picture album page 3 of 2003
April
"Eliminate 'English is difficult' mentality! Encourage risk taking and mistake making!"
Guest speaker: Debbra McClintock
Date: Saturday, April 26 (2003)
Title: Japanese English education observed by an ALT
10 people attended the meeting
more pictures
go to picture page 4 of 2003
go to pictures of the meetings in 2005
go to pictures of the meetings in 2004
go to pictures of the meetings in 2003
go to pictures of the meetings in 2002
go to pictures of the meetings in 2001
go to pictures of the past meetings (1998 - 2000)
Akita JALT
| Debbra McClintock worked as moderator and all the participants enjoyed
discussing Japanese English education. She also gave her comments and views
along with the discussion. The following is the summary she was making
during the meeting. Benefits of English Education System in Japan: 1) It's mandatory and it exists 2) Solid grammar textbooks 3) High reading ability (good for interest research) 4) Incorporates English culture 5) Oral communication textbooks are improving 6) Focus going to English education at ES (Elementary School) 7) JETs are more confident with the help of ALTs Aspects to Improve: 1) Education not connected from ES through University 2) System is based on entrance exam requirements 3) Classes are crowded with fewer teachers 4) Appreciation of differences in cultures is lacking 5) Losing basic grammar focus 6) Should not begin "English as Subject" in ES 7) International phonetic alphabet (transcription) 8) No phonics Suggestions: 1) Abolish katakana and use phonics more 2) Focus less on tests, more on practical needs 3) Get rid of entrance examinations 4) Get rid of translation exercises 5) Focus on understanding of content 6) Eliminate "English is difficult" mentality 7) Encourage risk taking and mistake making 8) Until NEED (exams, economy) changes language learning won't change 9) Introduce other language as option 10) Immersion programs 11) Send JETs overseas periodically (every 5 or 10 years) 12) Make your classroom English SPACE 13) Smaller, more interactive classes 14) More hours a week 15) One teacher for the same students |
Email invitation (Friday, April 18) sent to Akita JALT list:
| Hi, Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Honjo and perhaps in some other areas in Akita prefecture. We will welcome Debbra McClintock as a guest speaker for our April meeting. Based on a lot of experience she had gone through by working as an ALT in Akita for three years, the speaker will talk about English education in Japan, trying to shed light on it from her perspective. I am sure that it will give us useful tips and suggestions. After her presentation the participants will enjoy having discussion about the topic. Please remember the meeting will take place at Joinus near Senshu Park in the center of Akita City, which will be the venue for most meetings this year. We suspect that the parking space might be limited. Thanks for your cooperation. See you at Joinus on April 26. Takeshi Suzuki |
| "GENKI" English education homepage by Takeshi Suzuki Read My Diary 4(from January 1, 2003)  go back to "genki" homepage index |