The importance of building a "safe space" for students to speak as much English as possible
Offering students the most opportunity to speak
What roles do the Japanese instructor and ALT have in a team teaching class?
Mr. Tominaga:
Giving students an opportunity to interact with natural English is the most significant duty of the ALT. At the same time, I would like them to convey cultural background that Japanese teachers of English cannot teach, and the experience and sensations that only a native speaker -not textbooks- can provide. Mr. Lerner will tell stories about his trips home or abroad, making these far-off lands seem a little bit closer, and providing a stimulating tale for the students.
The content and lesson style I want to adopt differs for each ALT. While drawing out the characteristics of these teachers, the Japanese teachers of English set content they must convey to students, and must proceed with lessons so as not to stray from that subject matter.
What are the merits of team-taught lessons?
Mr. Tominaga:
Being able to hold classes that put the students at ease. An ALT alone might cause students to balk and lose the will to speak at all, but with me there, I teach them regularly, they can make mistakes, talk about whatever they want, and consult me when they're lost. That's what I mean by putting them at ease. All-English lessons tend to be classes where instructors do all of the speaking in English, but I believe it's important to build safe spaces for students to speak as much English as possible, to see just how much all students can speak with a weekly 45-minute session.
What aspects of team teaching lessons and educational program creation do you have trouble with?
Mr. Tominaga:
ALTs are not always at school, so the reality is that you must meet about lessons within that restricted time frame. Understanding each other's thoughts and needs during idle chitchat, I endeavor to give support that matches each ALT's way of doing things.
Do you share team teaching practices with teachers in your school or other schools?
Mr. Tominaga:
In order to easily instruct lessons with any ALT, the Japanese teachers of English create worksheets. These offer questions that become points for each section of the teaching material, and using these to move forward allows for smooth lessons. Still, each ALT has his own style. On top of this base, each teacher has his own way of doing things and the role of the Japanese teacher of English is to follow the parts that you want to rein in.
