Speaker
Description
Although medical English skills are crucial for healthcare professionals, there are comparatively few studies on continuing education in English for Medical Purposes. Sharing the presenter’s reflections as a teacher working with a non-profit organization, this presentation will discuss how to enhance adult learners' real-world competencies in a medical context. It will also discuss how to create a supportive learning community that meets the diverse needs and backgrounds of learners in a distance learning environment.
Abstract
While it is widely recognized that medical English skills are nowadays essential for healthcare practitioners (e.g. Uemura, 2009; Kinoshita et al., 2015), a recent survey reveals that many medical professionals report a lack of confidence in their English ability for communication with patients (Sato, 2021). In this context, English for medical purposes (EMP) classes offered by universities often receive attention (e.g. Kawagoe, 2009). However, there are comparatively few studies focusing on continuing education in this area. The presenter has been teaching EMP classes at a non-profit organization that supports medical practitioners and motivated learners. Its virtual small-group classrooms, organized after the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to provide interactive exercises through pair and group activities including interpreter training, while emphasizing a community of practice for adult learners. Sharing the presenter’s reflections, this presentation will discuss how to develop learners' practical, real-world competencies in a medical context. Referencing previous research (e.g. Abedini et al., 2021), it will also discuss the importance and challenges of fostering a supportive online learning community that accommodates diverse needs and backgrounds. In the context of EMP under English for Specific Purposes (ESP), distance learning and continuing education, this presentation is particularly relevant for those interested in cultivating a positive learning environment that promotes a sense of community among both teachers and learners in a learner-centered approach.
References
Abedini, A., Abedin, B., & Zowghi, D. (2021). Adult learning in online communities of
practice: A systematic review. British Journal of Educational Technology, 52(4), 1663–1694. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13120
Kawagoe, E. (2009). Nihon ni okeru ESP kyōiku no genjō to kadai―igaku eigo wo rei ni― [Current situation and issues of ESP education in Japan: Examples of EMP]. Current English studies, 48, 37-51. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jaces1962/2009/48/2009_37/_pdf
Kinoshita, Y., Date, I., Kamiyama, K., Seo, Y., Noro, S., & Nakamura, H. (2015). Introducing JASMEE (Japan Society for Medical English Education) and Examination of Proficiency in English for Medical Purposes (IEIKEN). Journal of Hokkaido Brain Research Foundation, 26, 7-9. http://www.hbrf.jp/journal/26-2.pdf
Sato, Y. (2021, December 3). Ishi no yaku nana wari “Eigo ryoku ni jishin nai” [About 70% of doctors “Not confident in English ability”]. m3.com. https://www.m3.com/news/open/iryoishin/989433
Uemura, K. (2009). Medical English education in Japan: past, present & future. Journal of Medical English Education, 8(1), 7-11. https://jasmee.umin.jp/pdf/jmee/08-1_2009.pdf#page=7
Keywords
English for Specific Purposes,
distance learning,
continuing education,
medical English
Short summary
Although medical English skills are crucial for healthcare professionals, there are comparatively few studies on continuing education in English for Medical Purposes. Sharing the presenter’s reflections as a teacher working with a non-profit organization, this presentation will discuss how to enhance adult learners' real-world competencies in a medical context. It will also discuss how to create a supportive learning community that meets the diverse needs and backgrounds of learners in a distance learning environment.
| Scheduling preference | Anytime on Saturday or Sunday |
|---|---|
| Title | Promoting online supportive community for adult learners of medical English |