Elton John LaClare Associate Professor
ThemeResearch on the development of second-language learners’ communicative competence and the learning environments that support it.
Belongs
Research Department/Department of Human Sciences/Division of Humanities, Social Sciences and Linguistic Sciences/Section of Humanities, Social Sciences and Linguistic| Field | Second Language Education, English Language Education, Second Language Acquisition, Speaking and Communication, Spoken Interaction, Learner Autonomy, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development, Content and Language Integrated Learning |
| Keyword | Second Language Acquisition, English Language Education, Speaking, Spoken Interaction, Communicative Competence, Interaction, Learner Autonomy, Collaborative Learning, Curriculum Development, Educational Technology, Moodle, Online Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Learning, CLIL |
Introduction
My research focuses on how second-language learners develop communicative competence and how learning environments can be designed to support that development. I am particularly interested in how learners can use the English they already know to participate in meaningful spoken interaction. I believe that speaking a foreign language is not simply a goal reached after years of study; speaking is itself part of the process through which languages are learned. My research therefore explores how classroom interaction, activities, and tasks can create opportunities for learners to use English, communicate meaning, and develop their communicative abilities. I am also interested in learner autonomy and in creating environments in which students can set their own goals, practise, reflect on their learning, and continue developing beyond the classroom. Building on my experience in curriculum development and coordination, I explore how educational technologies such as Moodle and online learning environments can support sustained language learning inside and outside the classroom. Going forward, I aim to investigate how learning environments and teaching practices can be connected to help students learn by using English and, through that experience, become increasingly capable and confident communicators.
List of current research topics
Development of communicative competence in second-language learners
Development of spoken interaction and English communication skills
Design of classroom activities and tasks that promote interaction in English
Design of learning environments that support learner autonomy
Design and evaluation of technology-enhanced language learning environments
Supporting English language learning through Moodle and online environments
| Related industries | Education, Higher Education, Foreign Language Education, Language Education, Educational Technology |
| Affiliated academic society | Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT), Japanese Association of Nursing English Teachers (JANET) |
| Academic degree | Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts |
| Self introduction |
I have worked mainly in English education, second-language learning, and educational technology. At Sojo University, I was involved in the design and coordination of the English curriculum, the development of learning environments using Moodle, and support for faculty teaching and research. I am currently interested in creating learning environments in which students can learn about their fields through English and continue learning independently. Outside the university, I enjoy soccer, gardening, and aquaponics. |
| Room address | General Research Building Ⅰ |
| Mail address | elaclare 
obihiro.ac.jp |
