Outline
The NSW Department of Education concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tokyo BOE in the fiscal year 2016, regarding educational projects. Based on this background, NSW initiated a state-operated project in which four NSW principals visited Tokyo Metropolitan school(s)/high school(s) in the Tokyo Metropolitan area where they conducted model classes and in addition, held information exchange sessions.
Guests
- Campsie Public School, Mrs. Berlinda Cook, Principal
- Jasper Road Public School, Mr. Greg Warner, Principal
- South Sydney High School, Mrs. Janice Neilson, Principal
- Endeavour Sports High School, Mr. James Kozlowski, Principal
- NSW International Students Program, Mr. Arana Christoph
- NSW International Students Program, Mrs. Yoko Kaitani
Model class No.1
Host school
Arakawa-ku (Arakawa Ward), Primary School No.6
Date held
October 3, 2019 (Thur.), 10:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Contents
The presentation, and the reaction of the school
Using a variety of audio‐visual materials, and limiting the language used to simple English easily understood by the school children, the model class proved very enjoyable for the children, who took part in an active give-and-take English session. Compared with the level-based classes usually held by the ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers), the different kind of communication demonstrated in the model class was very significant. While this school is presently engaged in activities conducted by the Tokyo Global Gateway (TGG), I believe it would be worthwhile to include this type of class in the already replete functions conducted by the TGG.
A total of almost a hundred letters were received from children attending the school where the model class was held, which shows that there is definitely a high possibility for future exchange projects based on this model.
Model class No.2
Host school
Tokyo Metropolitan Chihaya High School
Date held
October 4, 2019 (Fri.), 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Contents
"The Marketing Strategy for VEGIMITE in Japan" (High School, 2nd year)
"Measures Related to the Global Food Shortage Issue" (High School, 2nd year)
The presentation, and the reaction of the school
"The Marketing Strategy for VEGIMITE in Japan" session was concerned with the issue of how to spread the use of the fermented food product VEGIMITE in Japan, which is already well-known in Australia. In addition, the model class session included working on and presenting plans for employing VEGIMITE in Japan.
In the session on "Measures Related to the Global Food Shortage Issue", discussions included the situation concerning the lack of food on a global level and the expected increase in demand for food. The session also included a quiz section on food exports from Australia and the aborigine, the indigenous people of Australia. Furthermore, the idea was presented that a re-evaluation of "Bush tucker," the traditional food stuff native to Australia and used as sustenance by the original inhabitants, the Aboriginal Australians, could lead to a possible solution to the global food issue.
The model classes were conducted entirely in English, but, for the students participating, the language and explanations employed were easy to understood, so they were able to listen with great interest until the end of the model class. The students participating highly rated the class, expressing their pleasure at being able to plan a sales strategy for an existing, actual Australian product, and finally offer a presentation using the business type of English they have already been studying. In the quiz-based lesson, even while the questions given were in English, the students were very enthusiastic, and many raised there hands competing to give an answer.
Here at our school, we have already conducted active learning classes, but the communication employed in the model class conducted by the principal of the Australian school was extremely cheerful and energetic, so we felt that the fact that class stressed conversation with the students was especially good. In addition, we noticed that the use of images and actual objects were employed in order to avoid having the students lose interest, and we felt that this point was also very good.
Furthermore, in regard to classes concerning the food shortage issue, there were some common points with the classes we have conducted employing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we found this model class and the educational material employed very interesting.
Information Exchange Sessions
Date held
October 4, 2019 (Fri.), 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Persons participating
Guests from the four Australian schools
11 Tokyo Metropolitan schools
Contents
- Summary presentations conducted by members of both of the schools participating
- Networking conducted by members of both of the participating schools
The reaction of the participants
- More than 80% of the participants replied that they were "Satisfied."
- More than 90% of the participants replied that the length of the session was "exactly right."
- Several good points of the Information Exchange Sessions were mentioned, including the fact that the circumstances at both the Japanese and the NSW schools were clarified, the fact that educational personnel from both sides had the opportunity to meet directly to discuss the issues presented, the fact that members of the Tokyo Metropolitan schools had the chance to know about the structure and effort status at other school, and furthermore, the fact that the participants had the chance to conduct information exchange.
Overall Summary
Based on the structure and efforts involved in this model class and information exchange program, we fully intend to enrich the content while we coordinate efforts with the overseas government and educational agencies, etc. that have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding regarding education with the Tokyo Metropolitan BOE in order to continue to offer this type of educational opportunity to the schools within our mandate.
