I Can't Speak Japanese In Japanese

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences During my stay in Japan, Japanese people often told me how they can't communicate in English despite studying the language for six or more years in school. In Japan, students in junior and senior high learn English grammar and vocabulary in compulsory formal English classes. English is also taught in elementary school as foreign language activities. Yet despite spending several hours in English classes, many Japanese people graduate high school with poor English communication skills. Education system Class culture Learning goals Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Daisy C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Grammar Pronunciation Japanese schools Japanese culture Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: One problem facing many Japanese students learning English is differentiating between countable and uncountable nouns. In the Japanese language, the same word is often used for 'much' and 'many'. In English, 'much' is used to describe countable nouns, and 'many' is used to describe uncountable nouns. A problem facing many EFL learners, especially Japanese learners, is idioms. The English language has thousands of idioms, which are used in everyday life. These are...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I work in two schools. I am an assistant language teacher at one commercial (low-level English) high school, and an integrated (high-level English) academic junior high and high school. I have had experiences with different kinds of students, Japanese-English teachers, and classroom atmospheres. In Japan, students take an entrance exam to get into high school. If they scored low on the entrance exam, then they are placed in the lowest ranking class. Each school has a certain number of classrooms for each grade. Both of my high schools have six classes total for each grade. There are usually around forty to forty-two students in each class as well. Teaching forty plus students in a crowded classroom is difficult. And unlike many stereotypes of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What's the most difficult part of learning a new language? Is it writing? Perhaps it's the reading or memorizing new vocabulary? Well for some it's speaking the new language, specifically when it comes to pronunciation. Every language has its unique ways or pronouncing their vowels and constants as well as how they form their sentence structure. Especially this write up will focus on Japanese English as a Second Language (ESL) students and the difficulties they face while learning English and its pronunciation. Japanese Writing Teaching Approach Pronunciation Differences Further Steps Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zachary B. Please note that this...  [Read more]

1. Understanding the Japanese Classroom Environment 2. Effective Teaching Strategies for English Language Learners 3. Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability in Teaching 4. Building Strong Relationships with Students and Colleagues Teaching English in a Japanese classroom can be a rewarding and enriching experience for educators looking to make a positive impact on students' lives. By understanding the unique cultural context and educational practices in Japan, teachers can create a supportive and engaging learning environment for English language learners. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for teaching English in a Japanese classroom, including effective teaching strategies, cultural sensitivity, and tips for building strong relationships with students and colleagues. Before...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In Japan, elementary schools typically employ an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) to provide support to homeroom teachers during English classes. I have been working in such a capacity for the past two and a half years, first through an international program and currently as a direct-hire via my local city hall. Until recently, mandatory English classes at the elementary school level have been limited to the fifth and sixth grades, but new national requirements are being rolled out that will require mandatory English classes as early as third grade while doubling English classroom hours for the fifth and sixth grades. English Language Tests Designing Activities Team Building Group Lesson Planning Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Japan is a developed country, with well above 126 million inhabitants, that during the past decade has been gaining more and more popularity as a destination for travelers and as a residence for people from all kinds of countries. Yet its inhabitants often seem to struggle with gaining English language proficiency. In this essay, I'll try to resolve the question, which problems students in Japan typically encounter when attempting to learn English. Grammar Phonology Culture Methodology Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Philipp S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The first aspect of this issue...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There are several pronunciation problems that students of English will face in Japan; however, I will focus on two. 1. Differences in the phonetic systems of two languages 2. Lack of exposure to authentic English resources Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brandie K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The first of these problems they face is the fact that Japanese doesn't have some of the same sounds in its' alphabet as English does. For example, Japanese does not have a hard R sound; instead, it has a sound that is a mix of R and L. So, when students from Japan go to say rice, for many...  [Read more]

SOURCE: hungryhouse . co . uk Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There are several challenges Japan faces when it comes to learning English as a second language. Japanese culture is a bubble. Everything, including their ad signs, TV, games, government, studies, work and even the internet is filled with one language; Japanese. In a world of globalization, where your goods and services can come from literally any part of the globe. Japan is one of the few remaining homogenous cultures where English is still seen as an optional language. As the global economy becomes more global, the English language will likely become less optional, but essential. In addition to the cultural issues, Japan's English curriculum in the school is largely unchanged from the '60s according to my Japanese cousins and uncles still living in...  [Read more]

Looking to kickstart your teaching career in Japan? Look no further than ITTT's top-rated TEFL course! With a strong focus on practical training and real-world experience, our program equips you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the competitive Japanese job market. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a fresh graduate, our comprehensive course will provide you with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the classroom. Join us today and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career in Japan! 1. Why Choose ITTT's TEFL Course? 2. The Benefits of Teaching English in Japan 3. Our Comprehensive Curriculum 4. How to Get Started with ITTT ITTT is a leading provider of TEFL and TESOL training, with years of experience in preparing teachers for success around the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In the four skills, speaking is usually the poorest for the students learning English as L2. This results from lack of speaking practice, thus, students tend to be reluctantly speaking English in class as well as after class. It is important for teachers to encourage and motivate them to speak English, especially in class. Based on some knowledge gained through this course and my experience as a teacher, I have tried to build a language speaking environment, adopt many ways and encourage students to open their mouths to speak and they made a lot of progress in speaking English. The ideas below are mostly for pre-intermediate students and as for young learners, one can adopt different methods to make them speak. Environment is essential Encouragement is...  [Read more]

Asia Ridley TEFL Information Alumni Experiences English education in Japan has been prominent for decades and starts in elementary schools. It is in high demand as the relationship between the U.S. and Japan as well as the abundant amount of tourism. Last year straight after graduating from university in the United States, I moved to Japan and began teaching English. I was fortunate to pass the interviews and become part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme {JET}. Being an assistant language teacher {ALT} in the Japanese education system versus a conversation school has its differences. Therefore I will be diving into how one can contribute to the classroom as an ALT. Japanese Elementary School Collaborating with your Homeroom Teacher Outside of the classroom Conclusion Are you...  [Read more]

  Leslie is a Canadian English teacher at a junior high school in the Japanese countryside. In this TESOL review, Leslie tells us she is looking to open her own English language day care centre at her home and with this in mind she took the 120-hour certificate course with ITTT as well as the 50-hour young learners course to bring her qualifications up to date. Hopefully for Leslie this will be the first step on a rewarding career as the owner of a successful English language school in Japan. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can...  [Read more]

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is a prestigious initiative, established by the Japanese government more than 30 years ago, aimed at enhancing English language proficiency among Japanese students. Annually, the program recruits approximately 5,000 international participants, placing them in schools across Japan. Beyond its educational goals, JET uniquely prioritizes fostering cultural ties between participants and the Japanese community. Given the competitive salary and array of additional benefits, securing a spot in the JET Program is highly sought-after, making the application process quite competitive. What are the requirements for the JET Program? What teaching positions are available through the JET Program? What are the benefits of the JET Program? The Japan...  [Read more]

SOURCE: www . tofugu . com/japan/bowing-in-japan/ Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

1. Benefits of Teaching English in a Country Where You Do Not Speak the Language 2. Challenges of Teaching English in a Country Where You Do Not Speak the Language Teaching English in a country where you do not speak the language can be a rewarding and enriching experience. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, learn a new language, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that your students face when learning English as a foreign language. Additionally, it can help you develop your communication skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Challenges of Teaching English in a Country Where You Do Not Speak the Language While teaching English in a country where you do not speak the language can be a valuable experience, it also comes with its...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Expressing ourselves in a language that it is not our native language could be for most students frustrating and intimidating, especially when they are in a room full of people and there is a fear to be judged by peers and their teacher who is carefully listening to them; these feelings are the ones that stress out and hold down students, preventing them from participating in class, and as a consequence they do not practice and learn English efficiently. There could be many reasons for students to stress in the classroom, some students may simply be shy, some may be afraid to make mistakes and others may just lack English knowledge and vocabulary to express their ideas. Ways to relief stressful situations 1. Motivate 2. Build self-esteem 3. Create the...  [Read more]

Teaching English in a country where you do not speak the local language can present challenges, but it is definitely possible with the right strategies in place. While knowing the local language can be helpful, it is not a requirement for teaching English as a foreign language. Many TEFL teachers successfully navigate this obstacle by relying on other communication tools and methods to effectively teach English to their students. One key strategy for teaching English in a non-English speaking country is to immerse yourself in the language learning process alongside your students. By demonstrating a willingness to learn and make mistakes, you create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, utilizing visual aids, gestures, and real-life examples can help bridge the...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Complete the sentences with can or can't and the correct verb in the list. Then match them to the pictures.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Absolutely, teaching English in Thailand doesn't necessitate fluency in Thai. In fact, most language schools in Thailand prefer that ESL instructors use only English in the classroom to promote full immersion, regardless of their Thai language proficiency. Is there a need for English teachers in Thailand? What are the requirements for teaching English in Thailand? Thailand has seen a surge in demand for English teachers, driven by its expanding economy and an increasing eagerness among its population to master the language. As English education gains prominence, those with TEFL certifications generally find more lucrative opportunities. The shift towards long-term contracts has led schools to prioritize instructors willing to commit for extended periods, rather than brief stints. With...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations Teaching Ideas Japan is a country facing rapid change. Due to an aging population and a scarcity of workers, Japan is opening its borders to foreigners, many of whom speak English. This, along with the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, has led to an increase in demand for English teachers. I currently work in Japan, and have had the experience of teaching English to high school Japanese students for the past year. Over the course of this year, I've learned of many problems that students in Japan face when learning English. Of those, the top three problems for students in Japan are pronunciation, shyness, and large class sizes. Listen to this blog post: Differences in Phonology Students' Reluctance to Speak Class Size in Japanese Schools Are you ready to teach English...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is an easy classroom activity to encourage your ESL students to speak in English. All you have to do is cut out these fish with the questions to play.   To play, simply print out the sheet, cut out the fish and laminate them to make them more durable. If you want to be really creative, you can create a pond or a fishing area in your classroom where your students can “go fish.” Another great idea would be to have the fish in a box or container and let students draw them out one at a time.  To make fishing rods, all you need is string, magnets, and dowel rods. Be sure to also attach some magnets on each fish and your students can start fishing!   Register now & get certified to teach english...  [Read more]

Are you looking to improve your communication skills and speak with clarity and confidence? Accent reduction classes in Madison, WI, offered by ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) are designed to help you achieve just that. Whether you are a non-native English speaker looking to neutralize your accent or a native speaker aiming to refine your pronunciation, our expert instructors can assist you in achieving your goals. Our comprehensive accent reduction classes focus on various aspects of speech, including pronunciation, intonation, stress, and rhythm. Through personalized instruction and tailored exercises, you will learn techniques to modify your accent and speak English more effectively. By honing your pronunciation skills, you can enhance your overall communication abilities...  [Read more]

Home / Location / Ho Chi Minh City / Gallery Ho Chi Minh City / Gallery Real EFL students in Ho Chi Minh Our local EFL students can't wait to meet you and learn English with you. They are motivated and eager to learn a lot of new material. Join our in-class course in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, and create and present your own English classes to local students. Our training center is equipped with all the necessary tools and facilities you will need to complete your training.   [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences It was the last day of Japanese class and my teacher's last day of teaching at our school. We were all standing up getting ready to bow him one last time. It was dead quiet but I could still hear sniffles around me and felt the sadness of the moment. I never thought I would care so much about a teacher leaving. To this day, the words and wisdom my Japanese teacher taught me still ring in my head. Flash forward to a few years ago, I went to Japan for the first time, after a hiatus of not studying Japanese, but amazingly I still had all the skills my teacher had taught me in high school. How did this person have such an impact on me? The answer I have come to realize is that because he truly cared about me becoming skillful in a foreign language. The most...  [Read more]

  So, we'll focus first of all on a speaking skills lesson and perhaps a starting point for this would be to ask a question which is: Why do we speak to each other? The reason that it's important to ask ourselves this question is that whatever answers there are to this should be present in our lessons. So, why do we speak to each other? Well, there are a multitude of answers to that but when you boil them all down to their essence, they probably actually come down to one or two things. We communicate to each other by speaking because of either a need. We need something. We want something or a desire to achieve something. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This essay will be a comparison of my personal experience teaching English in Barbados, a country whose main language is English versus teaching English in a rural area in Japan, a country whose main language is Japanese (not English). Firstly, I will briefly discuss the definitions of teaching. Secondly, I will summarize English education for young learners in each country. Finally, I will compare and contrasts my personal experience in both countries and the valuable lessons I have learned. To protect the anonymity of the schools, the specific areas and any other identifying information will be excluded from this essay. What is Teaching? My International Experience Barbados Japan Grammar and Vocabulary Lessons Motivation Difficulties Comparing...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas ESL is English which is usually taught to students in an English speaking country. EFL is English which is taught to students in a foreign, non-English speaking country. As it is true of many European countries, where is common to learn to speak more than one foreign language. For these reasons ESL is typically the term used in the United States, an English-speaking nation, whereas EFL is more often the term of choice in countries where English is not the native language. What's ESL? What's EFL? Teaching ESL versus teaching EFL ESL Students Need... 1. Hands-on English lessons suitable for their immediate needs. 2. Explicit cultural instruction. 3. Bridges towards integration. EFL Students Need 1. Lots of practice using English, especially...  [Read more]

Japan, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and technological advancements, has been increasingly focusing on English language education in recent years. The implications of this shift go beyond just learning a new language; they have profound cultural effects on Japanese society. In this article, we will delve into the impact of English language education in Japan, examining how it influences various aspects of Japanese culture. English language education in Japan has a long history, dating back to the Meiji era when the country opened its doors to the world. Initially introduced to facilitate international communication and trade, English education has evolved significantly over the years. Today, English is a mandatory subject in Japanese schools, starting from elementary...  [Read more]