Reducing Foreign Language Anxiety through the use of Table-Top Roleplaying activities

Jay Palarino

Reduction of foreign language anxiety (FLA) through the use of table-top role-playing games (or TRPGs) are slowly gaining traction as an important educational tool. Research has consistently shown how TRPGs lead to positive psychological outcomes and other educational benefits.  This discussion will highlight results suggested by a limited research study conducted using TRPG in Japanese university language classrooms and discuss methods for applying TRPG and GBL methodologies.

Jay Palarino is composer, game-designer and university English lecturer living and teaching in Fukuoka, Japan. With over 25 years experience, and a M.A. in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching from the University of Nottingham, Jay spends his time engaged in a large array of different activities that contribute to his teaching philosophy. As a composer Jay has experience writing for a range of different projects including orchestral and choral work, short films, theatre and video games; as a game designer, has designed multiple internationally sold role-playing modules and educational materials; and as a teacher he has a passion for continuing to explore, create, and implement effective ways to use game-based learning, tabletop role-play and music in the language classroom to empower students.