To investigate the role of language teacher associations (LTAs) vis-à-vis
their members, the case of Japan is notable for the apparent disparateness
among the more than 50 associations that have formed over the past 90
years. An historical overview reveals that LTAs in Japan have emerged in four
distinct waves, and a survey of representative associations from each of these
waves clarifies some current differences between the groups. As a theoretical
framework in which to explore these differences, we draw on Foucault’s concept
of power/knowledge, which proposes a hierarchy between those who produce
knowledge and those who disseminate or consume it. According to this scheme,
the second- and third-wave LTAs are categorized as knowledge producers, while
the first- and fourth-wave LTAs are categorized as disseminators of knowledge
promoted by the state or marketed by commercial interests. We conclude
by considering the implications of these LTA roles for teacher autonomy and
professionalization.

J30

Perpustakaan FITK Pusat

Tersedia

• Language teacher associations in Japan: knowledge producers and/or knowledge disseminators

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