My interest in learner-centered pedagogy arose from learning Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish and noticing the vast range of skill among teachers. This has prompted me to take a look at my own classes and how various behaviors influence students. An ongoing research theme is how teacher pedagogical beliefs, student classroom behaviors, and student-teacher communication patterns influence each other. I have written several articles about classroom note taking skills, summarizing skills, and learning strategies.
Relevant Articles I've Written –| 2. INFORMATION LITERACY |
I believe it is essential to develop information literacy skills. I believe that concept involves more than technical information about how to use computers, information databases, and online resources.
It also involves critical thinking skills and an ability to discern sub-texts. Since 1995 I've been teaching information literacy skills to undergraduate students and peers. In particular, I'm interested in creating online resources for ESL teachers and students. I edit four JALT-related homepages and am active in several CALL-related interest groups.
Relevant Articles I've Written –
- Computer Literacy: Issues and Approaches
- Classroom Perspectives on the Internet
- Online Resources for Language Teachers
| 3. TESTING AND ASSESSMENT |
Ever since teaching English in 1983 I've been intrigued with issues involving assessment. I am familiar with most of the large EFL proficiency exams used in Japan and have written items for the STEP-EIKEN Level 1 exam and served as an examiner for
the Level 1 and Pre-Level 1 exams. I also edited the JALT Testing & Evaluation SIG Journal for ten years, gradually learning more about the field of language assessment. I am still exploring ways to make assessment in my university classes more accurate, humane, and educationally valid.
Relevant Articles I've Written –
| 4. POETRY & CREATIVE WRITING |
I've written twelve books of poetry so far and am especially interested in writers such as Wislawa Szymborska,
Ginne Serre-Pagan, James Bertolino,
Jaan Kaplinski, and
Bruce Boston.
My favorite Japanese poets include Sasaki Nobutsuna, Takahashi Shinkichi, and Saitoh Fumi.
Relevant Articles I've Written –
5. JSL/JFL 
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Since 1982 I've been studying Japanese as a foreign language.Actually, I don't consider it a "foreign" language, but rather a way of dealing with many of the aspects of my life.
My M.A. thesis was about Japanese language study. Now I use Japanese on a daily basis and edit the JALT JSL SIG website. At this time
I'm especially interested in the use of metaphor in Japanese and the differences between written and spoken Japanese.
Relevant Articles I've Written -| 6. JAPAN STUDIES & ASIAN HISTORY |
I have a deep interest in the history, culture, and language of Japan.
I am particularly interested in the history of the Suruga Bay
region and in the remarkable developments which took place during
the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912). From 1996 - 1998 I edited a monthly newsletter
which highlights the developments in and around Shizuoka City.
Relevant Articles I've Written -