Summer Institute for Teachers of Japanese Language in U.S.

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, in collaboration with DePaul University will conduct a four-day Summer Institute in Arlington Heights, Illinois, during summer 2011.
Goals and Objectives:
Workshop participants will review and improve their teaching practices by revisiting basic knowledge and concepts of Japanese language pedagogy. They will also gain firsthand knowledge of Japanese Studies, and build a network through discussion with other teachers.

Contents:
The following five areas will be covered every day:

Area 1- JF Standards:
Participants will become familiar with JF Standards in the context of pedagogy in the U.S., and Minna no Can-Do site, an instructional tool to set and/or align their own curriculum goals and to assist learners to self-assess.

Area 2- Content Based Instruction and Critical Thinking:
Participants will learn how to develop courses incorporating contents so that learners can develop critical thinking skills while learning Japanese language.

Area 3- Featured Topics in Japanese Studies:
Participants will gain basic knowledge of Japanese studies. Invited Japanese studies experts will lecture and discuss with participants on a different topic on each day.

Area 4- Assessment:
Participants will learn how to develop evaluations based on curriculum.

Extra Area during the Institute - Network and Advocacy:
Participants will gain knowledge of skills and resources to advocate Japanese language education and their own programs in both micro and macro settings. They will also develop a local network to support themselves.

The Institute will be conducted mainly in Japanese.

Duration:
August 1 - August 4, 2011 (4 days; approximately 8-9 hours/day)

Participants:
Up to 20 K-16 school teachers of Japanese language, both native and non-native speakers.

Application Eligibility:
Applicants must meet the following criteria*:
1. K-16 teachers of Japanese language, native or non-native speakers;
2. currently reside in the United States;
3. are to resume teaching after attending this program;
*Priority is given to those who teach in Mid-West states.

Expenses:
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles will bear the following expenses for those who complete the course with satisfactory attendance.

(1) Tuition
(2) Some parts of the fees to purchase materials.
(3) Accommodations at a designated hotel for NON-LOCAL participants.

Deadline:
Applications must arrive at the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles no later than June 15, 2011, by post.

Download the full details from http://www.jflalc.org/jle/events/SumInstituteFlyer_11.doc