July’s Akita chapter event will be a special presentation session featuring graduate students of Akita International University‘s MA TESOL Program.  This is our 2nd time having such an event, and probably the only one of its kind in all of JALT.

Please come lend your support (and feel free to head-hunt if you’re looking to hire new educators!)

Date: Saturday, July 23

Time: 2:30–3:30ish

**NOT the usual 2:00 starting time because of a scheduling conflict***

Place:  ZOOM

Title: Graduate Student Reflections on their MA TESOL Program

In the master’s program at Akita International University (AIU), students are taught to explore the juncture between theory and practice. In addition to learning best practices in SLA, there is an emphasis on practical classroom teaching through a series of practica in which students design and implement lessons in authentic contexts, such as in secondary schools or the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at AIU. At every stage of their learning, students are encouraged to reflect on their developing understanding of what constitutes quality teaching as well as what it means to be considered an “expert” by virtue of their advanced degree.

In this presentation, students will share their struggles, shifting perspectives, budding research interests as well as “ah-ha” moments from their learning journey. Perspectives from first year students to those having recently graduated will be explored.