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My Experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japanese Elementary and Junior High Schools - TEFL Blog
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
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How Japanese as a Native Language Causes Problems for Students Learning English in Japan - TEFL Blog
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:
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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]
Personal Teaching Experience: Navigating a Changing Curriculum as a Co-teacher in Japanese Elementary Schools - TEFL Blog
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]
Motivation in the Classroom: Japanese Experience - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Having been an English teacher of high school students in Japan for the past 2 years, I have noticed that motivation in the classroom is as much dependent on the students as it is on me as the teacher. There are three aspects that I have identified and used in my environment to get the student motivated and engaged. The Japanese culture is largely conservative and group orientated and those are crucial to take into account if one is to succeed in their teaching career in Japan. The following plays a big role in setting a tone whereby students are motivated and engaged. Those aspects are culture, societal pressure, and peer pressure.
Culture
Societal perception
Peer pressure
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How Can Teachers Develop the Productive Skills of Japanese Junior High School Students - TEFL Blog
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]
Why Japanese Students Struggle with Communicating in English - TEFL Blog
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
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Typical Challenges for Japanese Native Speakers in ESL - TEFL Blog
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
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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]
Common Challenges in English for Japanese Native Speakers - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
If you ever find yourself driving in French Canada, you will be stopped by stop signs that say 'arrêt', which is stopped in French. Almost all drivers in North America would know that this means stop because it's the same octagon red stop sign. In Japan it's very different, stop signs are triangular with Japanese script on them but, beneath the Japanese, you can find English subtitles which read 'stop'. In fact, if you travel anywhere in Japan, the majority of signs and announcements related to travel are offered in Japanese and English. English has been taught in Japanese schools since the American occupation after World War Two. However, according to an EF English Proficiency Index in 2017, Japanese English proficiency is 35th out of 72... [Read more]
The Usual Problems of Japanese Students in English - TEFL Blog
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]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English In The Japanese Alps 1
Date posted:2022-12-04 | Writer: Active English School | Email: [email protected]
Active English School in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan is looking for an energetic, versatile and professional native English teacher to begin working in the beginning of February or April, 2023. Position available:- Conversation Teachers at the private English schoolOur school is small, friendly and family-owned.Students range from 2 to 70 years of age. Working with us is a great opportunity to get to know students on a personal level and participate in cultural exchange.Nagano prefecture is centrally located with great access to hiking, skiing or snowboarding, and hot springs. Shiojiri is a small, quiet city about 20 minutes from Matsumoto and 2.5 hours from Tokyo... [Read more]
Anticipated Problems: Japanese Speakers and Their Issues in ESL - TEFL Blog
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]
How Discipline Affects Motivation In and Out of Japanese Classrooms - TEFL Blog
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]
What is Challenging in English Pronunciation for Japanese Native Speakers? - TEFL Blog
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
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An Australian Amongst American Textbooks in Japan: ✅ Teaching in a Country that Values American English - TEFL Blog
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]
How do Japanese Students Respond to Some Common Challenges in English? - TEFL Blog
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]
Possible Reasons why Japanese Students have Difficulties Acquiring English - TEFL Blog
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
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TEFL Russia - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Language Teacher Wanted In Russia
Date posted:2021-07-06 | Writer: AAA English | Email: [email protected]
Job SummaryA great opportunity to work from 1st September 2021 with a long-established English Language Centre working within a prestigious Russian private school. Teaching to junior school children in small class sizes(av.6) from 5 academic hours (40 mins) per day. Expected OTE from 150k roubles net per month. After lunch the teaching moves to working with individuals face-to-face. The school is well appointed with Smartboards in every classroom. Lunch and school transport is provided free of chargeDetails of PositionStart Sept 1st 2021Native level English teacherSmall groups 4 to 8 children as well as individualsAges 7 to 13 years oldTeaching for a minimum 5 hours per day, starting at 9am and finishing at... [Read more]
TEFL Vietnam - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Language Teacher Wanted In Vietnam
Date posted:2022-06-04 | Writer: Duc Trong English Centre | Email: [email protected]
DEC is a small but successful independent English Language centre in a town in the central Highland of Vietnam approximately 1 hour’s flight north of Ho Chi Minh City.We are seeking an English language teacher to work at our centre starting in August 2022, preferably until June 2024, although we can be flexible about contract length. Because the area is relatively poor, students pay only $10 per month for their tuition, and the poorest pay nothing at all so we are not a wealthy language school. The teaching position will involve teaching 12 x 90 minute lessons per week over 6 days Monday – Saturday, the teaching sessions are all in the afternoon and evening. The age range of the students is 7... [Read more]
TEFL Poland - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Language Teacher Needed In Poland
Date posted:2021-07-10 | Writer: Quest Language School | Email: [email protected]
Quest Language School based in Pulawy, Poland is seeking to employ an English Language Teacher for the school year 2021/2022. We are looking for a dynamic and dedicated teacher to join our friendly, supportive and professional team. The main duties will be to plan and deliver high-quality lessons to different age and level groups, ranging form children to adults.Details of PositionKey Responsibilities:- Standard EFL teaching duties such as lesson preparation; homework management & correction; assessment design, delivery & correction; student guidance & feedback.- Administration duties related to needs analysis, attendance, progress reports, materials etc.- Attendance at all relevant meetings... [Read more]
Best practices for teaching English in a Japanese classroom - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
What You Need to Know About Japanese Students' Challenges Before Teaching in Japan - TEFL Blog
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]
Best Japanese cities for English teaching jobs - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Are you considering teaching English in Japan? With its unique culture, advanced technology, and high demand for English teachers, Japan is a popular destination for those looking to teach English as a foreign language. In this article, we will explore the best Japanese cities for English teaching jobs, providing valuable insights into the top locations for ESL teachers in Japan.
As the bustling capital city of Japan, Tokyo offers a wide range of opportunities for English teachers. With a vibrant expat community, numerous language schools, and international companies, Tokyo is a hub for English language education. From prestigious universities to private language institutes, there are plenty of options for ESL teachers in Tokyo. Additionally, the city's efficient public transportation... [Read more]
What are the opportunities for TEFL teachers to work in teacher education programs or language schools? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Working in teacher education programs can be a rewarding experience for TEFL teachers. These programs are designed to train future educators in language teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and curriculum development. TEFL teachers can contribute their expertise by leading workshops, developing course materials, and mentoring new teachers. This role allows TEFL teachers to have a direct impact on the quality of language education in their communities and to help shape the next generation of language educators.
Language schools are another popular option for TEFL teachers looking to work abroad. These schools cater to students of all ages and levels, from young learners to professionals. TEFL teachers in language schools may teach general English classes, exam... [Read more]
Contributing to the Classroom as an ALT in Japan - TEFL Blog
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]
TEFL Romania - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Additional Language Teacher
Date posted:2024-04-17 | Writer: The Royal School in Transylvania | Email: [email protected]
The Royal School in Transylvania seeks an outstanding English as an Additional Language Teacher to start in August 2024.
We are growing and are looking to hire a new English as an Additional Language Teacher to add further depth to our expanding team.
Nestled deep in the heart of Transylvania in northern Romania, the Royal School is a small, community orientated school situated in the city of Cluj-Napoca. Offering a high-quality British education since its founding in 2015, we are proud to support a multinational student population of just over 290 students. Since it opened its doors the school has always aimed to offer and implement a comprehensive learning experience, by reaching and... [Read more]
TEFL Romania - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Teacher Wanted For Language School In Romania
Date posted:2021-07-16 | Writer: The Mayflower Centre | Email: [email protected]
TEFL teacher needed in Bucharest, Romania for September start.Job description- The position requires a minimum of 18 contact hours a week- Students: 9-18 year olds- Class size: 5-8 students- Preparation for Cambridge English qualifications embedded in the curriculumTeaching is based on textbooks and additional materials created by the centre; however, each teacher is more than welcome to use their creativity to enhance the quality of their lessons.Salary and benefitsCompetitive salaryWorking Monday-FridayEmployment contractHelp to find accommodationRelaxed, technology-friendly environment RequirementsEducated at university level (preferably in: linguistics, education or a related field) or A-level in... [Read more]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Assistant Language Teacher Needed In Japan ann. 2
Date posted:2021-07-26 | Writer: Heart Corporation | Email: [email protected]
Ready for your next big adventure?!Why not help teach English in Japan, as an Assistant Language Teacher!We are seeking enthusiastic teachers and graduates for the 2022 Japanese schools year. We are always looking for candidates who have a passion for teaching and are willing to assist Japanese students in fulfilling the dreams of speaking with you without the fear of making a mistake. They may not know it at first, but your voice will help propel them into the world of English at a young age.Assistant Language Teacher(ALT)The role of an ALT has two main duties: Providing fun and effective English lessons and Internationalizing Japanese youth. Japanese youth have very few opportunities to interact with... [Read more]
TEFL Other Europe - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Language School In Bulgaria Needs Efl Teacher
Date posted:2018-05-08 | Writer: Express English Language Training | Email: [email protected]
Express English Language Training, a well established school in Sofia with a pleasant atmosphere, offers regular, semi-intensive and intensive language courses for general, academic and professional purposes in English, Spanish and German. We are now looking to recruit an enthusiastic, creative and hardworking CELTA/TESOL qualified English teacher to teach small groups of students.
REQUIREMENTS FOR EFL TEACHERS:
Essential:
- CELTA/TESOL qualified or equivalent
- Degree qualified or equivalent
- Excellent communication skills
- Good team player
- Proficiency in time management
- Ability to multitask and work to deadlines
Desirable:
- Previous experience working with children
- Residential... [Read more]
TEFL Italy - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Second Language Teacher
Date posted:2024-04-17 | Writer: Lexico English | Email: [email protected]
Lexico English is a language services activity which is part of the Associazione Culturale LEAP that offers a variety of services related to English language learning and more. Our services are designed to help clients navigate any challenges or obstacles related to English, and to help them achieve their goals with ease. We are located in Padova, and offer a range of services that cater to the needs of individuals and organisations alike.
Role Description
This is a part-time, on-site role for an English Second Language Teacher who will primarily be teaching privately, in homes and also at our group courses in the centre of Padova. The age range would be primarily 5-18 (elementary and middle school and high... [Read more]
TEFL Greece - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Language School English Teacher
Date posted:2024-03-29 | Writer: CHRANIOTI LANGUAGE SCHOOLS | Email: [email protected]
Are you passionate about teaching English as a second language? We are hiring a dedicated English teacher to join our team in Néa Smýrni, Attiki, Greece.
Qualifications
Proficiency in English language teaching (TEFL/TESOL)
Experience teaching English as a second language
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to create engaging and effective lesson plans
Familiarity with technology is a definite plus
Benefits
Excellent working environment
Opportunities for growth and advancement
If you are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of our learners and thrive in a supportive work environment, we want to hear from you!
Apply now to join our team and be part of our... [Read more]
