Speaker
Abstract section 1: Relevance
Fostering communicative competence is a key at a high school in Japan, and many teachers try to set up situations with clear, authentic purposes. This study deals with the gap between exam-oriented English learning and communicative and intercultural skills. When students have an authentic purpose and practice a lot, their abilities of speaking and writing will improve (Takase, 2023, Ueno, 2023). This year, first-year students have the chance to use English to communicate with peers from overseas by writing a letter in a traditional way and making a video introducing Japanese high school life on Padlet.
Abstract section 2: Contribution/research questions
- Does communicating with students from overseas help students develop small talk and newly learned grammar?
- Does sharing information about themselves, Japanese culture, or Japanese school life in English increase students’ motivation to communicate and mutual understanding?
Abstract section 3: Content/method
The project was implemented over a whole year with approximately 320 first-year high school students. Students worked on two major tasks: (1) letter exchanges with partner schools in seven different countries. Students wrote at least twice before writing a letter with AI-based writing feedback, and (2) creating a video that introduces Japanese culture or their high school life via Padlet. Data were collected surveys after each activity, classroom observations, and analysis of students’ feedback.
Abstract section 4: Outcomes/results
The survey results show that many students felt they had developed their communicative competence through the letter exchanges. Students also mentioned that they became more aware of cultural differences and paid more attention to clarity and politeness in letters. They also found it challenging to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Quantitative data indicated that students were motivated to communicate with peers overseas through letters and video projects. Although video projects were a burden for some students, they enhanced students’ intercultural understanding and confidence in using English authentically. Many students also mentioned that they preferred writing letters to creating video projects.
Abstract section 5: References
Shimizu, Y. (2018). A Class Design for Exchange Collaborative Learning With Information and Communication Technology at Senior High Schools. 中部地区英語教育学会紀要47, 205-212. https://doi.org/10.20713/celes.47.0_205
Takase, N. (2023). Speaking Practice via Asynchronous Video Exchange with English Native Speakers. 「母語話者とのビデオレターによるスピーキング能力向上特性の解明」
Ueno, M.(2023). 日本人高校生に対する、短期間でより効果的なスピーキング活動：「タスクの繰り返し」検証. Eiken bulletin=「英検」研究助成報告/日本英語検定協会 編 35, 131-154
| Title | Intercultural Understanding through Student Exchange |
|---|---|
| Teaching Context | Junior/senior high-school |