The past, present and future of a Travel English course David Paterson Harry Carley Matsuyama University

General Travel English Course Non-English majors Fulfillment of language requirements

Past A cast of thousands! (well, hundreds) as it was in the beginning… A cast of thousands! (well, hundreds) The problem with travel textbooks Differing views Changing direction

Past imperfect course referred to by teachers (and students?) as…Trouble English! mixed ability classes of 100+ all non-English faculty 2nd years or over the E.S.P. or E.A.S.Y. option?

Changing course Standardised Project/presentation-based Online (and other) research Computer room Some reduction in class size

PP Presentations Static Feeling of similarity Outdated teaching tools Difficult to implement modern technology

Presentation NEW ZEALAND PP - Student Presentation #1 Presentation NEW ZEALAND Student name Student number

PP - Student Presentation #1 POPULATION of N.Z. People ・4,270,000 Density ・16.4/km2 

Wikis: An online tool

Wikis explained

Present example of student presentation #1

Example #2 student presentation

Application of Technology Generate motivation Today’s learning tools Applicable to other courses

Broaden Horizons Assigned a country to research Discover all aspects TBL – Task Based Learning Presentation Skills

But what is lacking? No real English acquisition Relevance to other courses

Early signs – a first survey All positive about use of computers in class 40% internet use limited 5% use non-Japanese sites 40% “won’t travel abroad” 70% travel conversation practice high priority 50% learning English net skills low priority Travel English looked “interesting and useful”

Possible paths Blending (for beginners) - Online project work AND Travel situation language activities Research opportunities CEFR & ALTE Social and Tourist ‘Can Do’s

Current students comments “A fun course”. “I want to go my country some day”. “This was very interesting for me”. “I like this class”. And the ultimate ...

Future

Conclusion Class size reduced Technology enhanced lessons Motivation increased

Thank you Travel English David Paterson Harry Carley Matsuyama University