JALT Ibaraki - CEFR LP SIG Special Joint Event

November 29, 2025 at Tsukuba City Hall (Annex) 

Date November 29, 2025 (Saturday)

Time 1 pm to 5 pm

Venue Tsukuba City Hall, Event Hall (Annex)

Schedule 

1:00 – 1:10 PM Greeting and Introduction

1:10 – 3:45 PM  “Teaching and Assessing Speaking in the English Language Classroom” 

by Dina Tsagari, PhD (Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway)

4:00 – 4:50 PM "Vowel production training to influence affective factors"

by Juan Pablo Rodriguez-Gomez (Ibaraki University, Juntendo University)

4:50 – 5:00 PM Closing

Details 

“Teaching and Assessing Speaking in the English Language Classroom” 

by Dina Tsagari, PhD (Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway)

Abstract:

This practical workshop focuses on effective approaches to teaching and assessing speaking skills in English language classrooms. The session will demonstrate classroom techniques that integrate teaching and assessment, helping teachers move from intuitive judgment to more structured, transparent evaluation of students’ communicative competence. Through examples, peer activities, and guided reflection, teachers will learn how to design tasks that elicit authentic spoken language, provide meaningful feedback, and support learner development across proficiency levels. By the end of the workshop, participants will be better equipped to create supportive, engaging, and fair assessment environments that align with communicative teaching principles and international standards.

Bio:

Dina Tsagari, PhD, is Professor, Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway. She has also worked for the University of Cyprus, Greek Open University and Polytechnic University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include language testing and assessment, materials design and evaluation, differentiated instruction, multilingualism, distance education, learning difficulties and inclusive education. She is the editor and author of numerous books, journal papers, book chapters, project reports etc. She coordinates two international research groups, e.g., CBLA SIG – EALTA, EnA OsloMet and is involved in multiple EU-funded and other research projects.

"Vowel production training to influence affective factors"

by Juan Pablo Rodriguez-Gomez (Ibaraki University, Juntendo University)

Abstract:

Intelligible English pronunciation can still be a significant challenge for Japanese college and university students who are at the beginner level. Vowel production training could significantly benefit said students' intelligibility as well as reinforce their motivation to continue studying English. In this talk, empirical research results and concrete methods for instruction and feedback will be discussed.

Bio:

Juan Pablo Rodriguez-Gomez is a part-time lecturer at Ibaraki University and Juntendo University. He is also a PhD candidate majoring in applied linguistics at the University of Tsukuba. His teaching and main research interests focus on the cognitive processes of language contact and language learning motivation.