Bridging the Gap: Rethinking English Writing Instruction in Japanese Secondary Schools : A Symposium Report

This symposium examined the current state and future potential of English writing instruction in Japanese secondary education, with a focus on bridging the gap between high school and university-level writing. Thirteen Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) from the Tokachi area shared insights on writing practices in their schools, revealing that writing is rarely emphasized due to limited time, resources,and lack of exam requirements. Presentations covered key topics such as the benefits of writing and phonics instruction, second language acquisition theories, and practical lesson plans. Findings indicate that while writing is undervalued, ALTs recognize its importance in fostering critical thinking, language development, and academic preparedness. The symposium also emphasized the evolving role of ALTs,highlighting the need for flexibility, collaboration, and familiarity with language acquisition theories.Promoting writing from the elementary level and integrating it into the broader English curriculum can significantly enhance language proficiency and better prepare students for higher education. This project is funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Research-in-Aids for Scientific Research, 23K18896.