Living with texts JALT roundtable discussion University of Tokushima, Japan February 2011

1. Living with texts
Peter Mickan
University of Adelaide
JALT Roundtable Discussion
University of Tokushima, Japan
Friday February 19 2011

2. Language teaching
The privilege: Centrality of language in life
Language use is natural
Language as discourse, as text
Language use embedded in social contexts
How do we use language in lessons?

3. The reality of language
We are able to observe and document
language use
We record natural language
We analyse language use to study language
teaching & learning
How can we use documentation for the study
of language?

4. Enjoyment of language
Our experiences with language
Our students’ experiences with the
language of instruction
How can we share our enjoyment with our
students?

5. Language in schools
Learning through language
Learning about language
How can we take advantage of lessons
as contexts for authentic language
experiences?

6. Reflections
Language and context: Lessons as natural events
rich in language;
Teaching with texts: Language as functional;
Explicitness about the language of texts:
Grammatical choices and language learning.

7. Discussion
Opportunities for action?
Circumstances for investigation?
Social networking for collaboration?

8. Thank you!