JACET ESP SIG Kanto (January Meeting)
Date:　January 11, 2020 (Sat)　15:00～17:00
Venue: Room 15501 (5th Floor), Goucher Memorial Building No. 15, Aoyama Gakuin University
Please find the link for the location:
http://www.aoyamagakuin.jp/access/accessmap.html

Program:
15:00~16:00 PROGRAM INNOVATIONS: International Communication for Scientists and Engineers

Associate Professor Charles E. Robertson and Professor David W. Reedy, Aoyama Gakuin University

Abstract:

This presentation details how a college of science and engineering of a major private university in Tokyo attempted to incorporate major changes to its English curriculum that had been in place for over 20 years. Six years into the reformed program, the presenters will illustrate an array of improvements in a department not well-known for its commitment to English education, specifically: implementation of a comprehensive freshmen orientation, integration of a department-wide e-learning system, class streaming based on a standardized test, administration of pre-tests and post-tests, operation of credit-bearing study abroad programs, application of a strict EMI policy, and a CEFR-based curriculum utilizing an EGP to EAP to ESP strategy. The increased promotion of English education has contributed to changes in student attitudes and performance as well as the calibre of incoming freshmen. Students are now aware that English is a crucial element of their tertiary education and that resources are available to assist them to improve their English language skills, including English for science and engineering. The presenters believe that these students now strive for an identity as global scientists and engineers and that the new curriculum, which promotes ESP, has increased learner motivation and autonomy.

Keywords: ESP, curriculum development, English for Science and Technology, learner motivation, autonomy

Bio:

Charles E. Robertson is an associate professor at the College of Science and Engineering at Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan.  His research interests include: Second-Language (L2) writing theory and practice, English for Science and Technology (EST), English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). robertson@aoyamagakuin.jp

David W. Reedy is a professor at the College of Science and Engineering at Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan. Currently, deputy director of the International Center of Aoyama Gakuin University. Research areas include language policy, effective study abroad programs, computer-assisted language learning, and learner autonomy. dreedy@aoyamagakuin.jp

16:10~17:00 Business Meeting:
SIG officers meetings. Other members are also welcome.