English Language Education Seminar for High School Teachers held at TUFS

August 17, 2017

On Saturday 22 ^nd of July, an 'English Language Education Seminar' (organized by the High School University Cooperation Office and the School of Language and Culture Studies here at TUFS) was held for English program coordinators from various high schools. This seminar focuses on recent trends and problems within English language education, with an emphasis on the results of English language education research conducted by the School of Language and Culture Studies. Established in 2015, with an overall goal of helping teachers carry out their future English language classes more effectively, this year's seminar marks the third time it has been held.

Lectures were given by two professors from TUFS, after which a social gathering was held.
The first lecture, 'The Development and Application of a General Framework for English Language Education in Japan', was held by Professor Yukio Tono (TUFS Institute of Global Studies), and focused on the developments of the CEFR-J, an English competence acquisition index based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). While suggesting the next direction English language education will take, Professor Tono presented a report on his ongoing 'CEFR-J x27 Project.'
The second lecture, 'English Intonation & Grammar,' was held by Professor Hiroko Saito (TUFS Institute of Global Studies), and focused on the concrete and clear rules of intonation, with relevant intonation questions from previous National Center University Entrance Examinations used as examples. While advocating for the importance of intonation in English language education, Professor Saito discussed recent research results concerning the state of teaching in everyday classes, and the effect this has on students. In addition, Professor Saito introduced a few points to remember concerning pronunciation teaching in Global English.

Amidst the calm atmosphere of the gathering, lively discussions concerning the lectures and the state of English language education could be heard, making for a very worthwhile gathering. The seminar was attended by over 30 people, including participating TUFS professors, and the post-seminar survey showed that many guests were satisfied with the event. We extend our thanks to those that braved the heat to attend.