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Mark Adams
Uraga Junior High School
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A few thoughts on the ALT program in Yokosuka,
and a request |
Hi everyone, I hope your year has been a fulfilling one. I am thrilled to have been selected as the next full time Foreign English Teacher in Yokosuka city. I will be doing my best to achieve the high standards that both Nancy Nakawaki-Marron and Daniel Francis have set in their full time roles this year.
As invariably we do, many times I have wondered why things are done the way they are with English teaching here. I am sure our Japanese English teachers also have their share of questions that they may or may not ask. The requirement that they must work with a foreign teacher is one unique to the English teachers in our staffrooms, and that too brings particular challenges.
It would clearly be of great benefit if some of these questions could be presented in a way that would assist the mutual understanding of both ALT’s and JET’s.
I am proposing that one page of the ALT Gazette be a possible forum for the presentation and clarification of those points of interest or curiosity. I expect JET’s would be interested in knowing the topics we would like more information on. This publication is presented on the web and mailed to all JET’s. Accordingly, I would like to welcome contributions from our Japanese English teachers.
Here comes my request…
If you have any contributions, topics or questions you would like presented in such a forum please email me at the address above.
This idea is really only at an embryonic stage and if you think another approach has merit, I would be grateful for your suggestions. I am prepared to coordinate the contributions and if possible research the answers or provide directions to where your question may be answered.
Some random topics might include:
* Assessment weightings for the various parts of the English Program
* Best internet sites for ESL
*Teacher’s staffroom protocol and Japanese (language)
* Cultural themes -
e.g. The origins of Thanksgiving; Why Japanese people clean their houses at New Years; What happens in Home Room lessons etc.
* Publication of a calendar of the year’s assessment program
* Newcomer’s booklet
I look forward to hearing any thoughts or requests you have about this idea.
My best regards to all of you for the holiday season see you next year.
PS The correct greeting for the first time (even first day at school) you meet any Japanese people after Jan 1st is a rather lengthy two part expression:
“akemashite omedetto gozaimasu” (congratulations for the new year)
+ “kotoshi mo yoroshiku onega-itashimasu” (looking forward to a good
relationship with you again this year) Try for both ? it will impress!.
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ALT・TOPへ |