On JALT96: Crossing Borders. Proceedings of the Annual JALT International Conference on Language Teaching and Learning (23rd, Hiroshima, Japan, November 1996).

Papers from an international conference on language teaching/learning are presented by topic and grouped under seven sections. An introductory section contains two papers on cultural diversity and world English. The second section, on teacher development, contains papers on these topics: teacher development and socialization; teachers' responses to questions about instruction; characteristics of a good language lesson; teaching students to understand instruction; students' reasons for poor English skills; cross-cultural aspects of the teacher's role; and an instructional materials development workshop. The third section, on classroom techniques and issues, addresses these topics: postsecondary level cooperative learning in Japan; shared inquiry for fostering critical thinking in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction; story grammar as a reading and discussion strategy; use of Japanese literature in reading instruction; multimedia second language reading instruction; vocabulary building; Japanese particle usage; beginning writing instruction; discipline-based technical writing; peer writing evaluation; oral communication instruction; dance as an instructional technique; test revision; and continuous assessment using computer-assisted instruction. In section 4, papers on use of technology in the classroom address: use of the Internet; on-line newspapers and magazines; computerized test and materials development; designing materials t accompany videos; and content video in ESL instruction. Papers on cultural issues in section 5 include these topics: multiculturalism in the classroom; comparing cultures through critical thinking; authority and individualism in Japan and the United States; a study trip to France; setting the stage in kindergarten; comparative social studies; folklore in ESL instruction; Model United Nations; global issues; geography instruction; gender issues; and English variation. The final section contains five papers on the Linguapax Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Papers are primarily in English, with some Japanese and French included. (MSE)