Forum Presentation
Finding Grounding through Teacher Communities and Reflection
As EFL teaching reinvents itself at global and institutional levels, educators, especially early-career and part-time faculty, often find themselves isolated or uncertain when confronted with new teaching contexts. It is crucial for all teachers to find grounding and support through communities of practice and professional support networks, as well as through teacher self-reflection practices. Dr. Gough will address the importance of developing support systems and communities of practice for part-time university teachers. Dr. Hiratsuka will provide insight into teacher identities and the cognitive, ideological, and affective components of team-teaching practices in Japan. Ms. Roloff Rothman will offer experience-based guidance on the development of supportive, collaborative professional environments and self-care. Ms. Verla Uchida will present on the benefits of self-reflection and forming connections and critical friendships. Ms. Yamamoto will share tips on engaging in academic leadership and developing thriving communities of practice. Ms. Yoshida will present various methods of self-reflection through teacher journaling. Through an understanding of the benefits and methods of engaging in these practices, EFL teachers may find a new path forward that enriches their professional lives.
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Assistant professor, Department of English communication, Wayo Women’s University, Chiba, Japan
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Takaaki Hiratsuka is Professor of Applied Linguistics at Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan. He is also the JALT 2023 Conference Chair. His recent publications include: Narrative inquiry into language teacher identity: ALTs in the JET program (2022, Routledge) and Team teachers in Japan: Beliefs, identities, and emotions (forthcoming, Routledge).
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Adrianne Verla Uchida has taught English in Japan since 2004 at the secondary and tertiary level. She is currently an assistant professor at Nihon University College of International Relations.Her academic interests include reflective practice, teacher identity, and critical friendships.
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I have been teaching English in Japan since 2002. My main research area is reflective practices for both teachers and learners.
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Associate Professor, Bunkyo Gakuin University
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Jennie Roloff Rothman is Principal Lecturer of Professional Development: Teacher Development in the English Language Institute at Kanda University of International Studies in Chiba, Japan. Her research interests include teacher professional development, reflective practices, and global issues in language education.