Sessions /
ER SIG forum #126

Sun, Jun 21, 12:00-13:20 JST | Zoom E

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Conducting classroom-based research on extensive reading allows language teachers to contribute to knowledge about a valuable approach to language learning; however, a strong understanding of research methodology is essential to execute meaningful studies. Greg Sholdt reports on a unique professional development project that helps language teachers gain skills and knowledge related to conducting quantitative research. He provides an overview of the project and explains benefits of this approach to professional development. Following the presentation, Pat Conaway will lead a discussion on how the ER SIG can replicate the project framework to increase the opportunities to conduct research and raise its quality.

While results from research can support using ER in the classroom, It is also important for teachers to get their students interested in extensive reading with engaging classroom activities. The final part of the seminar will be a slam session in which teachers will have a maximum of five minutes to explain a successful ER activity they have used: Making picture dictionaries, Reader's theater, Pattern seekers - teaching and testing scanning, the Extensive Reading Foundation placement test, and using the V-Check level test.

Pat Conaway

Yamagata University

I teach EFL classes to freshman students in the medical, agriculture, engineering, humanities, and education departments. It’s a lot of fun seeing the different personalities of the students with such a wide range of majors. Our school does not have a standalone extensive reading program but it is something that I incorporate in all of my classes. Extensive Reading has played a big role in my own language learning, and I try to share that experience with my students so they can realize the pleasure and effectivenesss of reading regularly in their L2.

Greg Sholdt

Konan University

I am currently based at at Konan University and have over 20 years of language teaching experience. My interests include classroom-based research methods, extensive reading, and English for academic purposes. Building on previous experience teaching statistics, I have been exploring innovative approaches to fostering research skills and knowledge among the language teaching community in Japan. I have developed and offered workshops, online courses, and year-long collaborative research projects. I'm a consulting editor for the JALT Journal and member of the JALT Research Grants Committee.

Greg Rouault

Hiroshima Shudo University

I have been teaching English as a foreign language in Japan since 1999. In higher education, I have taught 4 skills, study abroad test prep, EAP, and content-based courses with a task-based approach. Currently, I am responsible for international business communication courses, business English and discussion electives, and required courses in reading. My research interests include ER, visible learning, and ESP with simulations. I am also the Reviews Editor for JALT Journal which publishes book reviews on titles across a diverse range of interests.

Glen Hill

Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

I have a master's degree in science, but I've been teaching English in Japan since 1998. For the past 15+ years, I've been a tenured professor at a science university, where I make use of my scientific research experience to educate students on reading and writing matters related to their future jobs. At my uni's English Resource Center, I hire and train the PT student staff, choose & order graded readers, and manage all daily operations. For the past decade, I've also been the CUE SIG Publications Chair and the chief editor of the OnCUE Journal.

Mark Brierley

Shinshu University

Seminar co-chair. Editor of Extensive Reading in Japan.

Guy Cihi

Lexxica R&D

EdTech Entrepreneur - Producer of WordEngine. Attention ER advocates: Use the free VCheck lexical test to ensure that your students are reading at the optimal level based on their lexical ability. VCheck allows you to confidently assign GR titles that will provide an optimal 97% to 99% coverage for each student. Contact: gcihi@lexxica.co.jp to get started.

Parisa Fardad

Miyagi Gakuin University & MY English School

I majored in Linguistics and have more that 15 years of English teaching experience at universities and language schools and currently teach at MY English school and Miyagi Gakuin University. My interests center around learner's motivation and recently self-efficacy. I believe the first thing an educator can do at any field is to show the learners their capabilities.

Sessions / ER SIG forum #126

Sessions /
ER SIG forum #126