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Japanese Native Speakers and Their Challenges in ESL Learning - TEFL Blog
Thu, 04 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Japanese Native Speakers and Their Challenges in ESL Learning
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Doneika D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Table of Contents
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I am currently an English teacher living in Japan. I teach both Elementary and Junior High School English Language.
Japan's government allows the students to start learning English sometimes as early as Kindergarten. Most Elementary schools have a designated ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) that possesses a native level of English. Even though English is a compulsory subject in Japanese Junior High and High... [Read more]
There Is No L (And Other Differences Between Japanese and English) - TEFL Blog
Fri, 18 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
There Is No L (And Other Differences Between Japanese and English)
Throughout high school and college, I mainly focused on learning how to speak Japanese as my second language. Unlike English, Japanese is a fairly phonetic language. Two of its three writing systems, hiragana and katakana, are phonetic. This makes it easy for foreigners to learn because each syllable, also known as sound clusters in some circles, is almost always said exactly how it is spelled. The third writing system, kanji, is not and, as such, is much more difficult for foreigners to learn because kanji are essentially pictures that describe their meaning. They are much more difficult to learn and use in everyday speech.
Table of Contents
Differences in... [Read more]
Teaching English to Beginners in Japan - TEFL Blog
Wed, 25 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teaching English to Beginners in Japan
Japanese is certainly one of the most interesting languages in the world thanks to its three types of writing (hiragana, katakana and kanji).
Table of Contents
International Links
Main Challenges: Phonetic System
Main Challenges: Exposure to English
Main Challenges: Grammar
Main Challenges: Beginners
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Desiree I. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
International Links
After the outbreak of intercontinental travel (therefore with the appearance of commercialization and missionaries around the world) many... [Read more]
Establishing Rapport in Rural Japan - TEFL Blog
Mon, 14 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Establishing Rapport in Rural Japan
I first decided to take this TEFL course because I am currently teaching English in rural Japan. I plan and execute English lessons for Junior High School students, as well as serve as a cultural representative of my country and foster cultural exchange. Here's the catch though - I don't speak Japanese.
Table of Contents
Setting up good relationships
Beginning of the study
Inspiring students
Rewarding system
Role model
English only
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Gwendolen J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Setting up good... [Read more]
Why Is English Challenging to Learn for Japanese Students? - TEFL Blog
Wed, 17 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Why Is English Challenging to Learn for Japanese Students?
Japanese are known for being disciplined, dedicated, and hardworking individuals not only in their work but also in other aspects of their life like hobbies and studies. But why is it difficult for them to learn English despite their strong dedication, patience, efforts, and determination?
Table of Contents
My Teaching Experience
But still, the Japanese cannot speak English, why is that?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Princess D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
My Teaching Experience
I've been teaching English... [Read more]
How Discipline Affects Motivation In and Out of Japanese Classrooms - TEFL Blog
Wed, 13 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
How Discipline Affects Motivation In and Out of Japanese Classrooms
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... [Read more]
An Overview of Common Challenges of ESL Students from Japan - TEFL Blog
Mon, 04 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
An Overview of Common Challenges of ESL Students from Japan
Japan is a nation that has tried to increase its citizens' English ability, especially with the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games being held in their country. However, progress has been slow and not fruitful. There are various reasons for this slow stagnation of the nation's English abilities such as the larger academic system and access to proper education in rural areas. However, I will focus on three main hurdles that Japanese learners of English must face that can impede their English education.
Table of Contents
Japanese vs. English
Phonetics
Alphabet
Japanese English Class
Style Problems
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This... [Read more]
The Most Common Problems Students in Japan Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Sat, 03 Nov 2018 Linda Dunsmore
Destinations Teaching Ideas
The Most Common Problems Students in Japan Face When Learning English
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.
Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:... [Read more]
Several Pronunciations Troubles Faced by The Japanese Native Speakers - TEFL Blog
Fri, 09 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Several Pronunciations Troubles Faced by The Japanese Native Speakers
The differences between many Asiatic languages' pronunciation and that of English form the basis for a multitude of miscommunications between international interlocutors. My experience living in Japan provides plentiful evidence to support this assertion. When my Japanese associates and I communicate in English, I notice three significant pronunciation struggles for my conversation partners. For the Japanese who are learning English, the clear enunciation of the /th/ sound, the fricative quality of the /v/ consonant, and the distinction of /l/ versus /r/ formation of the tongue.
Table of Contents
Language Structure
Difficult sounds
Do you want to teach English... [Read more]
Anticipated Problems: Japanese Speakers and Their Issues in ESL - TEFL Blog
Mon, 22 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Anticipated Problems: Japanese Speakers and Their Issues in ESL
I have been living in Japan for the past one and a half years. Needless to say, the experience has been enthralling. This country would have never been my first choice for a country to relocate to, from my home country, India. But if my stay has taught me anything, it is that never judge a book by its cover. When we think of Japan, the first thing that pops up is that it is a country of workaholics; it has zero English presence, and the people are highly prejudiced against foreigners and foreign culture. I was proven wrong. Japan is a beautiful country. It is culturally so rich, it makes me want to live here forever. The people, though tend to be a little distant... [Read more]
The 2 Pronunciation Problems ESL Students Suffer From in Japan - TEFL Blog
Fri, 19 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The 2 Pronunciation Problems ESL Students Suffer From in Japan
There are several pronunciation problems that students of English will face in Japan; however, I will focus on two.
Table of Contents
1. Differences in the phonetic systems of two languages
2. Lack of exposure to authentic English resources
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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.
1. Differences in the phonetic systems of two languages
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... [Read more]
How Can English Influence a Student's Career - TEFL Blog
Fri, 28 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
How Can English Influence a Student's Career
English is my first language, however, I studied Spanish throughout high school growing up in the Midwest and eventually received a Master's degree in Spanish Literature. I learned to speak Spanish very well after becoming a high school Spanish teacher for eight years and then a principal for elementary and secondary schools for 26 more years speaking Spanish to new immigrant students and parents the whole time.
Table of Contents
Bilingualism
Confidence
Advantages and Perspectives
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rex P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the... [Read more]
How Can Teachers Develop the Productive Skills of Japanese Junior High School Students - TEFL Blog
Thu, 25 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
How Can Teachers Develop the Productive Skills of Japanese Junior High School Students
Change is coming to the way that English is taught in Japanese public schools. The changes to the curriculum by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) increase the teaching of English at all levels of schooling. The goal of this change is, in the words of Ikuko Tsuboya-Newel, founder and chair of Tokyo International School, "The government has decided that beginning in 2020 all high school graduates must achieve a level of English equivalent to B1" ("Why do Japanese have trouble learning English?", The Japan Times, October 29, 2017). To achieve that goal, high school entrance exams are expected to include more... [Read more]
The Most Challenging Aspects in English for Japanese Students - TEFL Blog
Mon, 29 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The Most Challenging Aspects in English for Japanese Students
Description: When teaching English in Japan, there are a few common problems all learners, young and old, face. Two main issues students face are with grammar, as well as pronouncing and hearing certain sounds. As this course was designed for teaching young learners, in this paper, I will address the issues above and possible solutions as they apply to this age group.
Table of Contents
Grammar Tricks
Pronunciation Tricks
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rebecca E. Please note that... [Read more]
Tips for Getting Involved in the EFL Community Abroad - TEFL Blog
Mon, 08 Jun 2020 Amanda Stern
Destinations Alumni Experiences
Tips for Getting Involved in the EFL Community Abroad
Are you planning on teaching abroad, but worrying about how you can get involved in the community and leave a memorable impression on the locals? Language barriers may make this seem like a harrowing task, but fear not, the following is a list of a few jumping-off points for those planning to take the plunge into their new community.
Table of Contents
International Events
Sports Teams
Culture Classes
Holiday Festivals
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International Events
Celebrating multiculturalism in a community is a worldwide phenomenon, even for unassuming towns. In our rural port-town in Japan, we have multiple... [Read more]
4 Reasons Why Japanese Students Are Often Lacking Motivation - TEFL Blog
Thu, 20 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
4 Reasons Why Japanese Students Are Often Lacking Motivation
Japanese learners of English face challenges which are based on background and cultural aspects, racial barriers, perception of the English language, as well the lack of freedom of expression. This becomes the basis on which their motivation, or lack thereof, to study English is built. Coming from a motivational background, I was self-assured that my plans to get my low-level High School students motivated about learning English would be less challenging to implement. Reality proved otherwise as this process has required the breaking of certain barriers in order for me to be successful in my endeavors. Following is a further explanation on each of the different... [Read more]
An Australian Amongst American Textbooks in Japan: ✅ Teaching in a Country that Values American English - TEFL Blog
Tue, 15 Dec 2020 Maddy Payne
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
An Australian Amongst American Textbooks in Japan: ✅ Teaching in a Country that Values American English
Assistant Language Teachers in Japan come from different countries worldwide, bringing different kinds of English with them. In my experience, American English is often the most sought-after version of English. Some countries highly value Language Teachers from the USA, which often matches their American-style textbooks and resources. Sometimes people are even overlooked for job opportunities due to their Australian accent and British English background. Well, Japan is no different in this regard. Many Japanese schools hold American English in high regard, so what is it like being an Australian-English... [Read more]
Why Are Teachers Considered to Have Many Roles in the Classroom? - TEFL Blog
Mon, 15 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Why Are Teachers Considered to Have Many Roles in the Classroom?
I chose to write about this subject because I feel that the role of the teacher is a really important part of the classroom and also in the student's life.
Table of Contents
The most common role of a teacher in class is to teach some knowledge to their students.
Teacher as a Parent
The Japanese culture views the school as a basic training ground.
The teacher needs to be able to read their students.
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tabitha B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The most common role of a... [Read more]
Challenges of EFL Teaching in Barbados and Japan - TEFL Blog
Tue, 24 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Challenges of EFL Teaching in Barbados and Japan
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.
Table of Contents
What is Teaching?
My International... [Read more]
Alumni TEFL Chat with Maddy & Georgia - Two Aussie Sisters Teaching English in Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Alumni TEFL Chat with Maddy & Georgia - Two Aussie Sisters Teaching English in Japan
07/08/2021
all right hi hey everyone hi as you can see it's not only me this
week welcome to our live stream we have guests today i'm super happy about it hi maddie hi
georgia hello hey so yeah back here another for another week and
i'm live on a different day i usually go live on fridays so today is very special
and also because we have guests so i'm super happy about that
and yeah if you are watching if you can see us if you can hear us please just leave a high in the comments that would
be really cool and where you're watching from i'm always really curious about where people are watching from
and um yeah i'm in south korea my name is linda from itt if you don't know me and i'm yeah
about an hour... [Read more]
The Problems That Japanese Elementary Schoolers Face Studying English - TEFL Blog
Tue, 25 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The Problems That Japanese Elementary Schoolers Face Studying English
In the wake of the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Japan, there has been an increase in elementary school level English classes. As an assistant language teacher half into my fourth year, I have had the rare chance to work the entirety of my time in one elementary school where I have had many great memories. However, being present every day I began to notice that some students were struggling or in some cases, not even trying when it came to English class. Talking with my peers and colleagues from other elementary schools as well as my own, there are some common problems that many students seem to experience in an English class. These problems include learning in a... [Read more]
The Cultural and Institutional Obstacles that Japanese Students of English Need to Overcome - TEFL Blog
Fri, 03 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The Cultural and Institutional Obstacles that Japanese Students of English Need to Overcome
Many challenges come with teaching English in Japan that is unique and not innately obvious to some people. In addition to the more universal challenges of learning a new language, there are inherent cultural obstacles that English learners must overcome in Japan as well as several problems with the current course of study that is being taught. However, English teachers should do their best to work within the limits of the system to foster an interest and passion for language that lives on outside the classroom and beyond the school years of learners.
Table of Contents
Vastly different language system
The history of Japanese isolation... [Read more]
My Experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japanese Elementary and Junior High Schools - TEFL Blog
Thu, 13 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
My Experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japanese Elementary and Junior High Schools
I am in my 3rd year of working in the countryside of Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in public elementary and junior high schools. An ALT's official job description is to be the assistant to a Japanese Teacher of Language (JTL). In my experience, especially in elementary schools, the ALT is not seen as an assistant but as "the English teacher" since the regular homeroom teacher has no training or experience with ESL. In most cases, the ALT has a degree in a field unrelated to teaching and has no qualifications.
Table of Contents
Japanese Education System
ALT Training
My Unexpected Discovery
Language Course Peculiarities
Do... [Read more]
Problems for the English Language Learner in Japan - TEFL Blog
Tue, 18 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Problems for the English Language Learner in Japan
Japan is well known for its unique culture, and history. As an island nation, it was isolated from the rest of the world until the mid-19th century when the country had to open itself to trade with western powers of the time. It was then when the English language made its way into the Japanese educational system. English spread quite rapidly, as the government saw the new language a way to catch up with the west. And, in 1873 English became the language of instruction in universities. However, due to various political reasons including the establishment of a standardized Japanese language system the urge to learn English had declined. Today in modern Japan, English is widely... [Read more]
Challenges of Teaching Japanese Students - TEFL Blog
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Challenges of Teaching Japanese Students
I think teaching is very rewarding, but teaching children are even more rewarding.
Table of Contents
Cultural Sensitivity
Teaching Children and Adults
Lesson Planning
Teaching Pronunciation
Challenges of Teaching Youngsters
Teaching Teenagers and Adults
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I don't think there's anything more beautiful in being able to be part of a child's growth by following the development of his mind and his abilities. The fact that our students are young do n' t mean at all that the teacher should underestimate or overlook something, rather it is one more reason to give the best of yourself.
This post was written by our TEFL... [Read more]
Common Issues Japanese Learners Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Wed, 22 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Common Issues Japanese Learners Face When Learning English
Through my experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan, there have been numerous difficulties and challenges my students face in learning the English language. My students are primarily between the ages of 5 and 15. These challenges involve the pronunciation difficulties the students face coming from Japanese pronunciation, as well as the methodology of teaching English in Japan They may not apply to all of Japan but are definitely prominent issues within my area.
Table of Contents
Pronunciation
The Problem of Making Mistakes
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate James W.... [Read more]
Personal Teaching Experience: Navigating a Changing Curriculum as a Co-teacher in Japanese Elementary Schools - TEFL Blog
Tue, 03 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Personal Teaching Experience: Navigating a Changing Curriculum as a Co-teacher in Japanese Elementary Schools
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.... [Read more]
How Important are Phonology and Pronunciation in the English Language Classroom? - TEFL Blog
Mon, 01 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences
How Important are Phonology and Pronunciation in the English Language Classroom?
As a speaker of 5 languages (French being my native one), I've been exposed to different ways of teaching how one particular language sounds and why it sounds that way, what kind of meaning is conveyed using what sounds in what order, and so on. Quite often, I've noticed that in the school system, not enough emphasis is put on studying the sounds that pertain to the language itself.
Table of Contents
Learning English in a French Environment
The Importance of Intonation
Other Common Pronunciation Mistakes in English
One Innovative Way I Tried to Help My Students
In Conclusion
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Listen to this blog post... [Read more]
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program: All You Need to Know and How to Apply - TEFL Blog
Mon, 15 Oct 2018 Laura Payne
Destinations TEFL Information
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program: All You Need to Know and How to Apply
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is not the only means to teach English in Japan, but it is one of the most popular programs out there both for aspiring teachers and those who wish to pursue other fields. I first joined this program a little over a year ago. In the short time since then, I've gained incredibly valuable experiences through my work as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT).
Table of Contents
The History of JET
Duties of an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
How to Apply for the JET Program
Remuneration and Living
Rewards of JET
Common Challenges for ALTs
The JET Community
Listen to this blog post
What are you waiting... [Read more]
From Taxi Driver to International Teacher - a Graduate’s Story - TEFL Blog
Wed, 10 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences
From Taxi Driver to International Teacher - a Graduate’s Story
Many people may think that the worst part of being an Uber driver are the belligerent midnight trips from downtown to the suburbs or the aggressive pre-coffee commuters or the fact that a five-minute drive can take thirty minutes because of gridlock. However, as an Uber driver of one year, I believe that the worst part about the job are trips to the airport. When I interacted with passengers going to the airport, I would think of all the new things they would get to try and the different cultures they would learn about. The problem with these trips was they were a constant reminder that the world is just waiting for us to explore it, but I was stuck leading a... [Read more]