PIE SIG Podcast

Darren Kinsman
  • 0.0 (0)
  • EDUCATION

This podcast explores the benefits of using performance related approaches and activities in the classroom and the lives of the people who use them. 

Episodes

  1. Episode 6: For the Love of Music — Rhythm and Embodied Learning feat. Dr. Kim Rockell

    12/22/2025

    Episode 6: For the Love of Music — Rhythm and Embodied Learning feat. Dr. Kim Rockell

    Send us a text Can teachers who do not consider themselves musical still use music to help students develop a sense of English rhythm? In this episode, Dr. Kim Rockell, an ethnomusicologist and language educator at Komazawa University in Tokyo, reflects on a life shaped by music, discipline, and teaching. From early listening at home to formal study in cello, guitar, and ethnomusicology, and time spent playing bass in a hard rock band, his path shows how musical understanding develops through practice rather than talent alone. For educators, Professor Rockell explains how rhythm can be taught through simple, structured activities such as body percussion, without requiring musical training. He describes how learners internalize timing, stress, and flow in English through physical engagement rather than abstract explanation. For non-educators, the episode offers a thoughtful and personal conversation with a multi-talented musician and teacher. Professor Rockell shares stories of mentorship, reflects on his teaching journey from Taiwan to Japan, and plays guitar during the episode, making it an engaging listen beyond the classroom. At its core, this episode explores how rhythm, discipline, and embodied practice shape how people learn, communicate, and express themselves. Below are links to articles and musicians mentioned in thus episode: Teaching Language Through Music: Reflections of a Professional Musician By: Kim Rockell https://www.mindbrained.org/2025/02/teaching-language-through-music-reflections-of-a-professional-musician/ Antonio Losada Spanish Classical guitarist. Influential teacher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5-xP1XxLHE John Mills https://classicalguitarmagazine.com/50-years-after-his-master-class-with-segovia-john-mills-reflects-on-that-formative-event/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzAnV3Q6QMY Gamelan - Indonesian https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZZTfu4jWcI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVHhCIQO57w  Bruno Nettl https://archon.library.illinois.edu/archives/?p=creators/creator&id=1575   Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website: https://jaltpiesig.org/ Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at pie.sig.podcast@gmail.com. To access other high-quality JALT podcasts, go to JALT CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) Podcasts on Soundcloud! https://soundcloud.com/jalt-call For tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharing

    37 min
  2. Episode 5: The Path to Pro-Creativity feat. Dr. Dawn Kobayashi

    11/24/2025

    Episode 5: The Path to Pro-Creativity feat. Dr. Dawn Kobayashi

    Send us a text Episode 5: The Path to Pro-Creativity feat. Dr. Dawn Kobayashi Dr. Dawn Kobayashi (Onomichi City University) first encountered drama as a shy teenager on England’s south coast, when a high-school drama elective gave her a safe, structured way to explore perspective, emotion, and communication. She later moved to Japan, taught kindergarten and primary classes, completed a PhD, and now works in higher education, where she also supports teachers who want to integrate performance into their practice. She has used drama, improvisation, and other performance activities at every level to build student confidence, self-efficacy, and personal expression in ways that traditional methods often cannot. In this episode she discusses: • how drama and improv create space for clearer thinking and stronger communication • practical PIE-style activities that teachers can start using immediately • how she uses AI sparingly and deliberately, only to support reflection and never at the expense of students’ own creative voices This thoughtful conversation shows why drama remains one of the most effective tools we have for genuine learning and personal growth. If you want to see how a few simple performance activities can change the way students learn and express themselves at every educational level, press play. Links to Dr. Kobayashi's articles and YouTube videos: https://researchmap.jp/dakob?lang=en https://scholar.google.co.jp/citations?user=8hq9whgAAAAJ&hl=ja https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWCETpQjjAQ Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website: https://jaltpiesig.org/ Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at pie.sig.podcast@gmail.com. To access other high-quality JALT podcasts, go to JALT CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) Podcasts on Soundcloud! https://soundcloud.com/jalt-call For tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharing

    44 min
  3. Episode 4: The Transformative Power of Theatre feat. Educator Kevin Bergman - Part 2

    10/21/2025

    Episode 4: The Transformative Power of Theatre feat. Educator Kevin Bergman - Part 2

    Send us a text Join host Darren Kinsman for a captivating dive into the power of performance in education with Juilliard-trained actor and educator Kevin Bergman. Step into the magical world of theatre, where tough boys rediscover play amid props and vibrant costumes, and shy peers unveil hidden talents under the spotlight, leaving teachers awestruck. In today’s AI-driven world, Bergman reveals why theatre remains essential, igniting courage, resilience, and authentic human connection. Perfect for educators, parents, or anyone who treasures stories of young people finding their spark. Settle in for an emotional, educational journey packed with practical ways to harness the power of the stage. Abridged Annotated bibliography For those who are interested in using drama in their part in English language education, the following books offer concrete examples of classroom drama activities with rationale and guidance for using them. Some have short, original scripts and advice about preparing skits and plays for performance, but the emphasis in most is on drama games and exercises for students’ personal creative development and language learning, not for performance. In the titles below, the resources strongest on scripted performance are Burke  (2002)  in English and Ota (2024) in Japanese. Burke, A. F., & O'Sullivan, J. C. (2002). Stage by stage: A handbook for using drama in the second language classroom. Heinemann. Cahnmann-Taylor, M., & McGovern, K. (2021). Enlivening instruction with drama and improv: A guide for second language and world language teachers. Routledge. 太田 雅一 Ota, M. (2024)、生徒の英会話力が向上する 英語劇・ドラマメソッド (Seito no Eikaiwa ryoku ga kojo suru Eigo Geki: Drama method  Improving Students' English Conversation Skills: The English Drama Method )    幻冬舎 Gentosha Savage, A. (2019). The drama book: Lesson plans, activities, and scripts for English-language learners (W. Burns, Ed.). Alphabet Publishing.                                       -----------------------------------------  A link to Mr. Bergman's complete annotated bibliography will be supplied at a later date.  Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website: https://jaltpiesig.org/ Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at pie.sig.podcast@gmail.com. To access other high-quality JALT podcasts, go to JALT CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) Podcasts on Soundcloud! https://soundcloud.com/jalt-call For tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharing

    29 min
  4. Dr. Thomas Robb on the 2026 STEAM Conference (PIE SIG Podcast+ Episode 1)

    09/29/2025 · BONUS

    Dr. Thomas Robb on the 2026 STEAM Conference (PIE SIG Podcast+ Episode 1)

    Send us a text PIE SIG Podcast+ is a sister podcast to the PIE SIG podcast, but focuses on current activities on the PIE scene, like upcoming conferences, recently published PIE articles, and student performances.  In this episode, Darren interviews Dr. Thomas Robb, Professor Emeritus at Kyoto Sangyo University and Extensive Reading Foundation Chairperson about the 2026 STEAM Conference in Naha, Okinawa. 2026 STEAM Conference in OKINAWA!  Conference: Full STEAM Ahead! Date: February 20 (Fri.) ~ 22 (Sun.) 2026 Venue: Okinawa Prefectural Gender Equality Center [Tiruru] in Naha, Okinawa (not far from the Okinawa International Airport) Topic: STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) Theme: A STEAMY Conference: Adding Arts to STEM Curricula Motto: Full STEAM Ahead! Plenary Speaker: Tom Robb, Professor Emeritus Kyoto Sangyo University, Editor-in-Chief, TESL-EJ.org Chair, The Extensive Reading Foundation (https://erfoundation.org) STEAM Explanatory Article We plan to invite SIGs that have a connection with STEAM topics, 22 JALT Associate Members/Publishers, and all of the international language organizations JALT is affiliated with. The Call for Papers can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKkO91gIfrJRBZAZyb9s21hHE5Me8XwCB2Qd0Xk_TqhTwiVw/viewform  Please register by Sunday, February 8, 2026 JST. Find more information on the STEAM conference here: https://jaltpiesig.org/pie-sigs-okinawa-steam-conference/ Dr Thomas Robb's scholarship can be found here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=leg2vUsAAAAJ&hl=en The Extensive Reading Foundation (ERF) Website: https://erfoundation.org/wordpress/ The JALT Extensive Reading SIG Website: https://er.jalt.org/about Computer Assisted Language Learning (JALT) Website: https://jalt.org/group/computer-assisted-language-learning/ Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website: https://jaltpiesig.org/ Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website: https://jaltpiesig.org/ Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at pie.sig.podcast@gmail.com. To access other high-quality JALT podcasts, go to JALT CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) Podcasts on Soundcloud! https://soundcloud.com/jalt-call For tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharing

    24 min
  5. Episode 3: The Transformative Power of Theatre feat. Educator Kevin Bergman - Part 1

    09/22/2025

    Episode 3: The Transformative Power of Theatre feat. Educator Kevin Bergman - Part 1

    Send us a text                                         -----------------------------------------  Over three decades, educator Kevin Bergman has directed more than 100 student dramas. A Juilliard-trained actor, he discusses with Darren how theatre can revolutionize language learning and enhances students' social skills. Discover practical strategies that any teacher can implement to harness the transformative power of theatre in the classroom.                                       -----------------------------------------                Be sure to catch Part 2 with Kevin Bergman on October, 22nd 2025.                                       -----------------------------------------  Abridged Annotated bibliography For those who are interested in using drama in their part in English language education, the following books offer concrete examples of classroom drama activities with rationale and guidance for using them. Some have short, original scripts and advice about preparing skits and plays for performance, but the emphasis in most is on drama games and exercises for students’ personal creative development and language learning, not for performance. In the titles below, the resources strongest on scripted performance are Burke  (2002)  in English and Ota (2024) in Japanese. Burke, A. F., & O'Sullivan, J. C. (2002). Stage by stage: A handbook for using drama in the second language classroom. Heinemann. Cahnmann-Taylor, M., & McGovern, K. (2021). Enlivening instruction with drama and improv: A guide for second language and world language teachers. Routledge. 太田 雅一 Ota, M. (2024)、生徒の英会話力が向上する 英語劇・ドラマメソッド (Seito no Eikaiwa ryoku ga kojo suru Eigo Geki: Drama method  Improving Students' English Conversation Skills: The English Drama Method )    幻冬舎 Gentosha Savage, A. (2019). The drama book: Lesson plans, activities, and scripts for English-language learners (W. Burns, Ed.). Alphabet Publishing.                                       -----------------------------------------  A link to Mr. Bergman's complete annotated bibliography will be supplied at a later date.  Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website: https://jaltpiesig.org/ Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at pie.sig.podcast@gmail.com. To access other high-quality JALT podcasts, go to JALT CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) Podcasts on Soundcloud! https://soundcloud.com/jalt-call For tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharing

    34 min
  6. Episode 2: Drama & Film in the Classroom feat. Educator, Ashley Ford-Mihashi

    08/22/2025

    Episode 2: Drama & Film in the Classroom feat. Educator, Ashley Ford-Mihashi

    Send us a text Episode 2: Performance and Student Filmmaking with Ashley Ford-Mihashi When shy students step on stage or in front of a camera, they find confidence they didn’t know they had. Ashley Ford-Mihashi, lecturer at Nagoya City University and organizer of the Reel Voices Language Learning Film Festival, joins Darren to share her journey, including formative years immersed in music and language, and how those experiences shaped her approach to teaching. They discuss the nerves before a performance, the pride students feel when sharing their work, and how filmmaking and performance can help quiet learners grow. Ashley also shares practical ways teachers can use filmmaking to support language learning, from storyboarding to subtitling, giving students meaningful, hands-on opportunities to practice English. If you want your students to take risks, engage deeply, and have fun while learning, this episode is packed with practical ideas. REEL VOICES FILM FEST https://reelvoicesfilmfest.org/ Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website: https://jaltpiesig.org/ Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at pie.sig.podcast@gmail.com. To access other high-quality JALT podcasts, go to JALT CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) Podcasts on Soundcloud! https://soundcloud.com/jalt-call For tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharing

    39 min
  7. Episode 1: From Readers’ Theatre to AI: Inside the PIE SIG, feat. PIE Founder, David Kluge

    07/22/2025

    Episode 1: From Readers’ Theatre to AI: Inside the PIE SIG, feat. PIE Founder, David Kluge

    Send us a text What if acting, debate, and even song lyrics could actually help students learn better? That’s exactly what David Kluge believes, and he’s been putting these ideas into action for decades. David, a former professor at Nanzan University and founder of JALT’s Performance in Education (PIE) SIG, joins Darren to break down how performance techniques can revolutionize the way we teach. You don’t need any drama training to start using these valuable methods in your classroom today. Darren and David discuss Readers’ Theatre, using music to get students hooked, and why these approaches get people involved and actually help them remember what they learn. David also talks about his new textbook, the challenges of assessing performance, and how AI is shaking things up in education. If you want to hear what’s next for the PIE SIG and how to get involved, this episode is your ticket. Whether you’re curious or ready to bring serious energy into your teaching, this conversation is packed with insights that have a proven track record. To access David Kluge's interview on the JALT CALL Podcasts, click here: https://soundcloud.com/jalt-call/david-kluge-interview-by-brian Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please like and leave a review. To learn more about the Performance in Education SIG, check out our website: https://jaltpiesig.org/ Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us at pie.sig.podcast@gmail.com. To access other high-quality JALT podcasts, go to JALT CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) Podcasts on Soundcloud! https://soundcloud.com/jalt-call For tips on how to cite these episodes using APA 7th edition, use the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLVARUdviigboSQXkJXfgNm0zNkMsal6brBvwpmTKWM/edit?usp=sharing

    33 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

This podcast explores the benefits of using performance related approaches and activities in the classroom and the lives of the people who use them. 

Information

  • Creator
    Darren Kinsman
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PIE SIG Podcast
  • Show Website
    PIE SIG Podcast