Many teachers complain about demotivated students. We will see, however, that common ideas about motivation are at odds with recent insights in cognitive neuroscience. Negative attitudes are a normal (though not desirable) part of foreign language learning. We will discuss a new approach to student engagement based on the notion of linguaculture learning and emergent motivation. This talk will be interactive and not overly technical. Participants will have have the chance to share their thoughts and experiences.
Joseph Shaules (PhD) has worked in intercultural education in Japan, Mexico and Europe for more than 25 years. He is a professor at Juntendo University's Faculty of International Liberal Arts, in Tokyo, where he directs the English Language Program. He is the director of the Japan Intercultural Institute. He is the author of books and textbooks including Identity (Oxford), Impact Issues (Pearson), Deep Culture (Multilingual Matters), and most recently The Intercultural Mind (Intercultural Press). He is interested in language learning for intercultural understanding, motivation and curriculum planning.

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