This past weekend at Soka University, Tokyo, was a vibrant hub of discussion as it hosted the Diversity and Inclusivity in English Language Education conference (DIELE). Our talented authors were among the speakers, sharing their innovative insights and research. Their contributions are pivotal in shaping the future of English education to be more inclusive and diverse.
Davey Young, one of the editors of Barrier-Free Instruction in Japan (holding the book), and contributors Hidayat Polim, Jennifer Yphantides, and Mizuka Tsukamoto.
Session Highlights
(Mis)Representations of Africanity in Japanese EFL Textbooks
- Presenter: Gregory Paul Glasgow delved into the portrayal of African identities in educational materials, emphasizing the need for accurate and respectful representations.
The Influence of (Un)Belonging on Work for English Language Teachers
- Presenters: May Kyaw Oo and Gretchen Clark explored how feelings of belonging can significantly impact the work and identities of English language teachers.
Exploiting CLT to Compensate for English Language Teachers’ Current Capacity for Inclusive Practices
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Notions of Inclusive Education among Postsecondary English Language Teachers in Japan
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Notions of Inclusive Education among Postsecondary English Language Teachers in Japan
- Presenter: Davey Young shared research on teacher perceptions of inclusive education, training needs for teachers, and how a communicative language teaching approach is compatible with inclusive education.
Workplace Orientations of Language Teachers with ADHD
- Presenters: Gretchen Clark and Marc Jones discussed the unique challenges and workplace strategies for language teachers managing ADHD.
Teacher Agency in CLIL Policy Implementation
- Presenters: Jenny Morgan and Mayumi Kawashima shared their experiences on how collective autoethnography can bridge gaps between colleagues in bilingual education programs.
Diverse Voices in TESOL: The Impact of Female International Faculty on Higher Education in Japan
- Presenters: Sandra Healy and Olivia Kennedy explored the unique contributions and challenges faced by female international faculty in Japanese higher education, highlighting their role in enriching TESOL with diverse perspectives.
Students’ Special Educational Needs in the Classroom
- Presenter: Mizuka Tsukamoto's session addressed practical strategies for accommodating students with special educational needs, emphasizing inclusive teaching practices in diverse classroom settings.
English Language Teacher Education and Inclusive Practices for Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) in Indonesia
- Presenter: Hidayat Polim discussed the integration of inclusive teaching methods within English language education in Indonesia, focusing on strategies to support students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs).
Featured Books
Our authors have contributed to several influential books that further discuss themes central to this conference:
Multiculturalism, Language, and Race in English Education in Japan: Agency, Pedagogy, and Reckoning edited by Gregory Paul Glasgow. Learn more and purchase.
Foreign Female English Teachers in Japanese Higher Education: Narratives From Our Quarter edited by Diane Hawley Nagatomo, Kathleen A. Brown, and Melodie L. Cook. Learn more and purchase.
Barrier-Free Instruction in Japan: Recommendations for Teachers at All Levels of Schooling edited by Alexandra Burke, Davey Young, and Melodie Lorie Cook. Learn more and purchase.
Intercultural Families and Schooling in Japan: Experiences, Issues, and Challenges edited by Melodie Lorie Cook and Louise George Kittaka. Learn more and purchase.
Conclusion
We encourage all educators, researchers, and policy-makers to explore these works to gain deeper insights into the complex landscapes of language education. Stay tuned for more updates as our authors continue to present at upcoming conferences, shaping the dialogue and practice in educational inclusivity
