Tokyo Convention 5

Room 335

An introduction to the world of intercultural simulations

Joseph Dias

The presenter will provide participants the opportunity to experience some enjoyable intercultural simulations that can be used with students to illustrate how we can recognize hidden assumptions, understand differing communication styles, and move from ethnocentrism to recognizing shared humanity and flexible strategies for cross-cultural success.

Aimed at: Lifelong language learners, Language school students, Vocational school students, Junior and senior high school students, University students

Room 336

Careers in English language teaching

Theron Muller

“In a 1997 article Bill Johnston asked, “”Do EFL Teachers Have Careers?”” With a variety of ways to become a language teacher, there are even more career options for teaching English in Japan. This interactive presentation will discuss potential trajectories and equip participants with tools to visualize their career goals.”

Aimed at: Any English langauge teacher

Room 411

Let’s talk! Maximizing speaking with minimal time for young learners

Allyssa Fuller

In this presentation, we will discuss how to grow your young students English outside of an immersion-style environment.

Aimed at: Pre-school teachers, early elementary teachers

Promoted: M’s Publishing

Room 412

Two (language) targets with one stone

Scott Crowe

Free materials provided. Multi-language target games can double or triple the amount of language use, helping children speak more naturally and fluently, faster. Learn a simple way to set them up so kids are clear on the goal of the game and focus on the language targets.

Aimed at: Young Learners

Promoted: Magic House / Magic Town

Room 413

Utilizing games For fun and effective EFL lessons

Leon Butchers

A fun workshop looking at how games can motivate students and support effective language learning at home and in the classroom. We’ll explore ways to adapt games for different levels, personalities, and teaching styles, and also try out some new and upcoming AGO games.

Aimed at: Eikaiwa and K-12 educators

Room 423

A closer look at school refusal in Japan

Catherine Takasugi

Based on recently completed doctoral research, this presentation shares the experiences of families whose biethnic children stopped going to school. Refusal, belonging, and silence weave through the stories and deepen the understanding of what it means for a family when going to school becomes a daily struggle.

Aimed at: All teachers, all parents, all counselors.

Room 425

Effective flyer marketing strategies for new students

Sarah Takizawa

Flyer marketing for new students will include how to target the local Japanese market, effective methods for using flyers with case studies, and understanding how to find your niche in each local area. I’ll share how I gained 51 new students in 4 months through flyers.

Aimed at: Aspiring school owners and school owners

Room 511

Building your own eikaiwa: A non-native teacher’s path to entrepreneurship in Japan

Jessabel Tenedero

This talk explains how a non-native English teacher can start a small eikaiwa in Japan. It covers basic steps, common challenges, and how to build trust with students and families. Jessa will share her own experience and give clear, practical advice for teachers who want to begin their own school.

Room 512

When art sparks words: How process art encourages children’s expression

Makiko Kuroda

This session highlights the role of process art in fostering children’s expression and language development. Educators will explore how open-ended art experiences support communication, creativity, and meaning-making.

Aimed at: Early childhood teachers

Room 513

Boosting student participation: 5 practical strategies for ELT Classrooms

Mohamed Saidu Bah

This presentation shares 5 easy-to-implement strategies to increase student engagement and participation in African ELT classrooms, addressing common challenges and leveraging local contexts to create interactive, student-centered learning environments.

Aimed at: Teenagers

Room 523

Building classroom partnerships through action logs

Daniel Hooper

In this presentation, I will outline the educational rationale behind the use of action logs (student feedback forms) for classroom management. I will also provide a variety of practical examples of how action logs have been utilized in secondary and tertiary education to create more democratic and egalitarian learning environments.

Aimed at: University, eikaiwa, JHS/HS

Room 525

Doodles to definitions: Visual vocabulary strategies for secondary English classroom

Marge Joseph Sardo

This presentation shows how simple visuals make vocabulary learning active and meaningful. Instead of memorizing translations, students draw, observe, and discuss to build meaning in English. These tasks promote explanation, comparison, and reflection, developing language and critical thinking. Practical examples highlight how inquiry empowers confident, independent learners.

Aimed at: Junior and Senior High School Teachers