Building upon the success of the inaugural forum held in February of 2015, the Sojo International Learning Center will again host NanKyu JALT's flagship event at Sojo University in Kumamoto on January 30th, 2016. Titled Engaging Learners with Materials (ELM), this conference will focus on the development and implementation of materials that interest, challenge, and inspire language learners both within and outside the classroom. Conference attendees will enjoy a full day of professional development and networking opportunities including plenary speeches given by Curtis Kelly and Barbara Hoskins Sakamoto. Guests will also have the opportunities to attend a networking reception downtown and a sightseeing tour on Sunday.

Plenary Speakers

Curtis Kelly, Ed.D., The Neuroscience of Lesson Design

Curtis Kelly has spent most of his life developing learner-centered materials for “3L” students, those with Low ability, Low confidence, and Low motivation. His experience with such students has led him to a life mission of “relieving the suffering of the classroom.” To him, learner experience always takes priority over the lesson objectives or content. To achieve his mission he has become fascinated with the psychology and neuroscience of learning. Curtis is a professor at Kansai University in Japan and the coordinator of the JALT BRAIN SIG. He has written over 30 books, including Significant Scribbles (Longman), Active Skills for Communication (Cengage), and Writing from Within (Cambridge) and made over 400 presentations on neuroscience, adult education, motivation, and teaching writing.

Barbara Hoskins Sakamoto, Designing Materials that Work

Barbara Hoskins Sakamoto has taught English and ESL in the US, and EFL in Japan for more than 25 years She is a popular online presenter, and also conducts face-to-face teacher training workshops throughout Asia, Europe, the U.S., and Latin America. Barbara is co-author of Let’s Go (Oxford University Press), one of the world’s best-selling coursebook series for children learning English, and an online course, English for Teachers (iTDi.pro). Barbara is on the faculty of International Teacher Development Institute, where she also serves as one of the institute’s Directors. Barbara maintains an award-winning blog, Teaching Village, is working on developing a new blog with her Let’s Go co-authors called Teaching Children English, and is active in various online social media networks.

Registration Fees

Early Registration is now closed, but the conference is open to anyone who wishes to come on the day.

¥1500 for JALT Members

¥2000 for nonmembers