About twice a week I am able to bum copies of the Daily Yomiuri, Japan's largest English newspaper, from one of my coworkers. Despite having some articles purchased from my own Washington Post and great coverage of all the world's sports, the paper is about the only chance I have to follow Japanese events from Japan's perspective. Following politics, especially the new dispute regarding the Senkaku Islands, has been interesting to say the least. (For all we hear about other nations wanting the US out of foreign affairs, it appears Japan wants the US to take a greater roll in the dispute.)
However, a few weeks ago, I came across a far more intriguing article about Japan's plan to send about 1000 Japanese teachers to live and work in the US. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find the original article online. However, with the JET program (the original government run program that sent English teachers to Japan) coming to a close, Japan is seeking newer and cheaper options to educate their students in English.
Of course, one might argue that companies like mine pose an alternative to Japan's new plan. Perhaps, but the truth is that there are plenty of other problems that come with importing Assistant Language Teachers (as we are known) to Japan. The first, most distinguishable problem is a lack of training. Some ALTs come to other countries with both training and experience in the profession, but most, (like myself) post that they know the name Stephen Krashen* as their biggest qualification on their resumes.
So, what does one do in that situation? I do believe I am a fairly capable teacher although I found the learning curve quite steep at my job's start. But how does one ethically approach teaching a subject for which he can offer virtually no credentials to support his supposed expertise?
In high school, I was known for writing fairly vitriolic satires about teachers, ones that led to serious arguments. Although I have now had an opportunity to view the other side of the coin (and prior to that acknowledged that my satires were a bit harsh) I do still think I had a solid question, one that is a natural question in American high school culture: 'Who exactly are you to teach this?'
In this case, the teachers in question had to go through a serious level of training and obtain two degrees. While this would likely not satisfy my high school self, I am more inclined to recognize a strong level of credibility as a result, credibility I lack. So once again, what is the ethical approach a non-teacher teacher must take?
It's not a question I've found a satisfactory answer for, as yet. All I can do is read as much as I can about the issues Japanese students have with English, analyze where my students are struggling and plan accordingly. But I think this is an important question for everyone in my line of work. Or we may soon find ourselves no longer employed. The the JET program is dying and Japan is seeking alternatives. Third party companies like mine are eager to step up, yet also come with serious draw backs.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/language/T100815001255.htm
So, against a host of problems, the only thing native English speaking teachers seem to bring to the table are....themselves?
A teacher's conscience would be a nice bargaining chip.
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