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Neil Hefernan
Department of Intercultural Studies
Associate Professor

Researcher information

■ Research Keyword
  • Applied Linguistics, TESOL
■ Field Of Study
  • Humanities & social sciences, Foreign language education, Applied Linguistics, CALL, Testing
■ Research Theme
  • Language Acquisition
  • Computer Assisted Language Learning
  • Language Testing
  • Study Abroad Contexts

Career

■ Educational Background
  • Oct. 2005 - Feb. 2007, The University of Southern Queensland, Applied Linguistics, Master in Applied Linguistics
  • Oct. 1997 - Oct. 1998, The English Language Center, London, England, TEFL DIPLOMA, TEFL DIPLOMA
  • Sep. 1991 - Jun. 1995, The University of Western Ontario, Canada, The Faculty of Social Sciences, Anthropology

Research activity information

■ Paper
  • Languages and dialectical varieties: Finding a binding thread.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Bulletin of the Faculty of Literature, Oct. 2021
    Lead
  • A study of first-year English communication in connection with cooperation between secondary and higher education: An implementation of “Simple Debate”　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Fujioka, K.; Hashio, S.; Kanasaki, H.; Mochizuki, H.; Heffernan, N.; Yamauchi, N.
    Hikakubunka Kenkyuu, Apr. 2017, [Reviewed]
  • Adjusting to life and studies away from home: The views of eight Chinese and Taiwanese students studying at a Japanese university　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    Hikakubunka Kenkyuu, Nov. 2016, [Reviewed]
    Lead
  • Comparing the pedagogical benefits of both Criterion and teacher feedback on Japanese EFL students’ writing　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Otoshi, J.
    The JALT CALL Journal, Apr. 2015, [Reviewed]
    Lead
  • The road to a successful curriculum: How theory feeds practice　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    KOTESOL Proceedings, Oct. 2014
    Lead
  • Seeking the benefits of E-testing in assessing students' English Proficiency　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Nagasaki, M.; Nakayama, A.; Orimoto, S.; Heffernan, N.
    Journal of Faculty and Staff Development in Higher Education, Mar. 2014
  • Written feedback in Japanese EFL classrooms: A focus on content and organization　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Otoshi, J.; Kaneko, K.
    The Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, Jan. 2014
  • A learner-centered approach to curriculum design: Creating and implementing a general English education program at a Japanese university　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Delve, M.
    Between the Keys, Dec. 2013
    Lead
  • Using criterion as a self-study writing tool　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2013 KATE International Conference Proceedings, Jul. 2013
  • Tailoring English language teaching by reinventing a university English language program　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Korean Association of Teachers of English) International Conference Proceedings, Jul. 2013
  • The influence of goal orientations and language experiences on the behaviors of Japanese university students learning English as a foreign language　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Nakayama, A.; Heffernan, N.
    Journal of Faculty and Staff Development in Higher Education, Mar. 2013
  • The influence of goal orientation, past language studies, overseas experiences, and gender differences on Japanese learners' beliefs, anxieties and behaviors　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Nakayama, A.; Heffernan, N.; Matsumoto, H.; Hiromori, T.
    Apples: Journal of Applied Language Studies, Dec. 2012, [Reviewed]
  • A report on the progress of a university-wide testing program　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2012 KATE International Conference, Jul. 2012
    Lead
  • Interventional effects on the coordination of L2 learners’ reading strategy use and contribution to L2 reading performance: Implications for university reading classrooms.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Matsumoto, H.; Heffernan, N.
    JACET Chugoku-Shikoku Chapter Research Bulletin, Feb. 2012, [Reviewed]
  • Testing the four language skills in a university-wide program　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    KOTESOL Proceedings 2010, Nov. 2011
    Lead
  • The effects of e-learning on the enhancement of English proficiency and the autonomous learning of English　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Matsumoto, H.; Orimoto, S.; Nakayama, A.; Heffernan, N.
    The Shikoku English Language Education Society, Nov. 2011
  • An analysis of a hypothesized model of EFL students’ motivation based on self-determination theory　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Otoshi, J.; Heffernan, N.
    The Asian EFL Journal, Sep. 2011, [Reviewed]
  • Implementing a four-skills testing program from the bottom-up　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2011 KATE International Conference: Empowering English Teachers in the Globalization Era,, Jul. 2011
    Lead
  • Ethical issues in Computer Assisted Language Learning: Perceptions of teachers and learners　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Wang, S.; Heffernan, N.
    British Journal of Educational Technology, Sep. 2010, [Reviewed]
  • Educational uses of digital photo frames: A trial study　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Johnson, A.; Heffernan. N.
    GloCALL 2009 Conference Proceedings, May 2010
  • Online education in Japan and China: A comparative research　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Wang, S.; Heffernan, N.
    Studies in the Humanities and Sciences, Sep. 2008
  • Copyright and multimedia classroom material: A study from Japan.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Wang, S.
    Computer Assisted Language Learning, Apr. 2008, [Reviewed]
    Lead
  • Factors predicting effective oral presentations in EFL classrooms　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Otoshi, J.; Heffernan, N.
    The Asian EFL Journal, Mar. 2008, [Reviewed]
  • An analysis of peer assessment in EFL college oral presentation classrooms　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Otoshi, J.; Heffernan, N.
    The Language Teacher, Nov. 2007, [Reviewed]
  • FM and web broadcasting systems for mobile language learning　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Wang, S.; Heffernan, N.
    In M. Spector, D. Sampson, T. Okamoto, S. Cerri, M. Ueno, & A. Kashihara (Eds.), Advanced Learning Technologies, Jul. 2007
  • Teaching academic writing: Form and process　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    JALT 2005 Conference Proceedings, Sep. 2006, [Reviewed]
    Lead
  • TOEFL classroom success　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    KATE 2006 International Conference. Beyond the horizon: Extending the paradigm of TEFL, Jun. 2006
    Lead
  • Successful strategies: Test-taking strategies for the TOEFL.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Journal of Asia TEFL, May 2006, [Reviewed]
    Lead
  • The short readings project: A CALL reading activity utilizing vocabulary recycling　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Johnson, A.; Heffernan, N.
    Computer Assisted Language Learning, Feb. 2006, [Reviewed]
  • Materials development: Creating a textbook　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    In K. Bradford-Watts, C. Ikeguchi, & M. Swanson (Eds.) JALT 2004 Conference Proceedings., Sep. 2005, [Reviewed]
    Lead
  • Tackling the TOEFL: Test-Taking Strategies　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    KATE 2005 International Conference. ELT at the crossroads: 40 years of research, teaching and service, Jun. 2005
    Lead
  • Watching movie trailers in the ESL class　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Internet TESL Journal, Mar. 2005
    Lead
  • The new CALL-based set of short reading activities at www.english-trailers.com　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Johnson, A.; Heffernan, N.
    Proceedings of the 2004 ClaSIC Conference: Current Perspectives and Future Directions in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning, Dec. 2004
  • Testing reading in an EFL course　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    Ritsumeikan Studies in Language and Cultur, Oct. 2004
  • Building a successful TOEFL program: A case study　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Language Teacher, Aug. 2003, [Reviewed]
    Lead
  • Helping students read better: The use of background knowledge　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The English Teacher: An International Journal, Mar. 2003, [Reviewed]
    Lead
■ Books and other publications
  • Speak Easy : from basic conversation to simplified debate
    藤岡, 克則; 山内, 信幸; Heffernan,Neil; 金崎, 茂樹; 橋尾, 晋平
    金星堂, Jan. 2019
    9784764740846
  • Teaching critical thinking and academic writing skills to Japanese learners of English: A pedagogical perspective. In R. Al-Mahrooqi, V. Thakur, & A. Roscoe (Eds.) Methodologies for Effective Writing Instruction in EFL and ESL Classrooms, pp. 131-147.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, Neil, Single work, Applied Linguistics
    IGI Global., Oct. 2014
  • Communication focus
    Stafford, Mark D.; Heffernan, Neil; 松本, 広幸; 中山, 晃
    金星堂, Jan. 2011
    9784764739123
  • Skills that thrill : strategies for real-world reading
    Murphy, Ron; Heffernan, Neil; 廣森, 友人
    Cengage Learning, 2010
    9784863121683
  • Mobile 2.0 and mobile language learning.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Wang, S.; Heffernan, N., Joint work, Computer Assisted Language Learning.
    In Michael Thomas (Ed.), Handbook of Research on Web 2.0 and Second Language Learning, pp. 472-490., Feb. 2009
  • Top-notch students : study skills for Japanese university students
    Heffernan, Neil; Jones, John Stewart; 清水, 裕子
    Macmillan Languagehouse, 2005
    4777360318
■ Lectures, oral presentations, etc.
  • Teaching critical thinking and academic writing skills to Japanese learners of English: A pedagogical perspective　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 13th International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice (ALAPP) 2023. Glasgow, Scotland, 16 Sep. 2023, [Invited]
  • Towards the validity of studying EFL reading as an ecological system in social contexts　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Matsumoto, H.; Heffernan, N.
    The 2017 International Pragmatics Association Annual Conference. Belfast, Northern Ireland., Jul. 2017
  • Canada’s changing school population: The views of six administrators　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Japan Association of Comparative Culture Annual Conference, May 2017
  • Adjusting to life and studies away from home: The views of eight Chinese and Taiwanese students studying at a Japanese university　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Korean Association of Teachers of English International Conference. Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea, Jul. 2016
  • Teaching critical thinking and academic writing skills to Japanese learners of English　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2014 KATE International Conference. Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea., Jul. 2014
  • Black sheep or ugly duckling: Turning writing classes into meaningful learning opportunitie　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Delve, M.; Heffernan, N.; Barclay, S.
    Matsuyama JALT meeting, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan., Jun. 2014, [Invited]
  • The road to successful curriculum: How theory feeds practice　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Korean Association of Teachers of English (KOTESOL). Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea., Oct. 2013
  • Designing an English language curriculum　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Japan Association of Teachers of English (JALT), Oct. 2013
  • Teaching portfolios: For revisiting one's life story as an English teacher and the process of self-actualization　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Nakayama, A.; Shimizu, E.; Heffernan, N.; Kurita, K.
    Symposium held at the Japan Association of Educational Psychology Annual Conference. Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan., Aug. 2013
  • Tailoring English teaching by reinventing a university English language program　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2013 KATE International Conference. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, Korea., Jul. 2013
  • Using Criterion as a self-study writing tool　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Otoshi, J.; Kaneko, Y.
    he 2013 KATE International Conference. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, Korea., Jul. 2013
  • Teachers’ feedback on students' writing: Cohesion or confusion　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Otoshi, J.; Kaneko, Y.
    The 7th Intercultural Rhetoric and Discourse Conference. Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A., Aug. 2012
  • A report on the progress of a university-wide testing program　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2012 KATE (Korean Association of Teachers of English) International Conference. Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea., Jul. 2012
  • Developing EFL Materials for Japanese University Students: A Case Study.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2012 International MATSDA (Materials Development Association) Annual Conference. University of Limerick, The Republic of Ireland., Jun. 2012
  • Developing EFL Materials for Japanese University Students: A Case Study　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2012 International MATSDA (Materials Development Association) Annual Conference. University of Limerick, The Republic of Ireland., Jun. 2012
  • Foreign language activities for Japanese students in special needs education　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Miura, Y.; Nakayama, A.; Heffernan, N.
    Paper presented at the Summer School 2012: Insights into Applied Linguistics: Languaging, Agency, and Ecologies, at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland., Jun. 2012
  • Implementing a four skills testing program from the bottom-up　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2011 Korean Association of Teachers of English (KATE) International Conference, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea., Jul. 2011
  • The Influence of Past Language Studies and Overseas Experiences on Current EFL Learning of Japanese University Students　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Nakayama, A.; Matsumoto, H.; Heffernan, N.; Hiromori, T.
    New Dynamics of Language Learning: Spaces and places – intentions and opportunities, at University of Jyväskylä, Finland June 6-9., Jun. 2011
  • The Effectiveness of Nintendo DS on Japanese EFL Learners　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Yoshida, H.; Nakayama, A.; Heffernan, N.
    The meeting of American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL2011). Chicago, IL., Mar. 2011
  • Testing language outside the bureaucratic box　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Stafford, M.
    The 2010 JALT National Conference, Aichi Industry and Labor Center, Nagoya, Japan., Nov. 2010
  • Testing the four language skills in a university-wide program　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2010 PAC-Korea TESOL International Conference, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea., Oct. 2010
  • Can Intervention by a Combination of Reading Strategies Develop L2 Learners’ Orchestration of Strategy Use?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Matsumoto, H.; Heffernan, N.
    The 49th JACET Annual Convention, Miyagi University, Miyagi, Japan., Sep. 2010
  • Educational uses of digital photo frames: A trial study　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Johnson, A.; Heffernan, N.
    The 2009 GLoCALL conference, Chiang Mai, Thailand., Dec. 2009
  • Ethical issues in CALL: How they affect both teachers and students.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Wang, S.
    CALICO 2009 International Conference, University of Arizona State, Tempe, Arizona., Sep. 2009
  • An analysis of a hypothesized model of EFL students’ motivation based on Self-Determination Theory　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Otoshi, J.; Heffernan, N.
    The 48th JACET Annual Convention, Hokkai Gakuen University, Sapporo, Japan., Sep. 2009
  • Developing effective criterion-referenced tests for language programs　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    The 4th FL Teaching and Research Conference. Paper presented at the 4th Teaching and Research Conference, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan., Sep. 2009
  • Student motivation: Psychological needs　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Otoshi, J.; Heffernan, N.
    The 2008 Japan Association for Language Teachers (JALT) Conference, Tokyo, Japan., Nov. 2008
  • CALL ethics: A factor that should not be overlooked　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Wang, S.
    The 2008 JALT CALL conference, Nagoya University of Business and Commerce, May 2008
  • Factors predicting oral presentations in EFL classrooms　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Otoshi, J.
    Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, Hawaii., Jan. 2008
  • How copyright and privacy laws affect CALL　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Wang, S.
    EUROCALL, 2007, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland., Sep. 2007
  • Network-based English pronunciation self-training　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Wang, S.
    EUROCALL, 2007, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland., Sep. 2007
  • Improving TOEIC scores through online learning　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Wang, S.
    The 2007 International Conference on Online Foreign Language Education, Weihai, China., Aug. 2007
  • FM and Web broadcasting systems for mobile language listening　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, Niigata, Japan., Jul. 2007
  • Creating a ubiquitous foreign language listening environment via FM and Web radio stations　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Wang, S.
    MULE at ICCE 2006 Conference, Beijing, China., Dec. 2006
  • TOEFL classroom success　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Japan Association for Language Teachers (JALT) National Conference, Kitakyushu, Japan., Nov. 2006
  • Business activities for the EFL classroom　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; O'Sullivan, M.
    Japan Association for Language Teachers (JALT) National Conference, Kitakyushu, Japan., Nov. 2006
  • The short readings project: A CALL activity.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Johnson, A.
    The TESL Canada 2006 Conference. Delta Winnipeg Hotel, Canada., Oct. 2006
  • An integrated approach to academic writing　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The TESL Canada 2006 Conference. Delta Winnipeg Hotel, Canada., Sep. 2006
  • TOEFL success: Stories from the classroom　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    Asia TEFL 2006 International Conference. Seinan Gakuin University, Fukuoka, Japan., Aug. 2006
  • Academic writing success: A case study　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    Asian EFL Journal Conference, Busan, South Korea., Apr. 2006
  • Teaching academic writing: Form and Process　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    Japan Association for Language Teachers (JALT) National Conference, Shizuoka, Japan., Oct. 2005
  • TOEFL CBT: Test taking strategies　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The 2005 JALT CALL Conference, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan., Jun. 2005
  • The new CALL-based set of short reading activities at www.english-trailers.com　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.; Johnson, A.
    CALL Around the Pacific, National University of Singapore, Singapore., Dec. 2004
  • Materials development: Creating a textbook　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Japan Association for Language Teachers (JALT) National Conference, Tezukayama University, Nara, Japan., Nov. 2004
  • Bringing Canadian content into the classroom.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The Association of Canadian Teachers in Japan Annual Conference, The Canadian Embassy, Tokyo, Japan., Sep. 2004, [Invited]
  • The need for resolute TOEFL instruction at Japanese universities　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Heffernan, N.
    The JACET 42nd Annual Convention, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan., Sep. 2003
■ Courses
  • English Education　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    May 2015 - Present
    Kurume University
  • English Education　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Apr. 2008 - Mar. 2015
    Ehime University
  • English Education　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Apr. 2006 - Mar. 2008
    Hiroshima Shudo University
  • English Education　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
    Apr. 2002 - Mar. 2006
    Ritsumeikan University
■ Affiliated academic society
  • Apr. 2020 - Present
    International Pragmatics Association　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
  • Apr. 2002 - Present
    Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
■ 関心を持って取組んでいる活動
  • I am interested in many kinds of sports and like playing and watching sports. I especially like soccer, football and hockey. I also like reading and watching movies.