Self-monitoring training practices for reading English aloud and its educational effects

Abstract

Learning a second language is invaluable in our increasingly globalised world and, therefore, research on how this can best be done is important. English is a dominant international language in business and academia and, as such, English classes are provided and encouraged across the\n globe. When learning English, Japanese students face a specific set of challenges and in order to assist this demographic, self practice learning methods, as well as positive group learning environments are being researched and developed. Professor Mariko Okuzaki, National Institute of Technology,\n Hakodate College, Japan, is researching and developing new ways that English can be taught to Japanese students while broadening their outlooks. This involves looking at new methods for improving reading skills and learning aptitude, with help from an old institution in Japanese culture called\n the dojo, which refers to a place where individuals congregate to learn and practice. Okuzaki has presented the concept of an Ondoku-Dojo, whereby students support one another in learning English and in improving their mindset toward learning, with Ondoku meaning a method of improving English\n reading by reading aloud. Within Ondoku-Dojo, Okuzaki is investigating how self-monitoring training activities for reading out loud can be improved and developing a system to promote proactive after-school self-learning.