Research Interests in Detail
| 1. LEARNER CENTERED PEDAGOGY |
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 behaviours foster/hinder students. An ongoing research
theme is how pedagogical beliefs, classroom behaviours, and
student reactions influence each other.
Relevant Articles I've Written -| 2. INFORMATION LITERACY |
I enjoy helping others develop their information
literacy skills. Key aspects of information literacy are learning
how to use computers, information databases, and online resources. 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.
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| 3. TESTING AND ASSESSMENT |
Ever since teaching English in 1983 I've been intrigued
with issues involving assessment. I've studied the
ACTFL, TOEFL, and Cambridge
assessment techniques and worked for five years as an Eiken and United Nations testing examiner. I am still exploring ways to make
assessment in my university classes more accurate, humane, and educationally valid.
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| 4. POETRY & CREATIVE WRITING |
I've written four 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.
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5. JSL/JFL 
|
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.
When I first arrived in Japan Japanese seemed "foreign";
now it is becomming more familiar.
My M.A. thesis was about Japanese language study. 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
region and in the remarkable developments which took place during
the Meiji
Era (1868 - 1912). Since November 1996 I have been editing a monthly newsletter
which highlights the developments in and around Shimizu 
.
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