The first day of our weekend (Saturday, 21 February 2026), we are holding a joint event with the TEVAL SIG called Language Assessment in Practice: From Teacher Assessment Literacy to AI-Supported Feedback. Afterwards, we are hosting a dinner (details TBA).
The second day of our weekend (Sunday, 22 February 2026), we are hosting a presentation room at the Kyushu ELT Convention with eight presenters (details below).
The Kyushu English Language Teaching Convention will be held on Sunday, 22 February, 2026, at Seinan Gakuen University in Fukuoka (Building 2; see the map). The Fukuoka Chapter of JALT will manage one of the presentation rooms.
To find general information about this event, please see https://ltprofessionals.com/conventions/
Event entry fee: 1,000 yen for ETJ members, JALT members and FETJ members; 2,000 yen for non-members
For details about Fukuoka JALT's presentation room schedule, see below.
10:00 - 10:25
Student-Created Vocabulary Tests: A Game-Based, Motivating Approach
James Emmet Owens (Kanda University of International Studies)
25-minute classroom practice presentation
This presentation introduces a student-centered method where learners design their own vocabulary tests using digital tools like Kahoot. Building on prior research, the approach aims to enhance motivation, deepen word knowledge (Nation, 2013), and improve retention. Student feedback highlights both enjoyment and perceived learning effectiveness.
James Emmet Owens is an Associate Professor at Kanda University of International Studies, and the Senior Coordinator for Research in the English Language Institute. He holds an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Liverpool.
10:30 -10:55
Podcasting for Teachers: Engaging Students Beyond the Classroom
Richard Ingham (British Council)
25-minute classroom practice presentation
This presentation introduces the basics of starting an educational podcast, including equipment, planning, and publishing. Drawing on the presenter's experience with a weekly departmental podcast, it explores benefits, challenges, and practical tips for integrating podcasting into language teaching to enhance student engagement and listening skills.
Richard Thomas Ingham works for the British Council at a private university in Japan. His research interests include extensive listening, podcasting, and autonomy.
11:15 - 12:00
Teaching with a GELT-informed coursebook
Andrew McMahon (Fukuoka University)
45-minute classroom practice presentation
Global Englishes is an umbrella term covering ELF, EIL, WE, and more. Global Englishes Language Teaching (GELT) aims to give students the skills they need to interact with people from all over the world. This presentation discusses experiences of teaching a communicative course to undergraduates using a GELT- informed coursebook.
Andrew McMahon taught languages in the UK before moving to Japan and completing an MA in TESOL. He teaches at Fukuoka University and is treasurer of JALT's Global Englishes SIG.
1:00 - 1:45
Learner Beliefs and Better Classroom Practice: Insights from KSU
Samuel Taylor (Kyushu Sangyo University)
45-minute classroom practice presentation
This session shares findings from two large-scale studies of learner beliefs conducted at Kyushu Sangyo University and introduces belief-informed teaching practices for EFL classrooms. Participants will explore how confidence, enjoyment, and structured learning beliefs shape engagement and will gain practical activities to apply immediately and to support future classroom research.
Samuel Taylor is a lecturer at Kyushu Sangyo University researching how English classes can build students’ confidence and enjoyment by examining how learner beliefs, teaching practices, and technology affect engagement.
2:15 - 2:40
AI-Supported Glossaries for Smoother CLIL Vocabulary Learning
James Emmet Owens (Kanda University of International Studies)
25-minute classroom practice presentation
This presentation introduces an AI-assisted system for identifying and pre-teaching key vocabulary in CLIL classes. By using pre-class glossaries and regular recycling, the approach reduces classroom slowdowns, supports smoother lesson flow, and enhances vocabulary retention.
James Emmet Owens is an Associate Professor at Kanda University of International Studies, and the Senior Coordinator for Research in the English Language Institute. He holds an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Liverpool.
2:45 - 3:10
An Analysis of a New E-learning Vocabulary Test
Ian Dagnall (Kyushu Sangyo University)
25-minute research presentation
This presentation demonstrates how test analysis supports the improvement of tests and provides feedback on course materials. A statistical analysis of a new end-of-semester homework e-learning test in a speaking course showed significant vocabulary gains with a large effect size. The principles highlighted can be easily applied by classroom teachers.
Ian Dagnall obtained an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University in 2020. His teaching and research interests include learner engagement, materials development, and language testing.
3:30 - 4:15
Exploring Motivation in the Language Classroom
Robinson Fritz (Kyushu University)
45-minute classroom practice presentation
This session introduces a practical approach to exploring the dynamics of students’ motivation in foreign language learning. Participants will learn how the Linguaculture Motivation Profiler (LMP) can reveal insights into learners’ engagement and resistance, and how it can be used to foster learner reflexivity and inform everyday classroom practice.
Robinson Fritz is a university educator researching foreign language motivation. He examines motivational dynamics to better understand language learning and inform more effective pedagogy and syllabi.
4:45 - 5:30
Creating Listening Materials Using AI Tools
William Pellowe (Kindai University Fukuoka Campus)
45-minute classroom practice presentation
This session introduces using AI text-to-speech on model dialogs to create listening activities such as gap fill, word unscramble, and multiple choice, as well as for listening comprehension quizzes online. Even though the primary focus is on text-to-speech audio, this practical demonstration will include using generative AI to animate faces in spoken dialog videos. Time permitting, the presenter will finish by demonstrating the prompts to create appropriately-leveled conversation scripts and related activities and worksheets.
William Pellowe is an Associate Professor at Kindai University's campus in Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Bill has long been interested in using technology in language teaching.