Event

A Growth Mindset for Language Education

Sunday, February 15th, 2026, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker: Adrian Leis (Tohoku Gakuin University)

This presentation explores how growth mindset theory can empower learners to see ability as something that can be developed rather than fixed. Drawing on research in educational psychology and classroom-based practice, the presentation examines how beliefs about intelligence influence motivation, risk-taking, and resilience. Through interactive examples and practical activities, participants will experience how small changes in feedback, task design, and classroom culture can strengthen students' willingness to challenge themselves. The session also invites participants to reflect on their own mindsets, both as language teachers and as language learners, highlighting the role of scaffolding, praise, and productive failure in building confidence, creativity, and long-term engagement with learning.

Adrian Leis is a professor at Tohoku Gakuin University and founder of SielpA Books. His work focuses on language-learning motivation, self-worth theory, and task-based pedagogy. He is widely published and actively involved in teacher education, textbook development, and research that bridges theory with classroom practice.

Organization: Iwate-Aomori Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Iwate-Aomori JALT)

Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1,000 yen (500 yen for students)

Venue: KIOXIA AIINA ()

Location: Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Contact Iwate-Aomori JALT

Mary Burkitt

Work phone: 019-663-3132

Jason Hill