On Friday, 20th October, 2023 afternoon (3:45 pm~ 4:45 pm) we visited English World, a social langage learning space for children, at Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University Affiliated Elementary School. There were 17 JASAL participants from as far afield as Tokyo, Yamanashi, and Akita.
We met the university and walked together to the elemetary school. Unfortnately, as it was raining, we were unable to enjoy the outdoor space as planned. Participants receieved an English World Passport and took a brief look at the space, before moving to a nearby media center to hear from the undergradate students in the Faculty of Foreign Languages who talked about their role as facilitators in the space, where children play in English during their lunchbreaks.
We divided into groups and moved in rotation. At one station, the founder Clair Taylor gave a presentation on「The History of English World」. At another station, second years Hanamarie Dayandante and Noor Meezab gave a joint presentation entitled:「The Volunteer Training」. At another station, third year Kokoro Ito gave a presentation entitled 「The Pandemic and English World Dance」.
Additionally, second year Megumi Da Silva and third years Kyuyon Kim and Miyu Takahashi demonstrated some of the toys that are used in the space and explained how they play with the children. Additionally, Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University Affiliated Elementary School ALT Sara-Meagan Phillips gave a tour of the school and gave background information about the school’s English program.
Following the visit to the elementary school, the participants enjoyed tea time in MELT, the foreign language lounge at the university.
The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning 