PanSig 2016


May 20-23, 2016 at Meio University (Okinawa)
MW-SIG sponsored presentation: Text and Context: Innovating the Coursebook - Marcos Benevides
Language learning courses have long been organized according to a grammar syllabus; that is, to a series of language forms meant to be taught sequentially from a text, often regardless of learners' specific contexts. Authentic meaning-making and the presentation of interesting content is of secondary importance, shoehorned in simply to illustrate a grammar point. Yet, despite the occasional flare-up of anti-textbook indignation, teachers overwhelmingly do choose traditional texts, and publishing companies are only too happy to oblige. Is there a way to escape the grammar syllabus textbook? Or is language teaching doomed to always be trapped between text and context?

In addition to Marcos’ talk, several of our members also gave presentations. Here are their abstracts:
Ever Thought of Writing a Textbook? - Simon Capper
Ever thought of transforming those great ideas into materials that others can benefit from? This presentation follows the journey of an author/co-author of more than a dozen commercially published textbooks. The talk covers 10 stages of the book-birthing process, from conception to delivery, with suggestions, guidelines and warnings to help less experienced writers enhance their chances of success. These stages include: getting your foot in the door; finding your ‘gap’; establishing your principles; designing a scope and sequence; understanding your market; the best ways to fail; ensuring quality; the final push, and post-publication.

Enhancing Teacher-Created Language Learning Materials with Images - Cameron Romney
In this presentation, the presenter will offer suggestions and advice for adding images and other visual media to teacher-made language learning materials. He will begin by discussing the benefits for using visual media, the three main ways that images are used in language learning materials: instructive, supportive and decorative. Next, issues related to copyright, fair use, creative commons and suggestions for finding images on the Internet will be discussed. Finally, the presenter will showcase some examples of teacher-created language learning materials enhanced with images.

Designing Materials That Work - Barbara Hoskins Sakamoto
I've spent much of the past 25 years rewriting the same books. While I'm no expert on the subject of creating materials, I have learned a few things that I think make a difference in whether or not materials are successful. Whether you're evaluating or creating materials for your own learners, or working on the next big course book bestseller, I believe these guidelines can make a difference for you, too.

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

 

2024年11月15日〜2024年11月18日
静岡県・静岡コンベンションアーツセンター グランシップ
November 15 - 18, 2024 • Shizuoka Granship, Shizuoka, Japan