Inaugural research meeting of the TEFL Praxis Association
- Date: March 31, 2022
- Time: 13:30-16:30
- Location: Kochi University of Technology, Kami Campus, K-LL
- Speakers: Darren Lingley, Sean Burgoine, Paul Daniels
Inaugural Address of the TEFL Praxis Association
Darren Lingley (Kochi University, Japan)
Situating Praxis in TEFL Research and Teaching
Research presentations
Darren Lingley (Kochi University, Japan)
Pedagogic Mediation of Authentic Spoken Texts: Transactional Discourse as a Cultural and Linguistic Resource
This session will describe a teaching approach based on integrating cultural content and language learning in an intermediate-level EFL context. A critical pedagogy approach for EFL teaching is presented based on how students interact with spoken texts on linguistic, cultural and interpersonal levels. A framework is provided for how TEFL teachers can pedagogically mediate authentic input, and how Japanese EFL learners can more effectively process authentic language through meaningful interaction with (and about) spoken texts. The approach is based on an interactional format in which language learners analyze, discuss and present features of transactional discourse. It is based on a complete integration of cultural content in FL teaching which is situated at the core of language lessons rather than targeted separately from language aims. TEFL classrooms are presented as transformative spaces where the learner shares what culturally inspires them and linguistically challenges them about a selected authentic spoken text. Guided by a critical notion of ‘authenticity’, learners produce their own meanings and interpretations of spoken texts which are shared and re-negotiated with both teachers and peers.
Paul Daniels (Kochi University of Technology, Japan)
AI and the self-directed language learner
With the rapid development of AI-enabled educational applications, today’s language learners have access to a wealth of tools to help them become successful self-directed language learners. Universal access to education, virtual learning environments, personalized learning, and voice-assistants are just a few of the innovative applications of AI in language education. One particular language skill that has traditionally been a challenge for autonomous language learners is speaking. With the introduction of AI-driven speech recognition software, learners are now able to practice and improve speaking skills. This talk will introduce an extensive speaking application, developed by the presenter, that can translate and evaluate student speech. The application is intended to provide translation and pronunciation support for lower-level language learners. When learners are engaged in speaking tasks, they often process their ideas in the L1, causing fluency issues with L2 production. The tool is intended to improve L2 fluency. It records a learner speaking a phrase in their L1, provides an audio translation in the L2, prompts the learner to speak the phrase, and finally scores the L2 speech automatically. This tool enables learners to assemble a database of unfamiliar words and phrases over time. Learners have the opportunity to listen to the pronunciation of new words or phrases used in a specific context, and practice production skills as they listen and repeat. Practice language tasks or language tests can be created based on the database of phrases generated by the learners.
Sean Burgoine (Kochi University, Japan)
Developing Productive and Receptive Communication Skills through Authentic Speech Samples
Research into the use of authentic materials has long established the need to integrate ‘real life’ language into the EFL classroom. The emphasis of this presentation will be to outline not only a rationale for the use of such materials but how authentic materials can be exploited to develop both the receptive and productive skills of English language learners. When focusing on receptive skills, the need to incorporate a range of World Englishes and English that may be considered a part of English as a lingua franca will be addressed. For productive skills, the often-ignored area of suprasegmentals will be highlighted with an emphasis on developing pronunciation intelligibility. Supporting activities will be provided.