Tips for JHS ALTs

Jocelyn Nadeau

• If you don’t want to be a tape recorder for a year or two, tried to get involved early after your arrival. First impressions matter. It can be hard to change a routine and relationship once it is established. Take matters into your own hands, no one will tell you what to do.

• Since the textbook is already overused, I do think it is our role, as ALTs, to try to come up with new methods for teaching English. This will bring a much appreciated change into your classroom as well as provide your JTEs with novel ideas.

• Games are O.K but you don’t want to become a clown or mascot either, so keep in mind that the goal of your activities is to teach your students English and to open their minds to the world out there.

• Reflect about your attitude towards work once in a while. Life and work in Japan is a crazy rollercoaster ride and it is good to give ourselves a kick in the bum to keep up the moral and hard work at times

• Gambatte