The Language Resource Center (LRC) welcomes a new team member, John Graves. As the LRC Instructional Designer and Project Manager, John will work closely with language faculty to explore, plan, and implement instructional technologies to enhance the experience of teaching and learning another language. His background and expertise are in the areas of L2 teaching and learning, distance education, instructional design, and instructional technology. He is a second language speaker of Japanese and taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Japan to students ranging in age from five to 85.
“Growing up Japanese-American and not speaking Japanese fluently until my late twenties taught me some valuable lessons. You are never too old to start learning a language and don’t study a language for the test. Study a language to learn about yourself, the world, and the shared experience of being human,” said John.
John is a proficient golfer who has traveled the world to play some of the hardest courses on Earth such as Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, Saint Andrews, and Carnoustie. He refuses to disclose his handicap for this article because he refuses to give the impression that he is on the golf course more than in his office, which is so untrue. Please feel free to stop by and say hello.
"John's experiences in instructional technologies and his background in language learning and teaching make him a tremendous asset to the LRC and the language community at Cornell. His sense of humor will also fit in quite well," said Angelika Kraemer, LRC director.
John is also a drummer in an Ithaca based band, Zero Mean, which is a cross between Joy Division, Ride, Slowdive, Curve, and Blonde Redhead. His start as a drummer was with a local Japanese indie band in Yokohama, which he credits with his high proficiency in Japanese slang.
You can find John in G04D Stimson Hall or by emailing him directly at john.graves@cornell.edu.
