Canadian Connections: A Mini-conference for Canadian Educators and Friends

Description: The title for this year's Association of Canadian Teachers in Japan conference is "Canadian Connections." How educators connect their classroom to the world, and in particularly, to Canada, will be a major theme offered by the diverse group of presenters and discussions.
9:30 - 10:15

Teaching reading strategies through sustained Canadian Content.
Gregg McNabb, Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology.
Gregg will present his book that will be out in 2004. The book discusses theme - based reading strategies and skills text using Canadian content.
Classroom Fictions: Teachers and Students Writing.
Joseph Dias, Greg Strong, Aoyama University.
Greg and Joseph will discuss writing strategies for writing short fiction using 7 basic literary terms and visual aids.
Learning English Through Canadian Content: Teaching University Students the Difference between Canada and America.
James McCrostie, Kanda University.
James will talk about content based cross cultural course he uses that teaches the students the differences between Canada and the United States.

10:30 - 11:15

Introducing Mindmaps to Large University Classes.
Michele Ruhl, Nagasaki University.
Michele will demonstrate how to introduce Mindmaps in large university classes which the students will eventually use to develop presentation skills.
Getting that Canadian Book Published.
Wallace Gagnon and Hillel Wright.
As established writings both Wallace and Hillel have experience the ups and downs of getting published. They will share their experiences in this workshop.
Maple Syrup in the Classroom: Examining Criteria for Innovation and Leadership in EFL.
Andrew Reimann, Tokai University.
Looking at context, goals, student needs and administrative specifications, Andrew will discuss requirements for successful implementations of innovations in the language classroom.

11:30 - 12:15

Listener's Choice: Survey and Revision in a College Listening Course.
Marlene Ernst, Keita Kikuchi, and Greg Strong Aoyama University.
This group presentation will discuss the results of a survey recently conducted at Aoyama University that addresses students' needs in curriculum development.
MA Programs Roundtable.
Michele Milner and guests.
This information roundtable will talk about which MA TESL or ELT programs are available.
Play-ful Communication: Communicative Exercises Through Drama.
Kristie Collins, Josai International University.
Kristie will introduce participants to a Kyoto based publishing group called DramaWorks. This group has created a syllabus that utilizes drama in the EFL classroom. You will leave the workshop with activities and scenes that can be used right away!