2025 MEES – June 21, 2025
2025 MEES – Call for Presenters
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Venue: Hachinohe Gakuin University – Hachinohe Art Museum Satellite Space, Hachinohe, Aomori
The 10th Anniversary of MEES
“Foundations and Frontiers of EFL: Past Lessons and Future Solutions”
We welcome any proposals with relevance to language use, learning, and teaching for any age group within the ELF context. Submissions may include action research conducted inside or outside the classroom, works in progress, teaching strategies and pedagogy, pilot studies, as well as proposals for discussion sessions and workshops.
Sessions are set at 30 minutes (including questions). Please advise us on your session format: formal presentation, workshop, discussion, or demonstration. Also, if you would like more than 30 minutes, let us know.
Abstract Submissions: Abstract must be no longer than 300 words in English, in either MS Word, Mac Pages, or PDF file.
Send all abstract submissions to: MEESjapan@gmail.com
Proposal Abstract Deadline: Friday, May 9th, 2025.
2025 MEES – Conference Schedule
The 10th Anniversary of MEES
“Foundations and Frontiers of EFL: Past Lessons and Future Solutions“
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Venue: Hachinohe Art Museum (Hachinohe Gakuin University Satellite Space)
Conference Schedule
12:00 ~ Registration Opens
13:00 – 13:10 Opening Comments
13:15 – 13:45 Plenary Session
Steven MacWhinnie (Hirosaki Gakuin University, Aomori)‘Teaching English in an AI World: Challenges and Opportunities’
13:55 – 14:25 Session 1
Bobby Nawbary (Oma Town Assistant Language Teacher, Aomori)‘Exploring the Gap between Proficiency and Autonomy through Language Learning Strategies: Preparing EFL Learners for Tertiary Education’
14:35 – 15:05 Session 2
Dekontee Gollah (Tokyo International University, Tokyo)‘Academic Overview of Technology Integration in Education’
15:05 – 15:30 Break
15:30 – 16:30 Panel Discussion – Steven MacWhinnie, Bobby Nawbary, and Dekontee Gollah ‘Foundations and Frontiers of EFL: Past Lessons and Future Solutions’, moderated by Gregory Anthony (Hachinohe Gakuin University)
16:30 – 16:40 Closing Comments
2025 MEES – Presenter Lineup
| Registration (12:00 ~) |
| Opening Comments (13:00 – 13:10) |
| Plenary Session (13:15 – 13:45) Steven MacWhinnie (Hirosaki Gakuin University, Aomori) ‘Teaching English in an AI World: Challenges and Opportunities’ Over the past two decades, English education has transformed dramatically, from paper flashcards and blackboards to AI-enhanced learning environments. Drawing on nearly two decades of classroom experience, this presentation reflects on the “foundations” of traditional EFL instruction in Japan and explores the emerging “frontiers” shaped by artificial intelligence. Building on recent developments in AI integration, including evidence that AI personal tutors can outperform traditional active learning approaches, I will discuss how tools like ChatGPT are reshaping language practice beyond the classroom. Practical examples from my own teaching, including using AI conversation partners for homework and projects that combine AI-generated music and lyrics to teach linguistic features, will illustrate how AI can be used creatively. However, as AI tools become increasingly capable of mimicking student writing and assisting with coursework, responsible and ethical use must become a core component of language education. Drawing on current research and classroom policy recommendations, I argue that future EFL instruction must not only incorporate AI tools but also teach students how to engage with them critically and responsibly. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for adapting their classrooms to the AI era, balancing innovation with the enduring values of education. |
| Session 1 (13:55 – 14:25) Bobby Nawbary (Oma Town Assistant Language Teacher, Aomori) ‘Exploring the Gap between Proficiency and Autonomy through Language Learning Strategies: Preparing EFL Learners for Tertiary Education’ This study examines the effectiveness of teaching Language Learning Strategies (LLS) to EFL students preparing for university courses in order to become autonomous language learners. This includes students enrolled in Senior high school, intensive English courses preparing to study abroad or in lower level English courses at universities. One of the most serious challenges that adult learners face when transitioning into higher education or continuing their English learning is becoming independent learners who are able to assess their own learning preferences. By reviewing existing literature on Language Learning Strategies, including articles on Second Language Acquisition theory related to learner autonomy, this study surveys a variety of language learning strategies and synthesizes research-informed approaches for implementation in the classroom.(Oxford 2016, Littlewood 1996, Mekala, S., Shabitha, M. P., & Ponmani, M. 2016) The main questions this study seeks to answer are (1) What are ways strategy based instruction can be integrated within the existing and prerequisite English courses at the senior high school and lower level university/junior college courses? (2) What kinds of learning strategies are the most useful to meet the needs of college-bound EFL students? This study provides insights to guide teachers looking to build autonomous language learners as they prepare EFL learners for the rigors of higher education. |
| Session 2 (14:35 – 15:05) Dekontee Gollah (Tokyo International University, Tokyo) ‘Academic Overview of Technology Integration in Education’ The exponential development of technology and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) has facilitated the creation of advanced educational tools that have the potential to enhance classroom experiences, while simultaneously raising concerns regarding student privacy and potential overdependence on technological assistance. This research examines how the integration of educational applications can foster student skill development, motivation, and classroom participation, while also proposing strategies to mitigate overdependence on A.I. systems. Additionally, the study addresses critical ethical considerations surrounding application data collection practices and student privacy protections in educational environments. Methodologically, this investigation employs quantitative analysis based on anonymous student survey responses and performance metrics, with data collection adhering to ethical protocols that ensure both privacy and reliability. A comparative analysis of Learning Management System platforms and educational applications provides further empirical foundation. This presentation, aligned with the Foundations and Frontiers of EFL theme, explores the intersection between traditional pedagogical methodologies and emerging technologies to establish a holistic approach to English Language Education. The research offers educators practical solutions and implementation strategies for incorporating educational applications and A.I. into classroom environments, while simultaneously presenting actionable approaches to address concerns regarding artificial intelligence utilization, student privacy preservation, and technological literacy development. |
| Break (15:05 – 15:30) |
| Panel Discussion (15:30– 16:30) Steven MacWhinnie, Bobby Nawbary, and Dekontee Gollah Session moderated by Gregory Anthony (Hachinohe Gakuin University, Aomori) ‘Foundations and Frontiers of EFL: Past Lessons and Future Solutions’ This panel discussion is an opportunity to hear from both panelists and audience about their past experiences as well as their thoughts on the future direction of teaching English as a Foreign Language. Steven G.B. MacWhinnie is an associate professor at Hirosaki Gakuin University. Bobby Nawbary is an assistant language teacher in Oma Town, Aomori. Dekontee Gollah is a lecturer at Tokyo International University in Tokyo. |
| Closing Comments (16:30 – 16:40) |
2025 MEES – Post-Conference Dinner / Social Event
We are planning to have dinner in downtown Hachinohe directly after the conference ends on Saturday evening. If you are interested in joining us, please contact us in advance so that we may plan accordingly.
2025 MEES – Getting to the conference
This years conference will be held at the Hachinohe Art Museum in downtown Hachinohe. Please take note that we will not be on the university campus as we have in past years. The Art Museum is a short walk from HON-HACHINOHE station on the HACHINOHE LINE. This is a separate station from the Shinkansen station (HACHINOHE STATION). You can transfer to the local HACHINOHE LINE from where the Shinkansen arrives at HACHINOHE STATION. Please check posted local train times for your transfer.
Downtown Hachinohe is also accessible from multiple bus lines and paid parking is readily available downtown for those driving.
2025 MEES – Things to do in Hachinohe / Sightseeing
https://visithachinohe.com/…/hachinohes-top-8-things…/
MEES – Facebook Event Page
Contact event organizers at:
MEES – Conference Venue
Hachinohe Gakuin University – Hachinohe Art Museum Satellite Space, Aomori, Japan
MEES - Michinoku English Education Summit 