Experts in Language Assessment

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Thinking outside the box in Japan

23 December 2010


Cambridge ESOL representatives, including authorised exam centres, attended this year’s hugely successful JALT (Japan Association for Language Teaching) conference in Nagoya, Japan.

The 36th annual JALT conference, which ran from 19 to 22 November 2010, focused on the theme of creativity, with Co-chairs Steve Brown and Donna Tatsuki encouraging teachers to “show the world what can happen when we think outside the box”. 

Plenary speakers were Professor Tim Murphey from Kanda University of International Studies, Nicky Hockley, Director of Pedagogy of The Consultants-E and Professor Alan Maley who is currently visiting professor at Leeds Metropolitan University. 

For those who needed time to reflect and relax, the conference also included a ‘Happy Room’, with yoga, meditation, Thai massage and motivational martial arts sessions. 

Yoko Torimitsu, representing Cambridge ESOL, Japan, said of the conference: 

“There is increasing interest in Cambridge ESOL in Japan, so this was a wonderful opportunity to meet with professors, teachers, publishers and other people who are passionate about language teaching, learning and assessment.” 

Click here for more information about Cambridge ESOL in Japan. 

Next year’s JALT conference is scheduled to take place in Tokyo and more information can be found on the JALT website.