T. Tsukui and Mike

What is an ALT?Main roles

Interaction with native EnglishPronunciationIntonationNatural English vs Strange English

Exposure to a foreign cultureTeach about customs and traditionsIncrease interest in other countriesEach ALT has something different to offer

Role modelBoost student’s confidence Set an example of learning a foreign language

Additional support outside of classSpeech contestsEiken practice

How are ALTs actually used?

RealityThe expectations of JTEs

Many ALTs will find themselves able to be fully utilized by the JTE and treated as equal teachers… but in some cases…The human tape recorder

Find fun and innovative ways to practice reading the textbook Read and look up Part reading Timed reading

Game show host Mix it up, try new ideas Very successful? Play it again! Encourage JTE to be involved in games

Dead weight Give more attention to individual students during class Talk to your JTE about how you can be more involved

Being an Effective ALT

Versatility is the key

Many kinds of lessonsChange your role based on the lesson planDo what is needed when it is neededBe willing to adapt on the flyIt’s ok to not be the star

Being an Effective ALT

Team Teaching

Go into it with a positive mindsetBe ready for anythingSometimes ALT and JTE work

together great from the startDon’t succumb to stereotypes or

make up your mind before you even begin

Being an Effective ALT

Team Teaching

Some JTEs lack experience with team teaching

Becoming more common, even in other subjects

Some JTEs love it, others… not so muchOne step at a time, do what you canCompromise Try to have a good relationship outside

of classesJTE vs HRT

Team TeachingThe Root of the Problem

Too busyHelp outside of classGrade papersPlan various games and activities in advanceHave ideas readyBe flexible and discuss lessons when JTE has time

Afraid of failureMistakes ≠ failure, necessary for improvementCorrect mistakes politelyUse of Japanese by ALTApplies to students as well

Being an Effective ALT

English vs Japanese

Try to use English whenever possibleElementary school vs junior and senior

high schoolJapanese with low level students

outside class

Being an Effective ALT

Know your students

Learn names when you canClass sizes and visit frequency varyRemember things they like You can’t know everyone well – try

your best