| Warrent Decker - Abstracts |
Momoyama Gakuin University #1Natural English through Authentic Materials In some English classes, teachers attempt to teach students rules of formal and grammatically perfect English. However, in many situations people communicate using natural English which does not adhere to these rules. Many authentic materials such as music and film contain examples of natural English which can be adapted for use in language classrooms. In this workshop we will look at examples of natural English from authentic resources, specifically film and music. Participants will have the chance to engage in a range of activities using natural English, including acting out scenes from films and even reciting lines from hip-hop music. The latter portion of the workshop will be open for participants to discuss their ideas about teaching natural English and their favorite authentic materials. #2 Group-Building in the Classroom As teachers, how can we… …learn or at least use all of our students’ names? …help our students feel comfortable with us and with each other? …encourage them to work together and help each other? This is a workshop for anyone interested in these questions. We will start with some simple name games, progressing through to increasingly challenging team work activities. The latter portion of the workshop is open for a discussion and idea exchange. This workshop will feature lots of active participation, so please wear comfortable clothing, and come prepared to share your favorite name learning and group building activities with everyone else. #3 Teaching Nonviolence Nonviolence is an active, positive, and constructive force. Mahatma Gandhi used nonviolence to attain India’s independence. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used nonviolence to fight for racial equality in the United States. Language teachers can use nonviolence to benefit their students, their schools, and the broader community. To explain the relevance of nonviolence to language teaching and learning, this presentation examines the writings and actions of several great nonviolent practitioners. I will also draw on my own personal experience and offer practical suggestions to educators interested in applying the theories of nonviolence in their language teaching. Many teachers are already teaching nonviolence, though they may be doing so unconsciously or calling it by a different name. I hope to share a conceptual framework to encourage open discussion and development of teaching nonviolence. Biographical Statement: Warren Decker is a lecturer at Momoyama Gakuin University in Osaka Japan. His academic interests include experiential learning and teaching nonviolence. He enjoys growing vegetables, baking bread, and spending time outdoors. |