Papers by Bruce Lander
International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies, 2017
The purpose of this paper is to capitalize on the advantages of an evidence-based lesson analysi... more The purpose of this paper is to capitalize on the advantages of an evidence-based lesson analysis while proposing a method of research on teaching that offers opportunities for deeper reflections. The objective is to examine how well a transnational learning project such as this one can determine the cultural script of a mathematics lesson in Malaysia through the perspective of Japanese educators well trained in the lesson study approach. Emphasis here is on a cross-cultural analysis to view in depth the cultural script of teaching mathematics in Malaysia with particular focus on how teachers respond to students’ mistakes in a mathematics lesson.
European Journal of Education Research, Development and Policy, 2019
This study analyses the teaching scripts and structure of les‐ son practices of a Singaporean Eng... more This study analyses the teaching scripts and structure of les‐ son practices of a Singaporean English teacher at two differ‐ ent levels of class through a comparative analysis. Specifically, it aims to clarify how his view of teaching as tacit knowledge determines the structure of the lessons. The emphasis here is on the examination of a Singaporean's teacher's view and his awareness of the students and their teaching materials at hand through the lens of Japan‐based educators and the im‐ plications for education policy.
KOTESOL Proceedings 2017, 2018
This paper will introduce an e-learning collaborative project involving students, teachers, and r... more This paper will introduce an e-learning collaborative project involving students, teachers, and researchers at five locations in Australia and Japan. Students were trained by local instructors to create cultural e-books that introduce local and domestic culture in a foreign language through digital media using iPads. The Japan-based students did this mainly in English, while their Australian counterparts did so mainly in Japanese. Videos were exchanged online throughout this study from October 2016 to September 2017. Tools used include Comic Life, iMovie, Puppet Pals, Tellagami, and eBook Creator. Through the use of these edu-tech tools, this paper will highlight the value of ICT use in foreign language education in recent times. It was discovered that not only digital literacies but also various cognitive and non-cognitive skills such as teamwork discussion skills developed in the process.
International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies, 2015
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine if a blended learning component can aid profe... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine if a blended learning component can aid professional development, improve student ability and be approved at the foreign language level using the lesson study (LS) method at a university in Japan.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper introduces the three main theoretical concepts of blended learning, learner autonomy and technology in education before explaining the LS in full. Two groups of students were taught using almost identical syllabus. One group, the A group were taught using computer rooms for two semesters, while the other (B) group were taught in regular classrooms without computers for one semester then with computers for the following semester. The impact on the student and teacher will be discussed.
Findings – The findings of this study indicate that technology, in the form of a blended learning component added to a test-based curriculum, can enhance student test-scores, raise teacher and student awareness of technology and improve ability over a relatively short period.
Practical implications – This study emphasizes the power of technology in modern day education. Through blended learning methodology this study proposes that teachers in the modern age should adopt some form of technology into their teaching technique.
Originality/value – This paper is directed at teachers who are interested in integrating technology into their teaching techniques, through either computer aided or mobile assisted learning, but are slightly apprehensive in doing so. This study focuses on the introduction of an online and mobile digital flashcard tool called Quizlet. Very little literature exists in this field as the mobile application was only released in 2013.
Keywords Blended learning, Professional development, Foreign language learning in Japan, Technology in education
The TOEIC test is used on a worldwide scale as a measurement of English language ability and comp... more The TOEIC test is used on a worldwide scale as a measurement of English language ability and comprehension. The TOEIC is a multiple-choice instrument designed to measure an examinee’s receptive English skills and is increasingly being considered a reasonable predictor of these skills (Gilfert, 1996). Preparation for the test itself can be arduous, stressful, and if not conducted properly, unproductive. One focal obstacle toward successful training is that of student motivation. Learners may recognize the magnitude of the test, but studying for the TOEIC may draw forth feelings of boredom over the tedium of the whole affair. Alternative techniques to traditional study methods need to be established to maintain interest and obtain higher achievement score results. The design and implementation herein of self-constructed tests with the use of online resources has shown positive results in this matter.
The immediate area of interest in this study is the primary building block of all foreign languag... more The immediate area of interest in this study is the primary building block of all foreign languages: vocabulary acquisition. Due to recent updates and innovations in educational software, foreign language educators now have a huge supply of ever improving tools to help enhance, transform and completely modify learning. Despite this surge in interest of recent times, there is very little physical evidence that indicates an overall sign of approval from learners. This empirical study used the now well-known digital flashcard tool Quizlet to help a large group of lower intermediate students to improve their vocabulary and ultimately raise their English comprehension levels at a medium sized private university in Japan. They were encouraged to use the said tool throughout the duration of the year-long course and were asked for their feedback about it in the final class. This study helps to reinvigorate the notion that technology can and does help the modern day language learner and can be approved in a positive manner by the majority stakeholder; the student.
佐賀大学教育実践研究, Mar 1, 2013
Current literature implies that the continuous onset of technology can be beneficial to students ... more Current literature implies that the continuous onset of technology can be beneficial to students no matter the subject matter. However, there is a gap in the research involving the use and positive effects that technology can have in the foreign language classroom. Integrating elements of technology into any foreign language based syllabus can enhance the learning experience by making learning more autonomous and perhaps more importantly, enjoyable for all involved. This paper will summarize current literature in the field of technology and education, blended learning and how these two elements can be combined to make students more autonomous and independent learners. Finally the paper will end with a theoretical framework of the proposed research of the author. This paper will introduce the theoretical framework behind the proposed research for a PhD thesis at the department of Education at Saga University, under the jurisdiction of Dr. Tetsuo Kuramoto.
Conference Presentations by Bruce Lander
Information and Methodological Journal Pedagogical Dialogue Kazaksthan 2018, 2018
The World Association of Lesson Studies held its annual International conference from November ... more The World Association of Lesson Studies held its annual International conference from November 23rd to 26th at the renowned location of Nagoya University where Lesson Study originated. Professor Tadahiko Abiko a professor in the field of education in Japan, was a distinguished invited keynote speaker. Professor Abiko is widely known among educators and researchers worldwide for his productive contribution to the Central Council for Education of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Technology in Japan (2005-2013) and to revision of the National Course of Studies in 2003 and 2008. Two of his more recent well- known titles in Japan include The Theory of Curriculum Design in 2006, and Designing Lessons Beyond “Competency-based” Education in 2014. This Keynote address at the WALS 2017 conference held in Nagoya University November 23rd was translated from Japanese to English by Bruce Lander.
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Papers by Bruce Lander
Design/methodology/approach – This paper introduces the three main theoretical concepts of blended learning, learner autonomy and technology in education before explaining the LS in full. Two groups of students were taught using almost identical syllabus. One group, the A group were taught using computer rooms for two semesters, while the other (B) group were taught in regular classrooms without computers for one semester then with computers for the following semester. The impact on the student and teacher will be discussed.
Findings – The findings of this study indicate that technology, in the form of a blended learning component added to a test-based curriculum, can enhance student test-scores, raise teacher and student awareness of technology and improve ability over a relatively short period.
Practical implications – This study emphasizes the power of technology in modern day education. Through blended learning methodology this study proposes that teachers in the modern age should adopt some form of technology into their teaching technique.
Originality/value – This paper is directed at teachers who are interested in integrating technology into their teaching techniques, through either computer aided or mobile assisted learning, but are slightly apprehensive in doing so. This study focuses on the introduction of an online and mobile digital flashcard tool called Quizlet. Very little literature exists in this field as the mobile application was only released in 2013.
Keywords Blended learning, Professional development, Foreign language learning in Japan, Technology in education
Conference Presentations by Bruce Lander
Design/methodology/approach – This paper introduces the three main theoretical concepts of blended learning, learner autonomy and technology in education before explaining the LS in full. Two groups of students were taught using almost identical syllabus. One group, the A group were taught using computer rooms for two semesters, while the other (B) group were taught in regular classrooms without computers for one semester then with computers for the following semester. The impact on the student and teacher will be discussed.
Findings – The findings of this study indicate that technology, in the form of a blended learning component added to a test-based curriculum, can enhance student test-scores, raise teacher and student awareness of technology and improve ability over a relatively short period.
Practical implications – This study emphasizes the power of technology in modern day education. Through blended learning methodology this study proposes that teachers in the modern age should adopt some form of technology into their teaching technique.
Originality/value – This paper is directed at teachers who are interested in integrating technology into their teaching techniques, through either computer aided or mobile assisted learning, but are slightly apprehensive in doing so. This study focuses on the introduction of an online and mobile digital flashcard tool called Quizlet. Very little literature exists in this field as the mobile application was only released in 2013.
Keywords Blended learning, Professional development, Foreign language learning in Japan, Technology in education