ALT Job Skills: Junior High School Congratulations, you are about to embark on a very exciting adventure! Here are some tips for when you arrive at work.

View the ALT Job Skills presentation here: https://goo.gl/dk7ZWK

• Average class size is around 32 students (typically larger than in the U.S.) • JHS English curriculum starts from zero (doesn’t assume students retained anything from ES) • Student attitudes:

- 1st year: Bright eyed & enthusiastic - get them excited about English early! - 2nd year: Experienced, take on more responsibility & academic challenge - 3rd year: HS exam stress & burnout is real

• Club activities are a big deal: can ask to visit clubs, but formally joining = commitment & regular attendance • ALT’s role can vary depending on JTE: from tape recorder to solo lessons

- Whatever task you’re given, own it & exceed expectations (especially if you want to advocate for more)

In the First Few Days… • Prepare a self-intro speech/lesson/activity • Socialize with co-workers, learn everyone’s names • Review materials, curriculum, & textbooks

Essential Teaching Tips • Play to your strengths & unique abilities (e.g. musical/artistic talent,

interest in sports, being a goofball, etc.) • To accommodate multi-level classrooms, present tasks in stages of

increasing challenge • Give clear instructions: show, don’t tell; use level-appropriate English &

avoid idioms/metaphors • Provide sufficient modeling/scaffolding so students understand what you

want them to do • Keep worksheet design clean & simple, use visuals and text, be consistent

(e.g. always include blanks for students’ name, class & student number) • Cater to students’ interests: keep up with pop culture • Adapt & recycle material, share with other ALTs

Professional Relationships & Cultural Transition • Invest in relationships with all school staff, students, & other ALTs • Observe etiquette & hierarchy, work with the system:

- Even if you have an education degree, norms & policy may differ in Japan - Demonstrate your competence & respect for JTEs to build trust - Avoid jumping to conclusions/imposing your ideas; collaborate & offer helpful materials/activities

★ Use the D.A.E. Method : Before making judgements… 1

1. Describe what you saw/experienced• What happened? What was said? What did you see?

2. Analyze it from multiple perspectives • Why is it happening? What alternative explanations might be possible? • This might mean...

3. Evaluate the results & your reaction • What positive or negative feelings do I have about this? (Your gut reaction) • How do I feel about this object, person, or event?

Adapted from materials by Kappler & Nokken, 19991

Source: Shaun, Allison; Tharby, Andy. (2015). Making Every Lesson Count: Six Principles to Support Great Teaching and Learning. Crown House Publishing.

• Your attitude & effort to communicate are key! Enthusiasm, an open mind, & initiative will equal success

Dealing with the Unexpected • Meet your students where they are: tailor lessons to their ability level & interests to motivate them • Plan in advance: know the curriculum • Be flexible: take things in stride, improvise and adapt, abandon what isn’t working & switch to a different activity • Always have activities ready for surprise classes, backup/filler activities • Have a contingency plan (e.g. paper versions, a USB) in case technology fails you

General Advice • Recognize cultural differences:

- Teaching/learning styles: most Japanese classes are teacher-oriented, not student-oriented (students are used to lecture style instruction); tell students speaking up & making mistakes is good!

- Student willingness to volunteer: they may not be comfortable guessing answers for fear of being wrong, may be hesitant to reveal their personal preferences/info in front of the class…encourage an open, accepting atmosphere

- School policies & discipline: ✴ Food/candy are not allowed as prizes: use stickers, stationery, etc. (Bring items from home!) ✴ Discipline is handled in a more group-oriented way: individual students’ bad behavior isn’t often called out in

front of classmates, instead teachers will talk one-on-one with them later - in general, leave discipline to JTEs • Become a pro: learn Japanese, the Japanese education system, TESOL, classroom management, etc.

- Co-workers will appreciate & respect your efforts, may lead to you being given greater responsibility - Your JET experience is what you make of it: can be a great opportunity for professional development

Good luck and have an amazing time in Japan!

Links to Resources The Official JET ALT Handbook: http://jetprogramme.org/wp-content/themes/biz-vektor/pdf/publications/alt_2013.pdf

MEXT & British Council ALT Handbook: https://www.britishcouncil.jp/sites/default/files/alt-handbook-en_0.pdf

Smart ELT (the S.M.A.R.T. teaching approach): http://smartelt.com/the-smart-approach/smart-alt-training

Things to Consider Regarding the ALT’s Role: http://www.gifu-net.ed.jp/kyoka/eigo/CommunicativeEnglish/04-15Things%20to%20Consider%20Regarding%20the%20ALT1.htm

Miyagi B.O.E.’s New ALT Handbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxR0cqryUk9IS3F0clJ6blIzeHc/view?usp=sharing

Tofugu’s Awesome Teaching Resource Guide: https://www.tofugu.com/japan/jet-program-teaching-resources/

Englipedia: https://epedia.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx

The Official JET Teaching Materials Collection: http://jetprogramme.org/wp-content/themes/biz-vektor/pdf/publications/7all.pdf