Amy Wanjung Lin
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
As an immigrant from Taiwan to the US and then to Japan, Wan Jung (Amy) Lin has been struggling with her identities in different countries and cultures, which later helped position herself in a complex environment yet create more meaningful communication opportunities and empowerment moments. She obtained her BA in English from Dong Hwa University in Taiwan and her MS in TESOL from California State University, Fullerton. For the past eight years, she has been teaching English in Japan, from K-12 to university, currently a full-time lecturer at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. Her multicultural and multilingual background allows her to cultivate her interest in intercultural communication, empowerment, and multiculturalism.
Sessions
The effectiveness of using debates in language classrooms to improve learner confidence and motivation
In the harmonious Japanese culture, Japanese students are usually perceived as reluctant and uncomfortable posing questioning to others and sharing their opinions. Surprisingly, multiple studies showed that Japanese students felt confident in sharing their opinions in English after debate activities. This presentation will explore how debates can cultivate critical thinking skills in class and in turn how in-class group negotiation activities (or debate activities) cultivate learner motivation and confidence in expressing their opinions in English. The presenter will also demonstrate some routine activities that prepared learners for the group negotiation activities. The learners’ reflection surveys indicate their improved confidence and motivation through negotiating and communicating their ideas in groups. It was also encouraging to understand learners’ beliefs about the practicality and usefulness of the skills they learned through the activities for their future job performance. At the end of the presentation, the presenter will share some challenges and discuss solutions.