Event
HomePseudo-science in EFL; Woo, does it hurt?
Saturday, September 13th, 2014, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Speaker: Terry Fellner (Saga University)
This talk will discuss some practices in EFL that, while enjoying some popularity, may have little or no scientific evidence to support their use. The presentation begins by defining what is meant by the term "pseudo-science" and then looks at some areas in EFL that either are pseudo-science or alarmingly close to being pseudo-science. Specifically, the presenter will examine the use of neuro-linguistic programming, the teaching of TOEIC strategies, the benefits of teaching skimming & scanning skills, the concept of multiple intelligences, the truth about learning styles and preferences, as well as looking at the left-brain vs. right-brain false dichotomy. The presenter will discuss possible reasons why these practices continue to exist and why it is often difficult to get "evidence-based" results in EFL contexts.
Terry Fellner is Associate Professor at the Center for General Education at Saga University. He has been a teacher, teacher trainer, researcher, for more than 20 years in Africa, Canada, and Japan. Currently he is the section editor of @CUE in The OnCUE Journal, and his research interests include motivation, vocabulary acquisition, outdoor language learning and L2 reading.
After-meeting social dinner
All attendees are invited to our after-event dinner, to be held at D. Khajana Indian restaurant. The cost is 3,000 yen for unlimited drinks (beer, wine and soft drinks) and a set meal, starting at 7:30 PM.
Organization: Fukuoka Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Fukuoka JALT)
Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1,000 yen
Venue: Seinan Gakuin University Community Center 2F (map)
Location: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
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