Teaching
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Understanding Japanese School Culture: A Guide for ALTs
Teaching as an ALT in Japan offers a fulfilling experience, but adapting to cultural norms is essential. Respect, daily greetings, student cleaning duties, and shared meals foster relationships with students. Understanding teaching styles and participating in school activities can enhance engagement and integration, ultimately leading to a more rewarding experience in Japanese schools. Continue reading
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Maximizing Your ALT Experience: Setting Professional Goals and Planning for Your Future Career
Working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan offers personal and professional rewards. Setting professional goals enhances motivation and future career prospects. Focus on skill development, networking, and documenting experiences. Skills gained as an ALT apply to various fields, including education, business, and government, supporting diverse career paths post-tenure. Continue reading
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Starting Out as an ALT in Japan
Becoming an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan offers a unique experience that varies by location. Preparation for the first day includes bringing specific items and understanding school culture. Key aspects include etiquette, teamwork, and adapting to either urban or rural settings. A positive attitude and flexibility are essential for success. Continue reading
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All About Verbs
Teaching verbs effectively requires a mix of explanation, demonstration, and interactive activities. By incorporating games, sentence-building exercises, and real-life examples, ALTs can help students grasp verb concepts naturally and with confidence. Continue reading
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What to Expect as an ALT in Japan: The Basics
Becoming an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan offers a rewarding yet challenging experience. ALTs support Japanese teachers in English lessons, with varied responsibilities like team teaching and cultural exchange. Challenges include unclear expectations and language barriers. Success requires adaptability, initiative, basic Japanese skills, and active involvement in school life. Continue reading
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Dewey’s “Pedagogic Creed” and the ALT
John Dewey’s “My Pedagogic Creed” (1897) remains a foundational text in educational philosophy, emphasizing experiential learning, student interests, and the role of education in social progress. While written over a century ago, Dewey’s insights offer valuable guidance for ALTs in Japan, where English education varies across different school levels and teaching styles. His belief in Continue reading
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Summary of “My Pedagogic Creed” by John Dewey
John Dewey’s “My Pedagogic Creed” articulates a student-centered approach to education that emphasizes experiential learning and the integration of psychological and sociological aspects. Dewey argues that education is crucial for social progress, advocating for schools to connect with real-life experiences and foster individual development while promoting community responsibility. His ideas remain influential today. Continue reading
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Implementing Backwards Design and Project-Based Learning as an ALT
As an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan, balancing creativity with the curriculum requirements can be challenging. However, employing strategic frameworks such as backwards design and project-based learning (PBL) can enhance student engagement, promote deeper understanding, and help students meet learning objectives. In this blog post, I’ll explain these educational concepts and provide practical tips Continue reading
Sid in Japan 