English as a Foreign Language in Japan. A Case Study of Factors Affecting Second Language Acquisition

Case Study from the year 2016 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Pedagogy, Literature Studies, course: ESL/EFL, language: English, abstract: In terms of second language acquisition (L2), those language learning participants who are able to participate in overseas business trips, coupled with formal instruction, appear to make the most gains. Conversely, those who do not participate in such events, even when coupled with formal instruction, appear to fossilize or plateau, if they do not recognize some other use for L2. The purpose of this case study was to examine the factors affecting the L2 acquisition of one specific individual (Mr. T) located in Japan, in order to determine how and if the participant's level of communicative competence could be improved upon. This case study utilized oral classroom work, informal taped interviews and participant observation and drew on the available linguistics literature to present possible implications for instructors working with individuals in similar EFL circumstances. Not surprisingly, for intrinsic motivation and L2 acquisition, a student must be understood as both part of his/her cultural group as well as individually. An examination of the available literature showed that it was possible to overcome behaviours that limited L2 acquisition. This study also strongly suggested that the quality of personal relationships affected participants' level of intrinsic motivation.

I am an English-speaking Canadian, who has been teaching for the past 20 years, 16 of which have been in Japan. After receiving a B.A. from the University of Toronto (1994), I obtained a TESL certificate (1995) and a Masters in Applied Linguistics (2005). I have taught at a wide variety of businesses, jr. and sr. high schools, vocational colleges and universities in the Tokyo area. I have extensive experience teaching conversation; from absolute beginners to advanced levels, as well as listening and academic writing. I also have experience teaching Business English as well as TOEFL, TOEIC and SAT. My teaching style is based on the communicative approach to L2 instruction.