KOTESOL International Conference 2016
(Concurrent Session)
Anna Twitchell, Kanda University of International Studies
Euan Bonner, Kanda University of International Studies
The Case of the Intimidated Student: Using Custom-Designed Games to Scaffold Narratives
Abstract
The presenters have developed a collaborative game that acts as a framework for developing narrative discourse among intermediate-level non-native speakers of English. Two versions of this game were created for classroom use: an iPad version that uses virtual spaces and augmented reality, and a more traditional paper-based version. Both versions of this game were designed with a focus on lowering affective filters, motivating, and developing collaboration between L2 writers by providing the story framework as scaffolding and encouraging players to explore their creativity in a second language. In this presentation, the researchers will outline the theoretical underpinnings for providing a game-as-scaffolding activity in L2 classrooms, as well as provide an overview of the murder-mystery game they developed along with its integrated classroom materials.
Biographicals
Anna Twitchell received her undergraduate degree in International and Area Studies with a focus on Japanese culture and history in 2006 from the University of Oklahoma. In 2013, she graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Master's degree in TESOL. She had taught at an Intensive English Program in Oklahoma City before joining Kanda University of International Studies as a lecturer in 2014. Her research interests include genre analysis and using digital games to facilitate L2 learning.
Euan Bonner received a Bachelor of Communications, Graduate Diploma in International Business and a Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL) from the University of New England, Australia and moved to Japan to teach English in 2007. He spent 7 years teaching English at a private company before joining Kanda University in 2014.
Return to the list of Concurrent Sessions at the KOTESOL 2016 International Conference
