Barrier-Free Instruction in Japan: Recommendations for Teachers at All Levels of Schooling
Edited by Alexandra Burke, Davey Young, and Melodie Lorie Cook [book details]
Book Launch Event: April 20th, 2024, Tokyo
Thank you to everyone who attended the launch event in Tokyo or online. We appreciate your support! At the event, we heard from the editors and some of the contributing authors and then went to a historic local pub in Yotsuya (The Rising Sun—Tokyo's oldest British pub).
About the editors
Alexandra Burke is a part-time Lecturer at Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University, Shiga University, and the University of Shiga Prefecture. Her research field is how people with neurodiversity encounter and can overcome barriers at all life stages. She was born into a multi-generational neurodiverse family and has chosen to be open about her educational journey to allow others to feel more comfortable exploring what is a "taboo" topic to many. Burke has worked extensively in the classroom setting supporting teachers and learners to change practice methods that will unlock the potential of this group. She has received multiple "Michele Steele Best of JALT Awards" for Chapter presentations and also Best Poster Awards at JALT international and Online Conferences. Her goal is that any person with neurodiversity will have access to a welcoming educational environment and the assistive technology they need to thrive in society.
Davey Young is a Lecturer in the Department of English Studies at Sophia University. He began his career in education working with at-risk student populations in Seattle public schools, including providing language support for immigrant and refugee students. This experience led to his commitment to furthering education as a human right for all people. He holds an MA TESOL from Seattle Pacific University and a PhD in International Studies (Comparative Education) from Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies. His research is focused on ELTs’ preparedness to teach students with disabilities.
Melodie Cook is a Professor at the University of Niigata Prefecture. Although she is not an expert in barrier-free learning, she has done research on learning disabilities and social issues faced by adopted and foster children. Her other research interests are in teacher education in Japan, high-stakes testing in Japan, and gender. It has been her great pleasure to bring Alex, Davey, and all the authors who have first-hand experience together to teach her about creating her own barrier-free classes.
Davey Young is a Lecturer in the Department of English Studies at Sophia University. He began his career in education working with at-risk student populations in Seattle public schools, including providing language support for immigrant and refugee students. This experience led to his commitment to furthering education as a human right for all people. He holds an MA TESOL from Seattle Pacific University and a PhD in International Studies (Comparative Education) from Waseda University’s Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies. His research is focused on ELTs’ preparedness to teach students with disabilities.
Melodie Cook is a Professor at the University of Niigata Prefecture. Although she is not an expert in barrier-free learning, she has done research on learning disabilities and social issues faced by adopted and foster children. Her other research interests are in teacher education in Japan, high-stakes testing in Japan, and gender. It has been her great pleasure to bring Alex, Davey, and all the authors who have first-hand experience together to teach her about creating her own barrier-free classes.
Publication details
Publication date: April 20, 2024
Series: Life and Education in Japan
Series editors: Diane Hawley Nagatomo and Melodie Cook
ISBN (Print): 9798879100150
ISBN (ebook): 9798224536085
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47908/30
Ebook, $9.99 [Available from Smashwords, Amazon Kindle, Apple, Kobo, other ebook stores, and e-libraries]
Print book, 336 pages, $29.99 [Available from Amazon and other online booksellers]
Audio book, $9.99 [Will be available to purchase in our online store https://payhip.com/CandlinMynard]
Series: Life and Education in Japan
Series editors: Diane Hawley Nagatomo and Melodie Cook
ISBN (Print): 9798879100150
ISBN (ebook): 9798224536085
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47908/30
Ebook, $9.99 [Available from Smashwords, Amazon Kindle, Apple, Kobo, other ebook stores, and e-libraries]
Print book, 336 pages, $29.99 [Available from Amazon and other online booksellers]
Audio book, $9.99 [Will be available to purchase in our online store https://payhip.com/CandlinMynard]