Sessions

Akita International University Graduate Student Showcase

Effects of the Power Gap Between Teachers and Students in the Classroom. Xiadan WANG This research shows the power gap between the teacher and students by analyzing four aspects: topic shift, teacher’s control over time allocation, turn initiation and completion, and IRF sequence, which causes the negative influence of teacher’s dominance on students’ learning. L2 Self and Motivation for Proficiency Development. Tu NGUYEN Successful models of non-native English users can have a positive influence on Japanese high school students’ L2 self. Such models portray attainable ideal L2 selves among students which can motivate students to advance and maintain their English learning. Enhancing SHS Students’ Interactional Competence Through Teaching Communication Strategies. Tomoko HIROSE This presentation aims to examine the effectiveness of teaching communication strategies (CS) in SHS classes. The presenter discusses how integrating CS in daily lessons, especially response for maintenance strategies and signals for negotiation, can enhance the interaction between students. A Reflection on the Teaching Assistant Experience. Yibifu TILABI This presentation is an account of an aspiring experience as a graduate teaching assistant. The presenter shares challenges and rewards of interacting with Japanese college students and conducting a demonstration in EAP courses as a model.

Interactional Competence of Japanese SHS Students

Using conversation analysis (CA), two sets of conversation data from two pairs of Japanese high school students with different proficiency levels in English were analyzed. Key differences emerged in how they interacted in English in relation to their communication strategy use and turn-taking practices. This poster presentation will be of interest to those who wish to understand how students of different proficiencies navigate communicative tasks.