An Effective Way to Use The Great Gatsby in the Language Classroom
(Parallel Session 1: Room A, 11.00-11.50)

Fuyuhiko Sekido, Lecturer, Rikkyo University, Dokkyo University, Aoyama Gakuin University

Abstract

The presenter will explain an effective way to use The Great Gatsby in the language classroom. When literature is used in the language classroom in Japan, typical Japanese teachers make learners just translate English sentences into Japanese. However, this method sometimes doesn’t work and might cause students to lose their interests because this kind of activity is quite boring to some learners. On behalf of that, the presenter uses two text books, the original of The Great Gatsby and a retold one which is a graded reader.

This means learners read both of them. Learners try to find linguistic differences, not just to understand the story well, but also to compare the different style of language between authentic English in the original and the easier one. Through use of other materials, learners can use four skills, reading, speaking, listening, and writing as activities. The presenter will tell the exact procedure, show what materials and activities will be successful, and how to manage the time.

Biographical Data

Fuyuhiko Sekido has been teaching English in Japan for more than 10 years, the last 5 years at universities. He completed his MA in American literature at Meiji Gakuin University in March, 2000. Mr. Sekido has been a part-time lecturer at Rikkyo University since April, 2006, Dokkyo University since April, 2008, and Aoyama Gakuin University since April, 2009. His recent research interests include the effective use of literature in English education and practical methods for the language classroom.