Japanese Teacher And Student

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 This piece will discuss the difficulties faced by Japanese learners of English regarding English pronunciation and suggest methods to help learners in different age groups overcome them. It posits that most difficulties stem from the differences in phonology between the English alphabet and the Japanese kana system. Differences in the Alphabetic Systems Ways to Overcome Difficulties Working with Adults How to Approach Young Students Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Niall M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. While the English alphabet is phonemic, with each letter representing a single...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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 testing of productive skills in English. Therefore, junior high school students are expected to have these...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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. Japanese Education System ALT Training My Unexpected Discovery Language Course Peculiarities Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many...  [Read more]

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 I have been teaching in Japan for over 12 years in three different locations ranging from the southernmost part of Hokkaido to the southern island of Kyushu, where I presently reside. The youngest students I have had were children not even two years of age, whereas my older students were in their seventies. This is a very common situation for those who teach here in Japan; a country where the English boom occurred not too long after they rebuilt their nation following the Second World War. Interest Popular Culture Influence Pronunciation Difficulties Language Systems Confidence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Andrew W. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A large number of obstacles can arise for the students when learning a foreign language. Some of these problems are related to the contrast between the mother language and the learned language. About the differences between L1 and L2, there is plenty of research in the field of contrastive linguistics. Moreover, regarding that topic, many papers can be found comparing English to Japanese with the aim to address the problems of Japanese learners of English. However, other predicaments with the apprehension of the L2 can develop when teachers underestimate the importance of the cultural dimension of the language taught. Concerning that particular impediment, less scientific literature exists. In this essay, the discussion will focus on several issues of...  [Read more]

Home / Location / Surabaya / Gallery Surabaya / Gallery Students and teacher Our trainees learn how to create fun and interactive lessons where the students are the focus of the class. During the training course in Surabaya, Indonesia, all trainees have the chance to teach local students to gain valuable practical teaching experience.   [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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 challenges which I have observed to be the cause of the lack of motivation amongst many...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Japan is a First-World, Asian country, well-known for its clean vehicular designs, its production of famed animations, its ability to wow the Western world with hygienic efforts even at leisurely events (World Cup 2018), and overall its impeccable attention to detail in most areas of life. Yet, even with these accolades behind the name, there remains a sore spot, which any foreigner who has experienced Japan in the flesh, can verify exists. That is, the surprising lack of ability of the general public to understand and/or produce comprehensible English, an established global language. Failures Teaching techniques Social challenges Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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 initially, a warm-up to you eventually, and once they do, they could move mountains for...  [Read more]

Enhancing vocabulary skills is essential for Japanese students who are learning English as a second language. By expanding their vocabulary, students can improve their communication skills, comprehension, and overall language proficiency. In this article, we will explore effective strategies and techniques to help Japanese learners build their English vocabulary. We will discuss the importance of vocabulary acquisition, provide practical tips for expanding vocabulary, and recommend resources to support vocabulary development. Additionally, we will highlight the role of teachers in facilitating vocabulary growth and offer suggestions for creating a conducive learning environment for students. 1. Importance of Vocabulary Acquisition 2. Practical Tips for Expanding Vocabulary 3. Resources...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Japan is a country continuously changing at a rapid pace largely due to globalization and marketing. With its growing popularity and necessity, difficulties are sure to arise for people learning English and specifically, in Japan. To fully understand all the problems learners face in Japan, it is important to realize why English is so widely being studied in the first place. Firstly, students must study English for 6 years throughout primary and high school. As well as being part of the Japanese schooling system, the advantages of being able to speak English are endless. The benefits of finding a job or being able to communicate whilst abroad are common motives. However in Japan specifically, more so than western countries, the education and pressure put...  [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 Japan is a country with a long history, deep tradition, and vibrant culture. Within this culture sits the Japanese language. At first, being a spoken language and then adopting the Chinese Writing System, Japanese has grown and changed into what it is today. If you look at all languages, most Western languages originate from a set family, such as Romance Languages (which became today's Spanish, French, Italian, etc). But Japanese (as most Asian languages) was formed from entirely different roots. These fundamental differences mean that the method of learning these languages has a lot to do with memorization and repetitive practice of the Chinese symbols and the words they represent. Which means it is difficult to find any common ground between it and...  [Read more]

Home / Location / Surabaya / Gallery Surabaya / Gallery Happy Students and Teachers in Surabaya Trainees at our Surabaya training center have the chance to practice their teaching skills with local ESL students in Indonesia. This is the best approach for our trainees to become confident and competent English teachers.   [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This essay seeks to explain how the Japanese 'Katakana' and 'Romaji' alphabets cause barriers to the introduction of English education in Japanese elementary schools. It will look at how these alphabets affect the pronunciation, writing, and reading abilities of Japanese students. The Japanese language arguably has four different alphabets. Chart 1: Examples of Katakana and Romaji English word(s)/ English pronunciation/ Katakana/ Katakana pronunciation/ Romaji Engage: Study: Activate: Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ethan M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The main two, 'Hiragana' (the...  [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]

Home / Location / Ho Chi Minh City / Gallery Ho Chi Minh City / Gallery Happy Students and Teachers in Ho Chi Minh All our TEFL and TESOL in-class training course are led by professional trainers with years of experience in the international EFL field. During your four-week intensive course, the teacher trainers will pass on all their knowledge to recruit the best TEFL/TESOL teachers in the industry. After completing your four-week course, they will also assist you in finding a suitable teaching position in Ho Chi Minh, other parts of Vietnam or any other location you'd like to teach in.   [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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. Language Structure Difficult sounds Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The word 'grammar' is often feared by students and teachers alike. It has an image of being difficult to comprehend and hard to teach. However, with planning and a positive approach to the lesson, it can be a fun and interesting way to improve English skills. Also, students can often feel a true sense of accomplishment by being able to use the vocabulary and sentences structures that they have learned. Similar patterns Choice of activities The language level Consistent revision Jokes work best Master your grammar teaching skill with a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Janet K. So where do we start? How to use verbs and the study of tenses is a perfect first step. By...  [Read more]

Assessing student progress and performance is a crucial aspect of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). It helps teachers understand how well students are learning and allows them to tailor their teaching methods to meet individual needs. In TEFL, assessment goes beyond traditional tests and exams; it involves a variety of methods to evaluate students' language skills comprehensively. In TEFL, assessment can take various forms, such as formative assessment, summative assessment, diagnostic assessment, and self-assessment. Formative assessment occurs during the learning process and provides ongoing feedback to improve student performance. Summative assessment takes place at the end of a course or unit to evaluate students' overall achievement. Diagnostic assessment helps identify...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivation - It can be a bugbear for students & teachers alike. When someone is motivated, a future of endless opportunity is not only visible but achievable and a tiresome task no longer seems as such, but more of an alluring challenge with fruitful rewards along the way! Environment influence Student's Genuine Interest Psychological Aspects Teaching to Make Mistakes Painless Communication Peer Learning Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Robert D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Although when motivation's lacking, taking on the challenge of learning a foreign language can be a daunting...  [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]

Student feedback is an essential tool for TEFL teachers as it provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of their teaching methods, materials, and overall classroom environment. Feedback from students can help teachers understand what is working well in their classes and what areas need improvement. It also allows teachers to gauge student satisfaction and engagement levels, which are crucial for creating a positive and productive learning experience. By listening to and acting upon student feedback, TEFL teachers can enhance their teaching practices and better meet the needs of their students. There are various methods that TEFL teachers can use to collect student feedback effectively. One common approach is to distribute anonymous surveys at the end of a course or module, asking...  [Read more]

Home / Location / Surabaya / Gallery Surabaya / Gallery Trainee and Student All our trainees at our Surabaya center in Indonesia have the opportunity to train with local ESL students in class and one-to-one sessions. This prepares you for a variety of different class types and you learn how to adjust teaching styles accordingly.   [Read more]

Parent involvement plays a crucial role in a student's academic success. Research shows that students perform better in school when their parents are actively engaged in their education. For TEFL teachers, involving parents, families, and communities in the learning process can lead to improved student motivation, increased academic achievement, and better overall classroom behavior. By fostering a strong partnership between teachers and parents, students receive consistent support both at home and in the classroom, creating a more conducive learning environment. TEFL teachers can employ various strategies to effectively engage with parents and families. Communication is key, and teachers can utilize multiple channels such as emails, newsletters, phone calls, and parent-teacher conferences...  [Read more]

Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences 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 teacher in Japan? The Japanese love America No Exposure to Non-American Accents Creating an Opportunity Things about...  [Read more]

Assessing student progress and proficiency in English is a crucial aspect of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). It allows teachers to track students' development, identify areas for improvement, and tailor their teaching methods accordingly. Assessments also provide students with feedback on their performance and help motivate them to continue learning. In TEFL, various methods and techniques are used to assess student progress and proficiency effectively. There are several methods that TEFL teachers can use to assess student progress. One common method is formative assessment, which involves providing ongoing feedback to students during the learning process. This can include quizzes, homework assignments, class participation, and projects. Summative assessment, on the other...  [Read more]

Assessing student progress and proficiency in English is crucial in TEFL for several reasons. Firstly, it helps teachers identify areas where students are excelling and where they may need additional support. This allows for targeted teaching strategies to be implemented to address specific needs. Secondly, assessment provides students with feedback on their performance, motivating them to improve and setting clear learning goals. Lastly, assessment is essential for teachers to track the effectiveness of their teaching methods and adjust their lesson plans accordingly. There are various methods that TEFL teachers can use to assess student progress and proficiency in English. One common method is formative assessment, which involves ongoing evaluation during the learning process. This can...  [Read more]