The Adoption of Research Portfolios for Reading Course Assessment: Sophomore Student Perceptions

This study investigated the adoption of Research Portfolios (RPs) as the main assessment tool for a topic-based reading skills course at the sophomore level at Showa Women\u27s University, Department of English Communication. Primary data was collected via an online bilingual student survey to determine student perceptions of the project-based, active learning method of assessment, the Research Portfolio. RPs differ from traditional methods of assessing language learners\u27 reading skills such as multiple-choice testing in that they require the learner to use higher order language learning skills to complete tasks. Consequently, the researchers hypothesised that students may have negative perceptions regarding the adoption of RPs as the assessment method in the course due to unfamiliarity in the Japanese educational context. However, survey results demonstrated that not only were overall student perceptions significantly positive towards the student-centred, constructivist course model, but that students also favored the RP assessment method over more traditional and familiar forms of assessment, felt both reading and writing skills had improved through the course and moreover, that content knowledge had also been gained. Regarding future curricular and course design, the researchers believe the reading course could be modified to accommodate more teacher-student and student-student collaboration by using student-produced RPs as a springboard for discussion, speaking or presentation skills components-the inclusion of which is supported by the secondary theoretical research presented in the literature review

Building a Personal Language Learning Environment

AbstractChanges in technology and the role of the teacher in langauge learning have allowed learners to take charge of the process and develop their own tools. A way to develop more autonomy is to use a Personal Learning Environment (PLE). PLEs are individual conglomerations of tools, resources, information and interactions both online and off. They focus on the task of learning something chosen by the learner, but can then be applied to new explorations. After an introduction to PLEs, details of specific elements of PLEs are described, along with examples. In the final section we look at adding language to the mix, which results in Personal Language Learning Environments (PLLEs)

EFL Students\u27 Acquisition of Written English Skills after Studying Abroad

AbstractThe present study investigates the degree to which the new Advanced Skills courses at the English department of a private university in the Tokyo area improve students\u27 reading ability in English after their study-abroad experience, and the way the students perceive the courses and activities. The quantitative study showed that the students\u27 reading comprehension scores did not improve significantly over the first semester that the pertinent courses were taught, but that their scores did not decline, either. The qualitative study suggested that students tend to prefer spoken English or audio-visual materials to reading comprehension practice whereas some high-proficiency students acknowledge the importance of the latter. Further studies on the same issue might help the English department integrate the EFL program at the main campus in Tokyo and ESL programs at the overseas satellite more efficiently

Feminist Awareness through Images: Japanese Female Undergraduate Students

This short paper outlines selected research results from a small pilot study which sought to ascertain, via the discourse of images, the change in feminist awareness of Japanese female undergraduate students due to a study abroad experience. Comments by the experimental group who was exposed to Boston and the control group on the Tokyo campus on one of those images-a gendered American shirt advertisement with a social media campaign hashtag-were analyzed as primary data. In this small pilot study, the study abroad experience of the experimental groups\u27 comments could not demonstrate a significant shift in feminist awareness. Rather, on comparison the experimental group showed a slight indication towards concepts of the third wave feminism than the control group. However, both groups displayed a similar lack of politicization, another tenant of third wavers. In both groups, the image was viewed for its literality as an advertisement; moreover, very few comments referred to the political aspect of the social media campaign #NotBuyingIt. Depoliticization is consistent with the third wave of feminist thought. Although, there may be some cultural conventions specific to Asia which confound pure exemplification of European and Western modernization and feminism of the third wave movement, coupled with the institutionalization of Japanese individualization. Further investigation with a larger sample size is anticipated to reveal that Japanese female undergraduate students exhibit universal third wave and depoliticized norms

女子大生に見る留学を通しての家事に対する意識

This pilot study sought to ascertain the perceptions and position of Japanese female university students towards housework after three semesters of study abroad in the United States. Researcher motivation was based on the persistent global gender gap data of Japan vis-a-vis other nations, and current Japanese government initiatives which encourage increased female participation in the workforce. An online worksheet was shown to students with images of Japanese and Western couples at home. As the female relaxed, the male did the housework. Their reactions were surveyed and comments were elicited. The researchers hypothesized that student awareness would be lower regarding their understanding of cultural differences and the reversal of traditional gender roles. However, they displayed bi-cultural understanding of American cultural norms as compared to the Japanese reality. This highlights the influence of the study abroad experience. The researchers found the study was limited due to the number of students who participated; and propose for future studies the inclusion of a larger and more diverse sample, including male university students

Montaigne...Silliman. Delany: On Some Lines of "Shadow and Ash"

Abstract Theodor Adorno has noted that an essay "obtains its contour from its content." If one studies Samuel R.Delany\u27s essay, "Shadow and Ash," in which, among other things, he considers the work of poet Ron Silliman, it begins to appear that this idiosyncratic essay obtains its contour from its content: Silliman\u27s work. Just as Silliman\u27s Alphabet is made up of a series of sentences which do not, in any simple way, follow one from another, so Delany\u27s essay is made up of discrete numbered sections which are not, in any simple way, connected. To suggest that the form of Delany\u27s essay was influenced by the form of its subject, Silliman\u27s Alphabet, is only speculation, but that Delany\u27s essay leaves us speculating about this and about other things is a sign of its success. A good essay is not about coming to an understanding, but about trying to understand, and this trying, this essaying, should not end when the last page is turned

Reengaging Youth into Feminism in the Current Media Environment: A Case Study from the Australian Election 2013

This paper highlights the continuing problem of feminism being depoliticized among Australian youth through theoretical review, secondary research and a case study circa the Australian Election 2013. The research question hypothesized that societal conventions of traditional media and patriarchy in politics still challenge the celebration of women\u27s achievement. This is argued as being due in part to the lack of interest by Australian youth in feminism. It was found that the aforementioned societal conventions are still influential and can extend to limiting the celebration of women\u27s achievement in the mass media. The literature review introduces theoretical background of media, feminism and political participation. From this base, the secondary research showed in particular that the current conservative Liberal National Party (LNP) Prime Minister and the Chief Executive Officer of News Corporation, a dominant traditional mass media outlet, have links. This underlies the choice of case study which showcases and exemplifies patriarchy in politics. Despite LNP\u27s stance of meritocracy, female parliamentarians are not necessarily rewarded based on their achievements. Rather, sexism prevails. This broadly affects Australian women\u27s achievement in the political sphere. It is further reflected in: the present low levels of political empowerment on the Global Gender Gap Report; a one woman cabinet; and, prefacing achieving a LNP minister\u27s sex appeal over merit. Based on this paper\u27s literature review, secondary research, and case study, the answer to the research question affirms that unless youth become more politically engaged in feminism, social conventions of traditional media and patriarchy will continue. It is suggested that through social media, politicized campaigns such as Destroy the Joint\u27s Twitter and continuing Facebook page could serve to better attract interest in feminism among the Australian youth. A more politically engaged nation would have increased cognizance of social conventions which do not celebrate women\u27s achievement and seek to draw attention to this for the future enhancement of feminism in the Australian society

オーストラリア春季短期留学プログラムの第2言語習得と異文化適応 学生は5週間の語学学校とホームステイから何を得たか

This paper investigates a five-week study abroad and homestay program undergone by Showa Women\u27s University(SWU)students from various faculties and years in early 2013 at the Institute of Continuing TESOL Education, University of Queensland(ICTE-UQ), Australia. Prompted by OECD results which showed a trend that Japanese students\u27 interest in study abroad programs is decreasing; research sought to identify from the students who participated in this program their perceived language skill improvement and language contact experiences. Feedback was sourced from a questionnaire administered by Google Forms and student reports submitted to the Centre for International Exchange(CIE). Despite an initial culture shock, and concerns with English proficiency, students developed strategies and drew on unfamiliar support systems to overcome communication issues in their multicultural learning and living environments. From this immersion, positive feedback was received regarding perceived language skill improvement, particularly for listening and speaking. Although questionnaire results do show some dissatisfaction, mainly regarding the population of Japanese students at the language school; overall, these multicultural learning and living environments had a positive effect on students\u27 perceived English language improvement and enhanced their motivation towards communicating in English. These results indicate that short term study abroad is considered beneficial by SWU students for language skill improvement and language contact experiences. Furthermore, this paper argues that such benefits are noteworthy for SWU students in the larger context of Japanese society since English communication strategies will be required for future international events, and due to the recent revitalization of study abroad as part of Japanese education by the Abe Government. Related also is SWU\u27s focus on globalization. Therefore, SWU students who undertake study abroad are expected to have a positive experience in regards to a heightened perception of improved language skills and language contact proficiency, coupled with an international capability