Ibaraki JALT February Chapter Meeting  

Date February 28, 2026 (Saturday)

Time 1 pm to 5 pm

Venue Ibaraki Christian University, Building 11 Room 11206

Schedule 

1:00 – 1:10 PM Greeting and Introduction

1:15 – 2:15 PM  “Action Research on Teaching Document Design in a College English Class” 

by Naomi Takagi (Ibaraki Christian University)

2:30 – 3:15 PM "The utilization of  Artificial Intelligence encourages student engagement and
expression"

by Naoko Ochiai (Tsukuba University of Technology)

3:30 – 4:30 PM "Active Minds, Confident Voices: How Physical Training Empowers the EFL Learner"
by Abdollah Dodangch (Ibaraki, Utsunomiya, and Hakuoh Universities)

4:30 – 4:45 PM Business Meeting

Details 

“Action Research on Teaching Document Design in a College English Class” 

by Naomi Takagi (Ibaraki Christian University)

Abstract:

Traditionally, writing pedagogy has emphasized textual literacy, with a focus on process, genre, and grammatical accuracy. However, as writing technologies have evolved and workplace communication has become increasingly multimodal, it has become essential to address the visual dimensions of writing through digital tools. In EFL contexts, this poses particular challenges, as students are still developing language proficiency, and courses are typically limited to 15 weeks or less, requiring instructors to balance pedagogical aspirations with practical constraints.

This presentation reports on an action research project conducted in a 15-week college Digital Communication course, examining the feasibility of teaching basic document design through a two-project sequence. Students first redesigned a campus flyer using Canva to learn core design principles such as alignment, proximity, contrast, and the effective use of type, color, and graphics. They then created a short promotional video, extending the visual identity of one selected flyer as part of a small document set. The presentation discusses instructional gains, challenges related to time, tools, and language, and directions for improving this approach, including its potential extension into other writing courses that incorporate AI-supported tools.

Bio:

Naomi Takagi is an Assistant Professor at Ibaraki Christian University, Japan. Her work focuses on writing, digital communication, and helping students connect with others through multimodal and design-based communication.  

"The utilization of  Artificial Intelligence encourages student engagement and expression"

by Naoko Ochiai (Tsukuba University of Technology)

Abstract:

This presentation explores practical classroom activities that utilize rapidly developing AI tools to enhance student expression. First, I introduce Suno , a music-generative AI that can create songs from students' written work, such as short summaries or original messages. The generated music can be uploaded to a classroom platform such as Padlet , allowing students to share and promptly present their work in the classroom. Second, I present an enjoyable task in which students can create original visual works using AI image generation within Padlet. By using Padlet's slide function, students can immediately present their creations. Finally, I introduce the use of Kurzfilme (short films) available on YouTube as teaching materials. Because some short movies contain little or no dialogue, they can be utilized despite being produced in non-English-speaking countries. AI can assist teachers in selecting films; however, teachers must evaluate their educational validity based on teaching objectives. In conclusion, this presentation explores the use of AI in creating an environment that encourages students to express their opinions.

Bio:

Naoko Ochiai has worked as a German teacher at Tsukuba University of Technology, for the course of hearing-impaired students since 2016. She has been an English teacher in universities and high schools. Her publications include a Japanese translation of German young adult novels and numerous papers on German literature and language teaching.

"Active Minds, Confident Voices: How Physical Training Empowers the EFL Learner"

by Abdollah Dodangch (Ibaraki, Utsunomiya, and Hakuoh Universities)

Abstract:

This presentation examines how physical training and team-based activities support EFL learners’ self-esteem, learning efficacy, collaboration, self-awareness, and mental well-being, all of which are crucial for communicative competence. Previous research indicates that physical exercise enhances psychological resilience and self-efficacy, with resilience mediating the positive effects of physical activity on confidence and task persistence among adolescents (physical exercise → resilience → self-efficacy; Chengdu Sport University study, PubMed ID: 40119462).

Additionally, Japanese research on sports participation programs has shown that engaging in competitive sports following a structured lecture on “Sportsmanship for Japanese” significantly improved participants’ self-esteem and sense of purpose in life (Japanese Journal of Sports Psychiatry, DOI: 10.50843/jasp.9.0_59).

Drawing on these research findings, as well as the presenter’s personal experience in physical training and long-term EFL teaching practice in Japan, this talk illustrates how embodied and socially interactive activities can be meaningfully integrated into English classrooms. Practical examples will demonstrate how physical engagement helps lower anxiety, strengthen cooperation, and cultivate confident, communicative learners.

Bio:

For the past 20 years, Abdullah has taught English as well as Persian language and literature to a diverse range of students, from children to senior learners. Since 2019, he has been teaching English courses at various universities in Japan, including Tsukuba Gakuin University, Tsukuba University of Technology, and Rissho University. Currently, he is a part-time lecturer at Ibaraki, Utsunomiya, and Hakuoh Universities and has been a member of the Ibaraki Chapter of JALT since 2019. His research interests include self-esteem in language learning, linguistic development, and cross-cultural communication.