The Greenlist of English Schools in Japan

Thoughts and Opinions on Teaching English in Japan, plus many lists of good schools in Japan at our homepage. You can post your resume or job for free too. Check out the homepage!

Monday, January 31, 2011

ECC

ECC, a large chain of English Schools in Japan

When I taught for ECC, they watched you by camera in each classroom.  It was like being in
1984, the story by George Orwell.    I think they have done away with the cameras.
I was paid 276-279,000 as a first year teacher but that salary is now, 252,000/Month.


It is still a good school to start with however.

On This SchoolAs said, I worked for them myself and so have some friends. It could be a pretty cold place to work at and they don`t seem to like teachers staying longer than a few years. That is my impression based on the stories of good friends and my experience of working there.

What I really mean is Head Office like many head offices could be cold. If you had a good manager and good colleagues though, teaching at ECC could be a lot of fun, and often was for me.

Read More

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E Quality Japan Dies a slow Death

E Quality Japan is no more, sadly. However JINES has taken up the cause of independant English schools in Japan.


JINES developers Brian Dentry and Peter Carter believe thatit is time for accountabilty and quality in English education in Japan.

Read More

E Quality`s Website it dead, and it appears
the association is too?

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Trololo Singer Brought down Nova?

 Did a renegade Trololo Singer Bring down Nova?

You be the judge but rumour has it that Trololo singer Vladamir Sukuruov brought down
Nova all by himself by ODing on nasal medications before teaching his classes one day.

The next thing we knew, Nova had gone under. 


Were the 2 events connected?  It`s a tough call!    You be the judge.

(Bottom of Page)

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Classroom set up

Classroom set up: how the ESL Classroom should be set up


I think one thing to strive for in your teaching, whether you teach in Toronto or Tokyo is for less teacher centered and more student centered classes in your classroom set up.


With this in mind, you should try to set up the classroom to emphasize this. You may be stifled somewhat by the designers of the classroom. If there is only one white/blackboard at the front, the designers, designed the classroom to be very teacher centred. However you can negate that with your teaching style.

Read More

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Genki English Newsletter February 2011

Genki English Newsletter February 2011
============
===========================

Contents:

1. Song of the Month: Baby Monkey's School
2. Game of the Month: Matchbox Magic
3. And finally

Hello,

Just a quick word to let you know that today is the last day of the free vol. 11 mp3s. From tomorrow they'll be all offline! Plus the actual CD won't be available for quite a while yet as I'm still not 100% satisfied with all the graphics yet. So get the mp3s whilst you can!

http://genkienglish.net/cd11.htm

If you're not a VIP Member yet, just get your download pack order in today and you'll be able to get them too!

http://genkienglish.net/downloadpack.htm

.

1. Song of the Month: Baby Monkey's School
==============================================

One of the vol. 11 songs that you might have missed is "Baby Monkey's School"

It's a hip hoppy, pop mix featuring days of the week and school subjects together in one song. It's very popular with 5th and 6th graders and as a listening exercise for junior high students. Of course the little kids like it as well!

VIP members can download the mp3 direct from the link below - but only till the end of today!

http://genkienglish.net/clipart/subjectsdemo6babymonkey.mp3

.

2. Game of the Month: Magic Matchbox
======================================

This is another very simple game sent in by Mido Farid, this time to practice "How many?"

1. Split the kids into 2 groups.
2. Give each group a matchbox and up to 11 toothpicks.
3. One kid from each group puts a secret amount of toothpicks into the box.
4. The other kids in their group ask the other group "How many?"
5. The other group guesses.
6. If they get it right, one point.
7. Repeat from step 3 changing the team and "box child" each time!

Very simple but it works incredibly well for teamwork and team building skills - not to mention the kind of crazy card-game-like strategy skills that boys love!

More ideas can be found on the "How many?" lesson plan page:

http://genkienglish.net/numbershowmany.htm

.

3. And finally....
=====================

We've also uploaded some funky new "Head & Shoulders" flashcards featuring Baby Monkey. You don't actually need flashcards for this song, but the kids seem to go crazy for them!

http://genkienglish.net/headsandshoulders.htm

And don't forget the warm & snugly "Winter Clothes" lesson: http://genkienglish.net/winterclothes.htm

OK enjoy the Baby Monkey's School and vol. 11 songs - "I am a robot" is also really popular - but get them today!

http://genkienglish.net/cd11.htm

Be genki,

Richard

======================
Richard J. Graham
The Fun Way to Teach.
Primary School Games, Songs and Ideas
www.GenkiEnglish.com
=====================

And if you like the ideas in this newsletter, please feel free to forward it on to your friends!

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David Paul`s Newsletter for English Teachers

Language Teaching Professionals
http://ltprofessionals.com/

E-mail Newsletter
Monday January 31st

_______________________________
Japan education news

Read the news at ELT News

Critics of English education in Japan misguided
Japanese professor speaks out

High court sides with Tokyo on anthem
Teachers who refused to stand and sing 'Kimigayo' lose court case

Preschool, day care integration plan eases
Government to offer financial incentives but not push hard for integration

Anti-bullying rules being ignored
389 boards of education don't meet standards

Only 20% of English conversation teachers give classes in English
Far short of the 2013 100% target for high schools

_______________________________
Cutting edge research

Video games, new media have place in training, say medical students
BMC Medical Education

A second language gives toddlers an edge
Journal of Experimental Child Psychology


Babies process language in a grown-up way
Cerebral Cortex


Better learning through handwriting than using a keyboard
Advances in Haptics


Technology in schools: ipod Touch becomes learning tool
WHNT News

_______________________________
ELTBOOKS site updated and improved

The ELTBOOKS.com online book store, which offers 20% discounts
on English language teaching materials now has a revamped and
greatly improved site.


Click here to see the site.

_______________________________
Self-developed textbooks by Japan-based teacher receive
very positive reviews

Robert S. Murphy, a teacher based in Kitakyushu, has developed
a series of textbooks for university students.


Click here to see information and comments
Click here to order the books
_______________________________
Japan-based teacher develops free online penpal
community for jr/sr high school students

Through PikiFriends, Japanese junior/senior high school students
can communicate with their peers all over the world.

Click here to see the site
Click here for the You Tube channel

_______________________________
Presentations coming soon

See events supported by Language Teaching Professionals

Sun Feb 13 - Okayama
Extensive Reading in Japan Seminar 2011
Rob Waring and Atsuko Takase


Sun Feb 27 - Hiroshima
Balance in the curriculum: Applying Paul Nation's four strands
to children's lessons
Carla Wilson

Sun Mar 13 - Fukuoka
Improve your memory and learning: Practical classroom applications

Robert S. Murphy

_______________________________

Keio's dropping of the Center Shiken and the
(non-existent) Monkasho English 'word list'
Mike Guest
Read Mike's latest blog on ELT News


____________________________________________
David Paul's
Language Teaching Professionals

Supporting the professional development of teachers
____________________________________________

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Activities for Teaching English to Kids: Aged 6-12

English Teaching Children
Activities for Teaching English to Kids: Aged 6-12

To teach in Japan is to take on a challenge. Teaching English in Japan to children is that much more. Japanese children are great, but it is a whole new ball game when it comes to teaching English to them, as comparedto teaching Japanese adults.

Japanese children are very flexible in what they are willing to do to learn English, so that is a huge plus. There are so many activities you can choose. They also have a lot of energy. Yet they are surprisingly busy too, so coming to your English class may be yet another thing they have been forced by their parents to do. So if you can make your class fun, while learning English, the children and the parents will be happy. Read More

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Free Spelling Games Online


Some great Free Spelling Games Online to help you teach English in Japan!

Education is indeed a big part of our lives. It is therefore fair that we make it fun and interesting. But how?

Can games and learning go hand in hand? The answer is a big YES! In fact educational psychology acknowledges the importance of games in the learning process.

Read More

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

ESL Students Lessons

ESL Students Lessons - Interview of Todd Lenkowski

Todd Lenkowski owns California Bear English School near Tsujido Station in Fujisawa, where he teaches English lessons of all kinds to children and adults.

He agreed to speak with How to Teach English in Japan. Read More

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Advice on Spoken English Grammar for ESL Students

Advice on Spoken English Grammar for ESL Students

by Aarti Thomas

ESL students find it rather difficult speaking English because of English grammar. This is rather common in people who learn English as a second language; so ESL students should not lose hope. It is only with courage and determination, and with the following advice that it is possible to cross the hurdles to learning spoken English. Read More

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Printable English Grammar Lessons

If you think you need to go back to school, or enroll in informal English lessons and pay expensive tuition fees to learn English grammar, then you might be over-paying. If you have a computer or laptop and Internet connection at home, then your problem can easily be solved, because now you could use an virtual teacher - built-in into your computer. But how?

Read More

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ESL Grammar Worksheets

The difference in sentence and grammatical structure between English and other languages can prove to be very difficult for most people. Fortunately, English tutors have developed many tools to help people who are learning English have an easier time learning English.

Read More

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On Story Grammar - Using Stories in the Classroom

On Story Grammar - Using Stories in the Classroom


Teaching English to ESL students is a difficult task. It is important to start with the basic grammar. Using grammar worksheets will definitely help them to know more about grammar and its structure. But worksheets of other kinds are also helpful in the classroom.

Read More

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Where to find TEFL jobs in Europe

Where to find TEFL jobs in Europe

Undeniably the leading continent in terms of fashion, architecture, art and music, Europe never fails to attract tourists.

by Lyanne Johnson

With Europe's interesting history and glorious scenery from amazing architecture such as the Napoleonic grandeur of Paris and the haunting buildings of Poland to the breathtaking greenery of the Scottish highlands, the volcanic dramatics of Iceland and of course the Alps of France, Switzerland, and Italy, Europe is a jot to travel; and I have not even mentioned the pristine beaches of Albania and Bulgaria. Read More

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Sunday, January 23, 2011

TLS English School in Yokohama

Teach in Japan at TLS English School in Yokohama

This school is owned and run by Michael Seko and his wife.


It is a small school, but like I always say, small is often better. They treat their students and teachers well, as things are more intimate. You get to know
the owners and clients well in a small school.

Read More

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Where to find ESL jobs in Korea

Where to find ESL jobs in Korea

Slightly larger than Indiana with a market-oriented economy, South Korea is one of the few technologically advanced countries in Asia. It is a fact that there are numerous ESL teaching positions in Korea, so if you are one who wants to earn and teach English in a country with a modern economy and interesting culture, then Korea is certainly one of the best choices for you.

by Lyanne Smith

Most teaching jobs in Korea offer a great salary and excellent benefits. The salary of an English teacher in Korea ranges from 1.8 to 2.7 million won per month. 50% of your health insurance is shouldered by your employer while the other half is deducted from your salary.

Read More

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Christmas ESL Lesson Activities

Christmas ESL Lesson Activities

With Christmas being the season of joy, your ESL students will love to learn Christmas English through ESL lessons. Don’t worry if you don’t have any Christmas lessons. The internet offers a myriad of plans and options for you to choose from.

Christmas ESL Lesson Activities

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Beckham`s Top 10 List of ESL Websites

ESL Project - Some great ESL Websites I recommend for English Teachers & Students

by Cheema Beckham

The Internet has played the most significant part in converting the World into a Global village. The importance of learning new languages has never been as vital as it is today. You must learn various languages if you want to successfully interact with friends and businessmen from different parts of the World; however if you want to easily interact with everyone else then you must learn English.

Read More

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Kimi Information Centre - Jobs (日本語 - in Japanese)

Extensive Services for Foreigners
ネイティブ男性英会話講師のご紹介(写真付き)

教師採用ご担当者様

本日のおすすめ求職者候補者です。

初めての方、これからお申し込みをされるかたは、こちらをまずお読みください。


履歴書、写真をご希望の際は、お知らせください。
貴校の条件を伝えた上で、ファックスかメールでお送りさせていただきます。

尚、採用されるまでは料金はかかりません。募集から面接設定まで、すべて無料です!
求人条件の確認、面接設定、面接会場までの行き方説明まで煩わしいことはすべておまかせください。



新学期に向けての教師採用!

Kimi Information Centerにご相談ください。



以下の方以外の求職者リストも弊社ウェブサイトより、ご確認いただけます!


1) フルタイム雇用希望

応募者番号: #2737 (写真を添付済:応募者番号をファイル名でご確認ください)
オーストラリア人男性(29 歳)                                                                                                                                                     
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希望就職地域: 東京近郊
最寄駅: 日野(転居可能)
ビザ: ワーキングホリデービザ(2012年3月4日 まで有効)
学歴: 大卒
日本語: 片言レベル
教師経験: なし(家庭教師の経験有り)
就労可能日: 2月から
最低希望賃金: 月額20万円から
その他: フレンドリーな方です。
      九州で4ヶ月間日本語学校に通っていた。
      化学・数学の個人教授の経験有り。薬剤師。
2)フルタイム雇用希望

応募者番号: #2717 (写真を添付済:応募者番号をファイル名でご確認ください)
アメリカ人男性(24 歳)                                                                                                                                                     
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希望就職地域: 東京都またはその近郊
現最寄駅: 亀戸在住・転居可能
ビザ: 短期滞在ビザ(2011年2月28日 まで有効)
資格: TESOL
日本語: 日常会話
教師経験: 2年(韓国にて)
就労可能日: 即
希望最低賃金: 20万円から
その他: 聞き取りやすい英語をゆっくりと落ち着いて話す。
      やさしそうな感じの方。すぐに就労スタートできる。
      5歳児から教えたことがある。

3)フルタイム雇用希望

応募者番号: #2718 (写真を添付済:応募者番号をファイル名でご確認ください)
イギリス人男性(34 歳)                                                                                                                                                     
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希望就職地域:東京近郊
現最寄駅: 三崎口(京急線)在住
ビザ: 永住権
学歴:大卒
日本語: 日常会話
教師経験: 8.5年
就労可能日: 4月より(現職場へ1か月のNotice必要)
その他: ビジネスレッスンを得意とする。TOEICや英検なども教えられるそうです。


おことわり
紹介料は採用教師一人につき、フルタイム教師52,500円、パートタイム教師31,500円です。
紹介手数料は採用が決定した時点で契約締結成功報酬として請求させていただきます。

▼お問合せ、お申込みは
TEL:03-3986-1604 (キミインフォメーションセンターまで)
▼英会話教師求職者リストも参照してください



キミインフォメーションセンター
厚生労働省職業紹介業許可. 許可番号 13-09-ユ-0192
Tel: 03-3986-1604
担当:宮田

先生たちの住居探しでお困りではありませんか?

礼金なし、保証人不要!


1.インターネット無料の格安物件

[丸の内線 新大塚駅]

Rent : 55,000yen

Note : 礼金・手数料なし!

    入居時総費用:173,500円


2.  冷蔵庫、ガスコンロ付き!新宿へ6分
[京王線 代田橋駅]
Rent: 63,000円
Note: 新宿へ6分、渋谷へ10分弱     



▼上記の他にも都内近郊のアパート情報をご覧いただけます



▼アパートをお探しの方へ。所定のフォームに記入いただければ、最適なアパートをお探しいたします!





※今後、メールをご不用の場合はご一報いただければ幸いです。

**************************************
Extensive Services for Foreigners
Kimi Information Center
www.kimiwillbe.com
TEL: 03-3986-1604
**************************************
▼礼金なしアパートマンションリスト
▼英会話教師求職者リスト
**************************************

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Where to find ESL jobs in China?

Where to find ESL jobs in China?

Maybe things aren`t working out for you in Japan. Or maybe you just want a change?
You may want to consider another part of the world...

Live and teach in China! Getting into China is fairly straight forward, it can either be through placement agencies or some contacts, on the other hand getting a job as an ESL teacher may not be as easy as getting into the country. Yes, there are plenty of teaching jobs in China, however there are risks of getting cheated by bogus job offers.

Lyanne Smith gives her opinions on what to avoid, how to avoid it, and where to find
some great jobs in this huge and amazing country.


Where to find ESL jobs in China?

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

University of Wales Online Experiment

"Get paid to give your university students a chance to participate in a University of Wales online experiment. For each student you recruit, who properly completes a session, you will receive 500 yen and the student will receive 1000 yen. Participants must be university students (undergrad, masters, PhD), Japanese citizens, and have fairly good English skills. Please email the researcher (Will REEB) today at dpf305@tsd.ac.uk for more information."

"Give your university students a chance to receive 1000 yen for participating in a University of Wales online experiment. Participants must be university students (undergrad, masters, PhD), Japanese citizens, and have good English skills (TOEIC 500+ but they do NOT need to have taken the TOEIC test). Please email the researcher (Will REEB) today at dpf305@tsd.ac.uk if you are teaching English to students who might meet this requirements and you are willing to give them an invitation. Each participant needs to be invited by a teacher. The researcher will send you an invitation to distribute to your students. The research is a cross-cultural visual communication study involving China, Great Britain, Japan, and the USA. No questions are asked about sensitive or controversial topics. Students from universities in Japan have already participated and seem to have enjoyed the experience."

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At Japan`s Expense?

AT JAPAN'S EXPENSE?

Japan far behind in global language of business




News photo


By MIZUHO AOKI
Staff writer

Last in a series

Keiko Suezaki in October began sending her 7-year-old daughter to an English school in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, once a week, hoping to give her more exposure to the de facto international language.

Although her daughter, Rina, has a 45-minute English activity class at her elementary school once every two weeks, Suezaki didn't think it was enough.

"If you live in Europe, or maybe in India, you become conscious of the necessity of learning English, but it's different in Japan. So I just want my daughter to know that there is an important language called English and it's fun (to learn)," said Suezaki, a 38-year-old Tokyo resident. "Besides, I think there will be more chances to use English in business situations (in the future). When such a time comes, it's better if one can use English."

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JINES, Japan`s Independant Network of English Schools

Japan's Independent Network of English Schools

Peter Carter
Japan's Independent Network of English Schools
http://jines.jp/
3-22 Kanda-cho
Higashi Osaka-shi
Osaka 579-8058
JAPAN
Tel: +81 72 981 8806

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English Grammar for Kids

English Grammar for Kids





Grammar For Kids
By Barbara Feldman
My 1979 edition of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style reigns over my workspace from its place of honor on my bookshelf. It's a slim volume because, like all good writing, the needless words have been omitted. The original, written as a college textbook in 1918 by Professor William Strunk, Jr., is available at Bartleby.com. The following recommendations bring the study of grammar into the Internet age with their use of email, forums, and the Web.

11 Rules of Writing

Today's first site condenses English grammar down to just eleven rules. Drawing heavily from The Elements of Style, an anonymous college teacher created these rules based on his experience grading freshman papers. Each rule is hyperlinked to examples of correct and incorrect usage. For questions not covered by the eleven rules, peruse the Frequently Asked Questions page. And for extra credit, click on the New Word of the Day (at the bottom of the page) to scroll through some high-school level vocabulary.

Read More

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Monday, January 10, 2011

ESL Prepositions

All about ESL Prepositions - Teach English in Japan

by Aarti Thomas

Teaching all about prepositions to ESL students can be difficult as prepositions are not only vocabulary words but more of a concept. With the help of these tips, teaching prepositions in ESL/EFL is made much easier.
1. Use the help of flash cards by illustrating them with different prepositions. Then use these cards to play bingo, memory match, or any other favorite game.

Read More

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ESL Practice

ESL Practice

ESL Lesson Plans -- ESL Communication Circles
When you teach in Japan, you need a well honed ESL lesson plans for each class. Each class is different, but Thomas C. Anderson discusses a great activity, that works for most if not all English classes in Japan.
by Thomas C. Anderson

ESL Lesson Plans -- What do students talk about with their partners?
Anything and everything! I have had students talk about such varied topics as sumo, tamagochi, cell phones, friends, dating, and even their Oral English instructor! Students can be given topics by the teacher or can be put into small groups who are told to brainstorm and choose a topic. They then write it on the blackboard and three topics are chosen by the class from the list. Towards the end of the term I sometimes give the students a free topic (meaning they can talk about whatever they want).

Read More

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ESL Dialogues

ESL Dialogues - A Couple of Opinions on our Profession


I think in a way it is a shame that in the EFL/ESL teaching profession we do not have more respect for the experience of teachers.

Our impressions do matter. Just because they are not a scientific study is beside the point. A teacher with many years of experience, does have something to teach us, and does have valuable knowledge to share.

I really despise the style of academic writing where we are forced to quote Nunan, Richards, McDonough et al to back up what we know to be true from our own experience, - in order to be published in peer reviewed journals.

I suppose you can simply label me as a rebel who just does not want to play that game. But do me the courtesy of hearing me out.

Teaching English is not a science though I do agree that it can be studied scientifically to some extent. I am not saying that the studies done by the above people and others are not valuable. They are.                 Read More

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Story Grammar

Story Grammar

Story Grammar - As a child I never wanted to read. I remember the day though when I was around 7 and I had read my first book. It was a very colorful book with some of those 3D style pictures that change shape if you look at them from different angles. It was a beautiful book, with not so many words. But I was very proud of myself that I could read the whole thing.


If we can instill a love of reading in our students, grammar will come much more easily. I have taught English to Japanese students since 1987. In my experience, the students who love to read English books are better in ALL aspects of English.   Read More

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Spelling Reform

Spelling Reform - Spelling Quizzes


Weak spelling is not a problem only ESL students face. Even native English speakers have trouble with spelling.



The best way to improve your spelling is with the help of regular vocabulary and spelling quizzes.



Spelling quizzes of course, quiz you on your spelling abilities. However in the case of vocabulary quizzes, you get to learn the meaning of new words, and consequently their spelling.

Read More

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Why Work in Japan?

Why Work in Japan?

By Chase Crawford



Even if you don't live and work in Japan, it's easy to fall in love with the country. Anyone who encounters its rich, enduring culture and history as well as its modern innovative society can't help but want to learn more.

There are many means to learn about Japanese ways. You can always read books or study a formal course. These days, you also have the easy option to just go online and take your fill. There are tons of websites that offer information about the country and its people. There are also countless communities that let you interact with Japanese friends or fellow enthusiasts.

Read More

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Sunday, January 09, 2011

About Story Grammar for ESL Students

About Story Grammar for ESL Students





(Pictured, Robotic Godzilla attacks the electric football field, I hate it when that happens. Photo by Richard Baladad, at great personal risk).  You never know what will happen in Japan!   There are monsters everywhere!  Watch out Hiroshi!  Look out behind you!!!


It can be argued that grammar is better understood if the words are individually understood. A story is a narrative and written discourse. While grammar is the "study" part of English which determines how different words come together to form sentences.

In terms of the grammar of stories, - grammar means language elements.


So the phrase story grammar is basically the elements of a story and includes the title, author, setting, main character, conflicts and resolution, ements and conclusion. It could also include the initiating event, internal response, attempt, consequence and reaction.

Read More

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Some useful TEFL Lesson Plans

Some useful TEFL Lesson Plans



(Hopefully some useful TEFL lesson plans will avoid gaffs like "FAG."  Photo by Richard
Baladad)

One of the most important things an ESL teacher has to do and have is a complete and thorough TEFL lesson plan. It is based on this lesson plan that they conduct their classes, and help their ESL students learn the English language.




There are various resources on the internet that offer not only ideas for TEFL lesson plans, but also actual lesson plans. However most ESL teachers find it better and more useful to create their own lesson plan based on the requirements of their students.
Read More:

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The University of What?????

The University of Nova?

The last I checked, April 1st is still a few months away, but that's the question the Yomiuri shimbun asks in a brief article about G.communication's attempt at running a university.
According to the article, G.communication, through its largest shareholder, Inayoshi Capital Partners (ICP), is putting the final touches on plans to take over a private university in the Tokai region and may also involve changing its name to the University of Nova. The Yomiuri doesn't name the university, but I wonder if it isn't Aichi Gakuin University. Back in 2008, Nova opened a school on its campus.
While the Yomiuri calls the takeover of a university by an eikaiwa "extremely unusual" I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's unheard of. According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, in order for a business to take over a university, it would have to fund the founding institution behind the university and then either send directors to the university's board or create a new education institution.    Read More

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Friday, January 07, 2011

About ESL for Adults

About ESL for Adults, they can be a joy to teach if you can keep the topics of study interesting and get them engaged in learning English.
by Aarti Thomas
Teaching ESL to adults is different from teaching children ESL. Adult learners have lost the touch of studying, and may find routine text work and exercises uninteresting and unproductive.

To teach ESL for adults, find out the reason for their joining the class, as different people join classes for different reasons. Some adults may join the course as part of a training program offered by their company to improve their business English.

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TEFL International

TEFL International

TEFL International, where to find great jobs abroad?

Want to teach in London, Madrid, Taiwan, Thailand, China, the USA, Canada, Korea, or Japan?

You can if you can teach English! Having the ability to teach English is a salable skill around the world. Enjoy travel, meeting new people and teaching the international language of the world.

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Thursday, January 06, 2011

Regarding Yukio Tsuda & English Education in Asia

 We published a four part article debating with comments by Japanese university professor
Yukio Tsuda, and here is Paul Canosa`s take on English education in
Japan, Yukio Tsuda and his experiences of speaking English in southeast Asia on a
recent vacation:

Canosa writes:


Hi all, hope everyone had a happy and healthy vacation

I just returned from a trip to Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and
throughout the trip people there conversed with me in English. Only once did
someone say that they "couldn't" speak English. They went ahead and tried their
best, and you know what ? it was good enough !

I heard some of the following

"you want pancake ?"
"where you go ?"
"you lost ?"
"where you are from ?"
"you like cambodia ?"
"baht is good yeh"
"irashai, how you ?"
"what time you go ?"

all these examples would be marked as wrong on any written test but in fact
these are perfectly fine examples of functional English. It was understood, and
we had a fantastic time, especially my Japanese wife who marveled at how south
Asian people just try to use English.

We returned to Haneda and there was almost zero English. Imagine all the time
and money spent on English education here in Japan, yet the airport at Siem Reap
Cambodia had more functional English than Haneda. I do not mean to smear the
many wonderful English speakers who work at the airport, but it was an eye
opener for sure !

I am coming to the conclusion that English in Japan is an educational system
problem, with a cultural issue added on for added measure. The Japanese have to
take a good luck at their current system and continue to make reforms. Slow and
steady is better than none I say.

Tests and homework do not reward the spoken language (at least in my opinion)
and simply force students to spend more time in the books to improve their
"grammar" scores. If students do homework in my class we then read it aloud, I
also encourage all students to read aloud in the mirror, in the bathtub and with
their eyes closed. The more you speak the better you become right ?

so with all due respect to Professor Tsuda (whose degrees and experience trump
mine) I disagree completely. However to each his or her own. Viva la diference !

paul canosa in shizuoka city

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Wednesday, January 05, 2011

TEFL Courses London - Reviews: which courses are good?

TEFL Courses London - Reviews: which courses are good?

(Pictured right, London`s Trafalgar Square)

by Lyanne Thomas

England,

the birthplace
of the English language and its capital city- London, is among the 3 largest financial centers in the world. Needless to say London is one of the best places to take a TEFL course with all that it has to offer from history, entertainment, art, music, fashion and of course its many language schools that offer TEFL courses.       Read More


(Pictured below: Elle Damri`s lovely photo of St. Paul`s Cathedral)

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David Paul`s Newsletter for English Teachers

Language Teaching Professionals
http://ltprofessionals.com/

E-mail Newsletter
Tuesday January 4th

_______________________________
Japan education news
_______________________________
Special ETJ presentation - this Sunday

What's wrong with traditional grammars?
Brett Reynolds


Sunday January 9th
12:00-17:00
Toyo Gakuen University
Admission: Free


Click here to register
Click here for more information

This is Brett's first visit to Japan for many years,
and is a chance not to be missed.


_______________________________
Interview with Raymond Murphy
Author of Essential Grammar in Use, English Grammar in Use,
Basic Grammar in Use, and Grammar in Use


John Lowe interviews Raymond Murphy
for ELT News.

_______________________________
Presentations coming soon

Sat Jan 8 - Kitakyushu
Improve memory and learning: Practical classroom applications
Robert Murphy

Sun Jan 9 - Omiya
Language Output, Language Input: Things that are true of all learners
Alastair Graham-Marr

Sun Jan 23 - Chiba
Ideas for teaching 3 to 14 year olds

Sun Feb 13 - Okayama
Extensive Reading in Japan Seminar 2011
Rob Waring and Atsuko Takase


_______________________________

Testwiseness - the educational soul of Japan?
Mike Guest
Read Mike's latest blog on ELT News
_______________________________
Phonics materials developed by teachers in Japan

Fun Phonics Readers
by Greg Crawford

information / to buy

Blending  a Hand
by David Lisgo

information / to buy

____________________________________________
David Paul's
Language Teaching Professionals

Supporting the professional development of teachers

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Saturday, January 01, 2011

Teach English in Asia


Teach English in Asia



Teach English in Asia

By Raymond Connors



Are you qualified to teach English in Asia? If you are a native English speaker, or can speak English almost like a native speaker, then the answer is "Yes".
Vietnam, China, Japan, Korea, an Indonesia need English teachers and the TESOL or TEFL qualification needed to be able to teach it is easy to get, and need not be expensive.
Did you know that at any one time, there are approximately 14,000 vacant jobs for English teachers world wide?

The world has gone crazy over learning English, and if you are a native English speaker, you already have the major qualification needed.
Of course if you have a University education too, then your chances of finding your dream job are made even better, BUT it is not necessary to have a University education to land a good job as an English teacher.
People all over the world are using English for commerce, education and travel, and you are already in possession of the tools to enjoy an adventurous lifestyle travelling the world and teaching English, helping ordinary people achieve their goals in life.
The ability to speak English, in many countries, means job security, better opportunities for employment, enhanced social status, and promotion prospects. And YOU can be the person who helps these people achieve those goals- Empowering feeling to be sure!
How are your current prospects at home? Rising unemployment, rising prices, higher taxes, falling job security, falling job satisfaction, little respect from employers, job with no prospect of making a difference to people lives- If any one of these describes your situation, maybe its time for a rethink- The non-English speaking world needs you.
How about a job where you earn more than enough for a comfortable lifestyle, and the boss is grateful that you choose to work there and says so, the challenge of new cultures, hours to suit you (most are UNDER 20 hours a week), the thrill of knowing you are making a difference to the lives of ordinary people, and the respect of the local community in which you work? Some places will even provide you with a furnished apartment at no cost, complete with Internet, cable TV and all the comforts of home. Some even re-imburse your air fares after you have been working with them for a while, AND provide funds for your return home at the end of the contract...

Too good to be true?
Certainly not - If you know anyone who has taught English abroad, ask them about their experiences - you will be mostly pleasantly surprised.
The salaries are of course probably lower than at home, but then the cost of living is very much lower too - The English teacher in Asia usually has an income and respect similar to that of a local doctor or a lawyer. And the students are often a pleasure to teach - courteous, willing to learn, and attentive. Not all benefits can be measured by money alone. How do you put a value on adventure for which you are paid? New friendships that may last a life-time? And cross-cultural exchange? They are priceless.
Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT have to be able to speak the local language to teach English - in fact, it is often forbidden in the English classroom, and there are inexpensive courses that will equip you with the right way to go about your new job.
Asia and other regions await you-adventure-respect and the knowledge that you can make a difference.

Empowerment for ordinary people.
Dr Raymond Connors is a long time Australian ESL teacher and University lecturer and teacher trainer in Vietnam. He assists people who want to become English teachers in Asia, by outlining the steps that are needed, and showing what to avoid in the quest to become a succesful ESL teacher in ASIA.
He is a regular contributor to a variety of forums on teaching English, and is a teacher trainer and mentor. More information is available from http://teachenglishinvietnam.blogspot.com/2009/08/no-bs-how-to-get-english-teaching-job.html.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Connors


http://EzineArticles.com/?Teach-English-in-Asia&id=2776979






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