Being an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan
Things to Prepare for When Teaching ESL in Japanese Public Schools
Oct 19, 2009
Japan is a beautiful country with a unique culture and can provide an interesting experience to the newbie or even bona-fide traveler who is looking to live and work overseas. However, for those coming to the "Land of Green Tea" to teach ESL, it's a good idea to research information to help be more prepared and informed about the possibilities available.
The number of English teaching jobs abroad continually increases as more and more countries are finding it necessary and helpful to learn the English language. In Japan especially, ESL teaching contracts can be found for part-time or full-time work, night positions, day positions and the number of people wanting private lessons is overwhelming. Daycares, private language schools, universities all look for native English speakers to join their staff of teachers.
The public school system here in Japan also hires native English speakers to be placed normally in either a junior high school or high school, with the occasional visit to elementary schools for fun English lessons. These foreigners are usually here with the JET Program or come through an employment agency and take on the work of being an Assistant Language Teacher, commonly known as ALT.
Teaching in the public school system is incidentally where the most jobs are available and thus ALT positions are the most common and readily available. Being an ALT is sometimes not what one expects and can increase initial culture shock when coming to Japan. Even for those veterans who have lived and taught ESL in other capacities, it can be a new culture shock all over again when working in public schools.
Certain behaviours, "rules" and the students themselves can be quite different when compared to those that one may teach when in a language school or even when giving private group lessons. Knowing certain aspects of Japanese culture and some teaching tips ahead of time can help the integration process for the foreign teacher as an ALT in a public school, as well as the students.
Teaching ESL in the Japanese Classroom
First, be prepared for the possibility of having to teach incorrect English. The majority of Japanese English teachers do their best to teach English correctly, although a large number of them cannot speak it correctly.As painful as it may be to watch or listen to, when trying to help them, don’t be surprised at the few teachers who don’t appreciate constructive criticism or even take correction well.
Also, be prepared to be put on display. The one thing that is unanimous among all Japanese is that they love a good laugh. This can be seen in the number of various comedy shows on TV here. Unfortunately, the many foreigners here on teaching contracts are usually the ones expected to give it to them.
So, don’t be appalled or too taken aback when asked to sing a random song to fill in the last couple of minutes of class. Or when asked to do stupid things like imitating a monkey, or dance in the class; “you know, just to show the kids what foreigners are like.”
As much as one tries to explain that foreigners don’t break out in song at the whim of a moment in a school classroom, or walk and talk like monkeys, they won’t understand. In their eyes, it is fun, funny and a great way to show how foreigners aren’t shy.
Cultural Differences in Student Behaviour
Don’t be too taken aback if some students give a hard smack on the back or head. The Japanese have their own way of joking. Sometimes it can get a little rough. No harm or even disrespect is meant by it, so there is no reason to take it personal. However, no one is expected to tolerate it, so if it happens, don’t freak out. Just tell them firmly not to do it again. They will get it.
Another thing that may take some by surprise is being asked how much they weigh or, if they are a female, for their breast size. The Japanese are obsessed with body image and health. For those it doesn't bother to discuss, then by all means, go ahead! For those who prefer to keep it personal, just explain it’s not something that is discussed in western culture and borders on offensive. This will help avoid answering their somewhat intrusive questions.
Unity in the Japanese School
One thing very admirable about Japan is the strong emphasis they put on community and the sense of working together as a united group. Therefore, time is allotted each day for everyone to clean the school. Each person has his or her set task and go about doing it in the allotted time. Participate and enjoy the chance to be a part of something. It will be greatly appreciated and win points with the school superiors, as well as help the foreign teacher feel a sense of belonging and be accepted more readily as a willing participant in the group.
The Experience of Teaching ESL in Japan
Teaching abroad is a great opportunity to see the world and experience new cultures. To have the chance to live and work overseas is an opportunity that should not be missed. Japan is a safe, fun and rewarding choice of places to go. The experience, friendships formed and culture one will learn are all memories that will be held dear for life.
In saying that, Japan is beautiful, but to be disillusioned about what to expect will only make the experience more difficult for a foreigner. Yes, it's beautiful but realistically one must be aware that it’s not all cherry blossoms and "manga" fun. Should the choice of employment be that of an ALT, rest assured the experiences will be wonderfully different. This article just helps to prepare for the stranger ones!
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