Nagoya and Gifu JALT:

Beyond Words: Transforming Teaching and Learning Through Visual Communication

Date: Sunday, July 26th, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker: Abella Kimberly Loren (Kanda University of International Studies), Berke Alps (Nagoya University of Foreign Studies), Alexandra Burke (Shiga University), Nami Nakayama (Chukyo University and Namis English Room), Angela R. Wolf (Aichi University), and Peter A. Lyons (Nanzan University)

Description:
Join JALT Nagoya-Gifu, Toyohashi, and ART SIG for an inspiring afternoon exploring how visual communication can enrich teaching, learning, and assessment. Whether you're interested in multimodal assessment, classroom creativity, equity in hiring, global perspectives, or inclusive language practices, this forum offers fresh ideas and practical insights for educators at all levels.

Keynote Presentation:

Abella Kimberly Loren (Graduate School of Language Sciences, Kanda University of International Studies)
Visualizing Understanding Through Drawing and Poster Making in Multimodal Classroom Assessments
Discover how drawing and poster-making can help learners demonstrate understanding in meaningful and authentic ways while supporting diverse strengths and learning preferences.

Keynote Presentation:

Berke Alps (Nagoya University of Foreign Studies)
The Emotional Retrieval Advantage: Using Visual Cues to Support Memory in the Language Classroom
While retrieval practice is known to strengthen long-term learning, emerging evidence suggests that emotion also plays a critical role in memory formation and retrieval. This talk explores how emotionally salient visual cues may serve as effective retrieval triggers in second-language learning. Drawing on principles from cognitive neuroscience, the talk examines how strategically designed visual cues may facilitate access to previously learned vocabulary and language structures. Examples from language classrooms will illustrate the use of images, symbols, and other visual prompts during retrieval activities. Observations suggest that visual cues can support recall while maintaining desirable levels of cognitive challenge. During the talk, we will discuss practical applications for language educators and consider how visual retrieval cues may contribute to more durable learning. Implications for future classroom-based research on memory and vocabulary acquisition will also be explored.

Featured Short Presentations:

  • Alexandra Burke (Shiga University)
    Countries, Economies and Culture: Complex Conversations Through Icons and Images
  • Nami Nakayama (Chukyo University and Nami's English Room)
    From Non-Native Teacher to School Owner: Reflections on Equitable Hiring in Japanese Eikaiwa
  • Angela R. Wolf (Aichi University) & Peter A. Lyons (Nanzan University)
    Pronouns and Inclusivity in the EFL Classroom

Refreshments from Warm Heart Coffee: Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee for just 200 yen while supporting schoolchildren in Malawi. Refreshments, networking, and giveaways! Join educators from across the region for an afternoon of ideas, discussion, creativity, and community. We hope to see you there!

Organization: Nagoya and Gifu Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Nagoya and Gifu JALT)

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1,000 yen (free for undergraduate students)

Venue: Nagoya City University Takiko Campus Building 3, Rooms 202 and 203

Location: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

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Contact Nagoya and Gifu JALT

Website: jalt.org/nagoya-gifu

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