Training assistant language teachers
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Improving JET ALT Training Aaron Hahn
description
An examination of how JET ALTs are trained, along with analysis of a new training program implemented in Fukuoka Prefecture
Transcript of Training assistant language teachers
Improving JET ALT Training
Aaron Hahn
JET Programme• Founded in 1987
2012-2013
Approximately4300 ALTs
From over40 countries
PurposeImprove JTE
English ability
Native speaker model
Mandatory English
Informal “ambassador”
Assist JTEs in class
Duties
Communication activities
Pronunciation practice/model
Games
Answer JTE English
questionsInteract with
students
Design lessons
Grade tests
Create tests
Check other student
work
Private tutoring
Assist clubs
Attend meetings
Create special
curricula
ALT Training• Pre-departure training• Tokyo Orientation• Prefectural Orientation• In school training• (Monthly meetings)• Skills Development Conference
Strong anecdotal evidence that ALTs were not receiving sufficient in-school
training
Three surveys# sent #
compl.All Fukuoka SHS ALTs 2011-2012
73 19
All 1st year SHS ALTs 2012-2013
26 20
All Fukuoka SHS ALTs 2012-2013
72 20
Interviews• Five 1-1.5 hour interviews,
conducted via Skype• Covering training issues and
issues of ALT identity formation
In-School Training
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Agree Strongly Agree
6
9
31
3
13
20
2011-2012
2012-2013
Training was sufficient to do a good job
In-School Training
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Agree Strongly Agree
0 0
7
12
02
8 8
2011-2012
2012-2013
Wish I had received more training
In-School Training
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Agree Strongly Agree
17
20 0
12
6
0 0
2011-2012
2012-2013
School seemed to have a specific plan
The positive note
Strongly Disagree
Disagree Agree Strongly Agree
21
13
3
0
5
10
3
2011-2012
2012-2013
Generally satisfied with answers from JTEs
Fukuoka SHS ATP DTi.e.,
The Fukuoka Senior High School
ALT Training ProgramDevelopment Team
Structure• 25 units• Each unit has–Information–Homework• Independent work• Questions for JTEs• Communication with Mentor
Major Topics• Japanese culture and educational
system• Team-teaching–Communication–TT structures
• Teaching methodologies• Lesson planning• Materials design
Pre-known problems• Only “unofficial” official approval• Not mandatory• Not declarative• Targeted primarily at motivated ALTs
Preliminary resultsQuestion SD/
DA/ SA
The training manual was helpful. 1 8I would recommend the manual to my successor
1 9Discussions with my mentor were helpful 0 11I was able to get answers from my JTEs to the question prompts in the manual.
2 6My JTEs seemed to care whether or not I worked on the manual.
9 2
Moving forward• Change the delivery system–Portioned delivery–Reminders–Emphasis on long term use
• Integrate more with other aspects of ALT training• Continue to seek “official” approval
