Mark Brierley
Shinshu University, Japan
About
Shinshu University. Extensive Reading. Low energy building.Sessions
All levels Estimating text difficulty with machine learning more
Tue, Aug 8, 10:45-11:20 Asia/Tokyo
Recent developments in AI chat are sending shockwaves through the language teaching community, both with short-term challenges of instructing students when and how to use this technology and as a longer-term existential threat to the teaching vocation. On the other hand, this same technology presents an opportunity for the automatic production of compelling input, not only in English but potentially for many other languages. Critical to providing suitable input is determining the level of readability, for example measured in YL (Yomiyasusa Level), which is based on impressions of difficulty by readers in Japan. This presentation reports on research into machine learning techniques used to estimate YL using the Coh-metrix analysis tool, Lasso linear regression and grid search cross-validation. The model predicted YL with a strong correlation of .91, significantly better than the Flesch Reading index. The results suggest that the developed model is a promising tool for predicting YL.
College and University Writing a series of graded readers: A university classroom project more
Tue, Aug 8, 10:15-11:35 Asia/Tokyo
Advocates of extensive reading know the importance of a good story, and this teacher includes a one-semester story-writing activity in classes titled "Academic English" for students from all faculties in a Japanese national university, not only focusing on linguistic features and the writing process but also encouraging students to use their imagination and write at their level of proficiency. During the second semester each student writes one installment for a series of graded readers. This begins with brainstorming and an elevator pitch from each student followed by a process to choose the best series idea. Next the setting and characters are specified, then students pitch their plot ideas, write their episodes then peer-assess, all adding intrinsic motivation to engage with each other's ideas. This presentation will show lesson plans and look at the balance between giving students enough time to create ideas and the opportunity to make choices while avoiding them choosing the option that leads to the least effort.
All levels ER Q and A: Bring your questions, problems and solutions more
Thu, Aug 10, 14:00-16:50 Asia/Tokyo
Bring any questions about setting up or maintaining an ER program, or using ER in your classes. Share ideas and experience with others.
All levels ER publications: Getting involved more
Thu, Aug 10, 16:15-16:50 Asia/Tokyo
This is a meeting for anyone involved, or anyone who wants to become involved, in journals and newsletters about Extensive Reading. Reviewers, editors, copy editors, layout editors, and website managers. We will also discuss the Proceedings for the Extensive Reading World Congress.
All levels ER Q and A: Bring your questions, problems and solutions more
Thu, Aug 10, 11:30-13:00 Asia/Tokyo
Bring any questions about setting up or maintaining an ER program, or using ER in your classes. Share ideas and experience with others.
All levels The big ER debate: Paper books are better than digital books more
Wed, Aug 9, 15:30-16:05 Asia/Tokyo
Listen to a debate about ebooks and paper books. You can help decide the winner.
