The Latest News in ELT

June 2006

Bubble Blowing and Language Skills
Children who can blow bubbles, lick their lips, and pretend that objects are something else, have better language skills than those who can't, research conducted by Lancaster University suggest. (June 26, 2006 )

What is Correct English?
What is correct English? A new grammar book, to be released across Japan next week, may either answer the question, or perhaps confuse readers more. 'Cambridge Grammar of English' by Ronald Carter and Michael McCarthy, published by Cambridge University Press, started quite a controversy when first published in Britain. As most people know, English taught in schools and the English written and spoken in daily life can be quite different. Respectively, they are known as prescriptive and descriptive grammar. Carter and McCarthy are attempting to show living English, which has upset quite a few conservative readers it was reported.
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ETJ Joint Conference - Kanazawa
English Teachers in Japan (ETJ) - Toyama and ETJ - Ishikawa announced that they are holding a joint conference in Kanazawa ( Kanazawa Kinrosha Plaza, near JR Kanazawa Station) on Sunday, July 16, 2006 from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm (Subject to change). The conference will include displays of materials by David English House, Oxford University Press, Macmillan Language House and Pearson Longman. Approximately ten presentations, to be held in two rooms will be given by popular authors, consultants and local teachers. Admission fee is 500 yen for ETJ members, 1,000 yen for non-ETJ members and includes free refreshments. Prospective attendees may pre-register by sending an e-mail including name, e-mail address and phone number to Terry Stone.
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National Diet Library to Offer English Tests
(Japan) The National Diet Library will no longer offer six choices for the foreign-language portion of its tests for job applicants and will instead limit it to English. Commencing this year in June, the new testing format will test examinees in three phases; general knowledge, foreign language skills and specialized subjects. Previously, the foreign-language test was offered in English, German, French, Russian, Chinese and Korean. Some sources believe that budgetary considerations are behind the move.
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Online Tuition - The way of the Future?
"The biggest advantage of online tuition is that your classroom and instructor are available 24/7." states Ranjith Pavithran, founder of TuitionMart, which claims to be the world's cheapest online tuition provider. Ranjith also believes that online tuition could be the window for students to the outside world. Students get to make contact with other students and tutors from different countries with these interactions allowing students to better understand the dynamics and culture of other countries. "These are vital skills necessary to succeed in the future global village." stated Ranjith. Because of the one-on-one nature of online education, students can clarify doubts fast and move forward quickly. People who are not comfortable asking questions in the usual classroom environment, can avoid this by typing their questions in the chat window or shooting an email to their instructor/s seamlessly even after the class is finished. Ranjith also stated that "The established players in this industry, charge anywhere between 20$ /hr to 100$/hr. But if you do some research, you can even find companies charging 10$/hr."
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Fukuoka - Disaster Email in English
(Japan) Fukuoka Prefecture is set to send e-mail disaster information in English to foreign residents and their families overseas. Fukuoka, which is home to around 45,000 foreign residents, is implementing the system due to confusion amongst foreigners about where to evacuate to after the huge earthquake that rocked the prefecture in March last year. Foreigners who require information emails, must register their addresses with the prefecture city office.
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(June 19, 2006 )

TESOL Summer Academy - Korea
TESOL is holding an International Summer Academy in Seoul, Korea on July 29-30. Participants can sign up for one of four 10-hour workshops. Topics to be covered and workshop leaders include: Grammar - David Nunan, Reading - Richard Day (Univ. of Hawaii), Teaching Young Learners - Caroline Linse (Sookmyung Women's University) and Listening - Marc Helgesen (Miyagi Gakuin Women's University. Space is limited to 37 people per workshop. The Academy will be held at Sookmyung Women's University which is near Itewon - an area known for shopping and restaurants. Reasonable lodging is also available and the fee is US$249 (reduced to $179 if paid by June 30). The academy has been described as a great opportunity as 10-hour workshops are long enough to explore the topics in depth.
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(June 16, 2006 )

Yamanashi ETJ Announces First Event
(Japan) The Yamanashi Chapter of the English Teachers in Japan Association (ETJ) announced that it will be holding its first ever event on Sunday, July 2nd from 2:00pm to 4:30pm at the Reach English School located in Enzan. The theme will include; introduction to the Chapter, discussion of future events and incorporation of Eiken interviews into daily classroom life.
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Canada's First iNovel, 'Hot Springs'
McArthur & Company recently announced that it had published Canada's first iNovel, 'Hot Springs', written by Steve Zio. The "i" in Novel stands for "interactive", and although Hot Springs is foremost a traditional bound book, its unique feature is an innovative and unusual companion website (www.hotspringsnovel.com) that adds meaning, depth and color to the story, characters and settings. Steve Zio was born in Montreal and has been educated in Quebec, Ontario, England, and the US. Formerly, the Managing Director of Oxford University Press, Japan and currently one of the directors of TransPac Education Services, he has been a teacher, publisher, textbook author, freelance translator and writer. Zio's wife, is the talented Japanese painter, Kimiko whose work is featured on the 'Hot Springs' website.
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(June 15, 2006 )

'Advanced Learners' Dictionary Use
(Japan) Kyoto JALT announced that they, along with the JSL-SIG, will be hosting an 'Advanced Learners Dictionary Use' presentation in June. The presentation will introduce the results of a qualitative study on bilingual dictionary usage of college students. The study focused on how Japanese-English/English-Japanese dictionaries (paper, electronic, and online) are used by advanced Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) and advanced ESL learners. Only the results of the JFL subjects will be introduced and discussed during the presentation. The seminar will be presented by Yoshiko Okuyama, Assistant Professor in Japanese and Linguistics at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Okuyama's area of expertise is Second Language Acquisition, and her research topics include technology-assisted language learning and adolescent bilingualism.
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Minato Ward & Temple Join Forces
Temple University, Japan and Minato Ward, Tokyo, have concluded a basic agreement to collaborate in fostering international understanding and cross-cultural communication. Minato Ward Mayor, Masaaki Takei said his ward had formed a partnership with the institution to offer better services as "one of the nation's richest municipalities in terms of internationalism." The ward has many foreign residents residing there as well as numerous foreign embassies. Both parties will offer their services and resources to each other in the fields of education, culture and community development. TUJ will offer two programs during its summer vacation; a seminar on English teaching for teachers as well as a summer program for middle school students. The Minato Ward office will allow those studying and working at TUJ to use the ward's sports facilities at discounted rates. "We hope to provide opportunities for those who live and work in Minato [Ward] to acquire the communication skills necessary to be truly global citizens," said TUJ Dean Kirk Patterson.
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(June 13, 2006 )

Tackling English 'Blind Spots'
Mike Guest, Associate Professor of English at the Medical College of Miyazaki University, suggests that while many aspects of the English language are baffling to most Japanese students including articles, preposition usage etc. There are also 'blind spots' which profoundly affect communication and that these should not be neglected. Based on Guest's 17 years of experience, he has noted six regular blind spots that he hopes teachers will address. These include; General plurals, general pronouns, ditransitive verbs, cleft constructions, dummy subjects and past participles.
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(June 12, 2006 )

'New Finding Out' Release
World-renowned author, David Paul has recently released a refined and updated version of the popular 'Finding Out' series which was designed for elementary school children. The original 'Finding Out' was developed and refined with a lot of feedback from teachers over a ten-year period before it was published. It quickly became a bestseller and has remained so for fifteen years. During this fifteen-year period, many schools and teachers have suggested additions and improvements, and 'New Finding Out' (Macmillan) is the culmination of this feedback. The core elements of the original 'Finding Out' have been kept. 'New Finding Out' remains child centered, with the children being led towards a succession of achievable language targets that are not 'taught' but discovered in games, puzzles and other fun activities.

David Paul founded 'David English House' in an apartment in Hiroshima in 1982 and has built it up into one of the most respected schools in East Asia. For many years his focus has been on providing professional support for English teachers. He founded ETJ (English Teachers in Japan), trains teachers throughout East Asia, has introduced reputable distance learning courses to the region. Some of the books he has written include: 'Finding Out' and 'New Finding Out', 'Communicate'. 'Communication Strategies', 'Teaching English to Children in Asia’ (There are now Japanese, Korean and Chinese translations of this book) and 'Songs and Games for Children'. All of these books are available at: www.ELTBOOKS.com

David Paul will be conducting 'New Finding Out' Workshops - 'A child-centered approach for Japanese children' in June/July 2006.
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E-Mail: Workshop Information
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English Portal Site for Japan Sci-Tech
The Japan Science and Technology Agency, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, has launched Science Links Japan it was announced recently. The English site will lead to approximately 550 online sources of science and technology-related information provided by numerous Japanese entities. Visitors can use science and technology-related databases, and look up various policies in the sectors in English.
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Japan Loves 'Peter Rabbit'
The popular 'Peter Rabbit' written by world renowned children's author, Beatrix Potter is proving to be a big hit in Japan it was reported recently. Why is Japan so taken with Peter Rabbit? Apparently, part of the reason is that the story is rooted in an extremely romanticized view of nature. Secondly, it appeals to the typical Japanese schoolgirl and her love of cuteness. Another important point is that Potter's stories have huge appeal in Japanese classrooms due to her use of simple language and short sentences.
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(June 07, 2006 )

Support Grows for Teaching in Kagoshima City
The Kagoshima Chapter of NPO JALT, announced that the Second teaching children conference for teachers of English will be held in Kagoshima City on June 25th 2006. Gaining the recognition and support for their efforts in teacher training, the local Kagoshima Chapter of NPO JALT, has received Koen Megi (Expressions of Support) from the Kagoshima, Kirishima, Ibusuki and Minamata Boards of Education, as well as from local TV and Newspaper groups KKB, MBC, and the Minami Nihon Shinbun. Kagoshima Chapter President, Cynthia Keith said that "the theme for this year was Appealing, Ageless and Simple Activities". She also went on to say that the conference theme had been chosen in response to requests from teachers for more support at the elementary school level.
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(June 06, 2006 )

SELHI Projects Motivate Students
(Japan) Toyama University of International Studies (TUINS) High School, which was designated a Super English Language High School (SELHi) in 2004, has incorporated an innovative learning theme. How to develop project-based learning (PBL) using authorized textbooks. Vice principal and the leader of the SELHi project at the high school, Nobukuni Kurata stated that "We think PBL is an effective method for students to learn English through research in various fields. But how to motivate students and give PBL real meaning using textbooks in the limited environment of a classroom is the challenge for us." The popular course's long-term goal is for third year students to make group presentations in English about their preferred "virtual" or ideal state.
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(June 05, 2006 )

Be Cruel to Your Characters
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Tokyo, is presenting an English writing workshop on plot and private critiques with popular author, Chris Eboch. The workshop will be held at Tokyo Women’s Plaza, Shibuya in July. Eboch is the author of such books as; The Well of Sacrifice, Life Among the Maya, Modern Nations of the World: Turkey and Modern Nations of the World: Yemen. In 2006, Picture Window Books will release her titles Science Measurements and Science Tools, for second-grade children.
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(June 02, 2006 )

English OK! 'Gourmet Night'
English OK! recently announced their June "Gourmet Night" to be held at T.G.I. Friday's-Ginza The regular monthly Gourmet Night is; "Open to all Japanese and non-Japanese who may have a craving for some stomach-stuffing American grub." states English OK. The menu includes a wide variety of American style foods ranging from buffalo wings & mozzarella sticks with tomato slices to warm apple crisp. Raffle prizes are also offered with all raffle proceeds being donated to the 'Make a Wish Foundation'.
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English Learning Methods Weak
(Japan) Waseda University's Yoshiaki Shinoda, a professor emeritus of business and technical communication in English, believes that all students should practice writing essays in English to assist with communication skills development. Shinoda stated recently that "Although Japanese spend an unbelievable amount of time studying English, the results are poor." Shinoda believes that current learning methods are weak due to not enough time being devoted to the logical relationship between thoughts and the thinking process. Shinoda recommends that students writing English essays focus on three areas: vocabulary, rhetoric and grammar.
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(June 01, 2006 )

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