifu University; Campbell-Larsen, John - Kyoto Women’s University; Cook, Melodie - University of Niigata Prefecture; Wiltshier, John - Miyagi Gakuin Women’s University

Textbooks are models of language for students, yet they often fail to represent the likely future voices. The native speaker model carries with it implications of accent, modes of delivery, and cultural assumptions. Cook will speak on gender issues in EFL textbooks; Barker on how L1 and C1 interferes with L2 and C2. Smiley on systemic functional linguistics to assess naturalness; Campbell-Larsen on pragmatics; and Wiltshier on writers’ struggles with editors.

November 22, 2015 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Materials Writers SIG AGM
The MW SIG AGM will discuss the operations of our SIG. The meeting comprises officer reports for 2014-2015, the election of officers for the coming year, programs for 2016, our Best of JALT nomination for 2015, our publication, Between the Keys, and other points of business. This is the chance to become more involved in the running of the SIG. We always welcome new talent into the organisation. Please come along to have your voice heard.

November 22, 2015 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

Creating Learner-Focused Materials Johnathan Lynch
Teachers create a wide range of materials, from one-page supplementary activities, to whole courses made from original content. Despite our best efforts, situations arise where self-made materials do not live up to expectations. In this workshop, the presenter will argue that a lack of learner focus in materials may be a cause of such problems. Practical ways to make learner-focused materials will be explained by means of a worksheet based on a “Christmas Songs” theme.

November 22, 2015 2:55 PM - 3:20 PM

Towards Systematic Materials Design with ADDIE Cameron Romney
Researchers have suggested that ELT materials should be created in a more systematic way. This presentation will propose a systematic creation process by introducing an Instructional Design model called ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) and how it can be applied to the creation of ELT materials. Participants should come away with a better understanding of the challenges facing ELT materials writers and how Instructional Design models can be applied to meet those challenges.

November 22, 2015 2:55 PM - 3:55 PM

The Myths and Realities of EFL Publishing in Japan Todd Jay Leonard
What is more focused on the learner than the course textbook? Nearly every teacher has an EFL textbook they would like to write. This presentation outlines the “ins” and “outs” of what the current publishing market in Japan is looking for in EFL textbooks. The presenter has published extensively within the EFL market in Japan and will offer helpful advice to budding authors who wish to pursue projects geared to Japan’s domestic market.

November 22, 2015 5:50 PM - 6:15 PM