Language Classroom Content & Pedagogy General Combined SIG AGM/Forum
Perspectives on Accessible Language Learning in the Post-pandemic Classroom
The move to online learning forced teachers to reconsider their pedagogies and how to provide equal educational opportunities for all learners. The virtual classroom created both challenges and opportunities for accommodating diverse needs. This forum provides a platform for discussions regarding accessible language learning in the post-pandemic classroom. Topics include special needs, learner diversity, universal design, and accessible LMS pedagogies. The goal is to raise awareness of learning differences and build an accessibility support network.
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Ryota is an assistant professor at Chuo University. He has a PhD in international studies. His research interests include color-blindness, disability studies in education, accessibility in language learning, and Foucauldian genealogical discourse analysis.
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Natsuki Suzuki teaches several public elementary schools in Tokyo and is on the cusp of being awarded her master’s degree from the English Department of Aoyama Gakuin University. She researches the type and nature of motivation that is most effective for supporting children’s successful learning, both in the classroom and beyond. Her research interest also includes storytelling, music and magic as ways to teach, inspire and make children smile.
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Andrew is a coordinator of the English Program at Aoyama Gakuin University. His research interests include Intercultural Communication, Materials Design and Media Literacy. He has a PhD in Applied Linguistics and teaches classes on Communication, Comparative Culture and Media Studies. He is from Vancouver, Canada and enjoys cycling, nature and all adventures big and small.
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Alexandra Burke has taught English in Japanese public education from K1-12 and university since 2005. This includes thousands of hours team teaching, observing classroom interactions. She studied activities increase student autonomy and which create unexpected barriers for neurodiverse students. Based on international best practice, in collaboration with Japanese colleagues, she trialed a range of culturally appropriate strategies. Her background is public policy on reducing inequality within the Australian Government. She's presented within Japan, overseas and currently teaches at three universities. Burke has won two Best Poster Awards at JALT International Conferences 2019, 2020 and three Michele Steele Best of JALT Chapter Awards 2020, 2021. She was the Plenary Speaker at CUE Conference in 2021. She is the Accessibility in Language Learning SIG Publications Chair, JALT Mind Brain Ed SIG Neurodiversity Advisor and a member of the JALT Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Committee.