PanSIG 2026 - Building Language Competencies through Community

Session

603

23 May 2026, 11:00

0号building/6-603 - Sponsors (Chukyo University)

278. Introducing an Open-Source AI-Powered CEFR-Aligned Level Test (OpenALT)

Shinji Ebine (EnglishCentral)

23/05/2026, 11:40

Sponsored by English Central
The Open AI Level Test (OpenALT) is an open-source English proficiency assessment designed to estimate learners’ levels using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The test integrates vocabulary knowledge, listening response, and short conversational interaction to provide a practical estimate of proficiency aligned with CEFR levels and...

274. Turning Stories into Speech: Using AI to Connect ER and Communicative Competence

Rob Peacock

23/05/2026, 12:20

Sponsored by Oxford University Press
Extensive Reading (ER) programs provide learners with the large amounts of comprehensible input necessary for language development. A persistent challenge, however, is helping learners move from input to active language use. This session explores how AI powered digital tools can bridge that gap by connecting ER with meaningful communication practice beyond...

272. From input to confidence: How EVOLVE Second Edition gets students speaking

Tomoe AOYAMA (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)

23/05/2026, 13:30

Sponsored Presentation: Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Helping students speak confidently remains a key challenge in many English language classrooms. This presentation introduces the latest edition of EVOLVE, the Second Edition, a six level general English course built on the principle that speaking matters. Informed by insights from language teaching experts and feedback from...

275. Preparing Students with Soft Skills Beyond the Classroom

Junko YAMANAKA (Aichi Gakuin Univesity)

23/05/2026, 14:10

Sponsored by Pearson
This presentation demonstrates how language teachers can help students develop soft skills such as critical thinking, communication and collaboration, in their classrooms. Enhancing these soft skills — ones AI cannot readily replace — is increasingly important for students’ future lives. The presenter advocates that examining and exchanging points of view can...

299. Xreading: What’s New and What’s Next

Paul Goldberg (Xreading)

23/05/2026, 15:30

Xreading is an online library that gives students access to thousands of graded readers and allows instructors to track their students’ reading progress. Since its launch in 2014, the system is being continuously being updated and improved with new features and more books. In this presentation, the founder of Xreading will demonstrate the newest features, including our new AI powered *Book...

271. Getting STEM Students to Speak with Science Talk

Connor Edwards, Tae Kudo (Kwansei Gakuin University)

24/05/2026, 10:10

Sponsored by National Geographic/Cengage
This session introduces Science Talk as a classroom resource to help university STEM students speak more actively in English. It shows how selected units can be used to support communication on science-related topics and everyday academic situations, while offering practical ideas for teachers seeking to incorporate STEM content into...

276. Making Language Matter: CLIL in Practice

Alastair Graham-Marr (ABAX Ltd)

24/05/2026, 10:50

Sponsored by ABAX
CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) is an approach to English teaching that falls within the broader framework of Content-Based Instruction (CBI). Rather than focusing on isolated grammar or vocabulary, it engages students through meaningful content. CLIL classes offer several advantages, including real-world relevance, deeper cognitive engagement, and enhanced...

277. Practical Classroom Activities for Developing Critical Thinking in EFL

Charles Browne (Meiji Gakuin University)

24/05/2026, 11:30

Sponsored by Kinseido
This presentation introduces a selection of practical classroom activities designed to help EFL learners develop critical thinking skills. Drawing on Bloom’s Taxonomy and task-based language teaching principles, the session will briefly outline a framework for integrating critical thinking into everyday classroom practice.
The focus will be on demonstrating a small...

273. What Makes a “Hot Topic”? 4 Keys to Effective Class Discussion

Sean Bermingham (Independent author-editor)

24/05/2026, 12:40

Sponsored by Tryalogue Education
Choosing suitable discussion topics is crucial for encouraging lively interaction among students. But why do some class discussion topics work well in Japan, and others don’t? In this session, the presenter will share some recent findings from a research project conducted among Japanese university teachers. Attendees will explore four simple but essential...