The 1st Pacific-rim Conference on Education
Under the theme Emergent Issues and Challenges in Education, the following areas will be focused.1. Teacher Professional Development
It is expected that a wide range of issues will be brought up by presenters who will introduce and share innovations in the professional development of teachers in responding to the phenomenal changes that are taking place in the globalized context of the world. Innovations in professional development of teachers could include a variety of topics such as for example, life-long learning, community-based and practice-based educational practices, integration of theory and practice, pedagogy of integration, and standards-based practice to mention a few. Speakers could present professional development for teachers that are used in their own country.
2. Quality of Academic Achievement
Quality of academic achievement is receiving a great of attention. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been paying attention to developing knowledge, skills and attitudes that are relevant to the changes that are taking place in the global society. Domains of reading, mathematical and scientific literacy have been given attention by Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Policies that impinge upon quality of academic achievement, new developments in assessment, social and economic environment of learners are suggested as examples of topics that could be focused and shared by presenters from different contexts.
3. Special Education and Inclusion
Challenges created by special needs population is an important issue that is being addressed by various countries today. Sessions that will address the current issues and practices in special education and inclusive education will be most appropriate. Topics such as system-wide approach to implementing special education, categories of disabilities/ special needs, recent reforms in inclusive education, progress of inclusion, community life and related services, teaching methods and other practices with respect to specific disabilities will be of interest to participants at this conference.
4. English Education as a Foreign Language for Children
Since English is widely used, various approaches to teaching and learning of English are receiving a great deal of attention. How do these approaches work with children who find themselves in different roles? Some may have immigrant status; others might learn English as a foreign language. Pedagogies that are successful with learning of English would be of interest at this conference. Language immersion programs, in particular, two-way bilingual immersion programs are considered promising developments. How English learning is approached in other Southeast Asian countries will be great interest to the participants of this conference. «
Programnew
Hokkaido University of Education, International Center
Tel: +81-11-778-0266. Fax: +81-11-778-0675.
E-mail: kokusaik,AT,sap.hokkyodai.ac.jp, ryugaku,AT,sap.hokkyodai.ac.jp