Ibaraki JALT - October 2018 Meeting in Tsukuba


Date:  Sunday, October 21, 2 018
Venue:  Tsukuba Gakuin University (Meeting Room #2)

Morning Program:  10:00 – 12:00
Title:  Female foreign language teachers in the Japanese labour movement
By:  Julia Kimura, lecturer, Mukogawa Women’s University

Abstract/Overview:  Women fill less than half of the permanent full-time jobs in Japan but make up approximately 70 % of the contingent workforce, which includes part-time and contract workers, such as university adjunct professors. Women are also underrepresented in the abour movement, which is notoriously a man’s world, particularly in top leadership positions. In this talk, I provide an account of women and organized labour in Japan, as well as a de scription of female foreign language teachers from inner circle countries participating in their labour union in west Japan.

Afternoon Program:  14:00 – 16:00
Title:  Overcoming challenges in providing support for participants in student exchanges and other study abroad programs
By:  Kevin McManus, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, Tokiwa University

Abstract/Overview:  Through the development of student exchange and study abroad programs, universities and secondary schools can provide students with unique opportunities for personal and academic growth, including increased motivation to study foreign language and development of personal independence and intercultural communication skills.

However, simply setting up a logistical and administrative framework for such programs is not enough. Schools and universities need to ensure that students not only have the support they need prior to and during their study abroad experience, but also after they return and readjust to academic life in Japan.  This can be challenging for educational institutions of all sizes, but is particularly difficult for smaller schools and universities with limited resources.

This presentation will examine different methods and systems for supporting study abroad students at one university, and report on their varying levels of success as well as areas for improvement. Following the presentation, ample time will be set aside for discussion with the aim of sharing ideas and experiences for study abroad support from different perspectives.

Business Meeting & Annual Chapter Elections:  16:20~17:00

Date: Sunday, October 21st, 2018, 10:00 – 17:00 (doors open: 09:30)
Venue: Tsukuba Gakuin University, (Meeting Room 2) Azuma 3-1 Tsukuba-shi
To access, click:  Tsukuba Gakuin University

Doors open at 9:30. No Pre-registration necessary!
JALT Members: Free
Non-members: 500 yen

JALT Ibaraki chapter meetings are open to all interested in learning and teaching languages.

Support the Chapter Book Fair!
Donate no-longer-needed educational materials – Get used ones for 50 yen.