A model for Japanese people to converse on equal terms with native English speakers
The enthralling, exciting job of an ALT!
Ryogoku High School ALT Edmar Castillo.
He is from the Philippines.
This is his second year teaching at Ryogoku High School.
What do you pay special attention to in class with regard to instructing your students?
Mr. Edmar:
For example, they teach grammar in a separate lesson, so I focus on the speaking aspects of English in my instruction, such as pronunciation.
What do you find difficult about teaching your students?
Mr. Edmar:
Even among fellow Americans, intonation differs depending on what state you're from. ALTs come from all over the world, so for students, they can get confused by the fact that even though they learned a certain intonation and accent from one teacher, their current teacher teaches them a different way. This is one of the difficult things to explain simply and clearly.
What do you feel is needed to have Japanese students improve their English ability?
Mr. Edmar:
The most important thing is fostering confidence in the students. Many students worry whether the English they speak is correct or not, but you must encourage them not to worry about mistakes. Even native speakers often make mistakes, so I tell the students not to worry so much.
What sort of things have you devised to promote communication with Japanese instructors?
Mr. Edmar:
I often speak with the Japanese teacher of English while building lessons, talking about how to divide labor in a single class, and what kind of lesson we want to make. We communicate in detail and try to compromise.
What do you find interesting about acting as an ALT?
Mr. Edmar:
Since coming to Japan, I've found it interesting when I encounter parts of the Japanese way of thinking that differ from ours on a fundamental level. Westerners tend to have a smaller outlook focusing on goals and features, but people in Asia seem to like looking at everything in terms of the bigger picture.
Would you please offer a message to aspiring ALTs out there?
Mr. Edmar:
Patience is needed for teaching students. Some foreign teachers make the mistake of pushing students to "speak faster." Confidence is key for students, so patience is expected for teachers to relax, look at the big picture, and make sure not to bring down their students. Also, make sure to communicate with the Japanese instructors and your fellow teachers.
Being an ALT is an enthralling, exciting job. For me, this is a much more enjoyable job than working as an interpreter or a linguist.
