Event

The Environment in the Balance: Jury Role-play in the Classroom

Sunday, February 26th, 2006, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker: Barry Keith, Gunma University; Yoko Munezane, Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen; Charles Varcoe, Kaisei Junior and Senior High School

From 2009, a jury system will be launched in Japanese courts. Under the new saiban-in system, six randomly selected citizens will work as lay judges alongside three professional judges to try serious offenses.

During this workshop, jointly-developed lessons for high school and universities are introduced. Inspired by the film Twelve Angry Men, the lessons give students the chance to experience a trial that reflects the changes in the Japanese judicial system, while also learning about Global Issues and sharpening their critical thinking and language skills.

First, students research global issues relating to the environment and present in groups. They investigate the case history, and consider solutions to the problem. Then students collaboratively write a courtroom drama and perform it. Finally, their classmates form a jury to present their judgment on the case.

Through this step-by-step process students ready themselves for action to solve problems cooperatively in the real world.

Barry Keith has been in Japan since 1988, and is teaching at Gunma University. His interests include global issues, newspapers in education, and needs analysis. He can be contacted at keith@eng.gunma-u.ac.jp

Charles Varcoe has been in Japan since 1996 and is teaching at Kaisei Junior and Senior High School, Toho University and Kanagawa University. His interests include global issues and promoting autonomy in learning. He can be contacted at charlesvco@yahoo.co.jp

Yoko Munezane teaches at Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Shibuya. Recognized for her creative teaching ideas, she is the 2005 recipient of the John Fanselow Award at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her interests include global issues, literature and various media in language learning. She can be contacted at munezane@zephyr.dti.ne.jp

Organization: Teachers College Columbia University Japan (TC Columbia)

Cost: free, but reserve by email to office@tc-japan.edu

Venue: Teachers College, Columbia University, Tokyo, Mitsui Seimei Bldg 4F, 2-21-2 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku (03)3221-9771 (5 minutes from JR Suidobashi)

Location: Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan

Contact TC Columbia

Teachers College Columbia University Japan Tokyo Office

Work phone: 03-3221-9771