Teaching English in Japan: How Certified Teachers Provide Quality Lessons
Teaching English in Japan: How Certified Teachers Provide Quality Lessons. Part 2. Can a single piece of paper make a difference? This discussion examines whether holding a certification can enhance teaching effectiveness. It will include some personal anecdotes from my experiences both with and without a certificate, as well as during my time as a teacher-trainer. I will conclude the article by discussing the benefits and potential drawbacks of obtaining a certification and the reasoning behind it.
It is important to note that I will not address any of the problems presented. However, it can be assumed that once a teacher achieves certification and some practical experience, they will be more knowledgeable about how to address these issues.
The Wake Up Call
My renewed corporate life back in Canada was short-lived (3-4 months?) after the collapse of the original Nova in 2007. I found that my life as a teacher was far more fulfilling. Helping students, engaging in creative endeavors, making friends, and having flexibility suited me better than just sitting behind a desk crunching numbers. I needed to return to teaching English again. So, I went to two very memorable job interviews at international language schools in Toronto. These experiences certainly opened my eyes.
The first failed job interview was doomed even before I walked through the door. Honestly, I don’t know why they even bothered to call me in. You would think that after working for Nova for 4 years and nearly obtaining a management position (the paperwork for my advancement was completed, but the doors had closed from the bankruptcy), I would be an excellent candidate for any language school in Toronto. Nope.
Just as I sat down, the interviewer asked me if I had any other work experience aside from working for an eikaiwa (private language school). I replied that I had worked at a juku (cram school) for a short while as part-time. The interviewer then closed my file and said flatly and abruptly, “No way. Thank you for coming.”
The second job interview presented a better picture for me. It was still a failure, but from this job interview, I learned why I was rudely dismissed earlier. The interviewer asked to see my portfolio, which I did not have, and then inquired about what a dangling participle was. I had no idea. He then advised me that it would be best for me to obtain a TESOL.
Thus, I learned that there is more to being a teacher than just being “a foreigner off the street.”
I then took the 3 month TESOL course in the heart of Toronto and learned that I was in the dark for four years of my life.
After obtaining my certificate, I immediately found work at a language school in Toronto. It was a truly memorable experience, to say the least, but eventually, the allure of my wife called me back to Japan. This journey not only led me back to teaching but also to a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be an effective educator.
The Four Main Principles of TESOL
From this point on, I will recount stories of both my time as a TESOL-certified teacher in Canada and Japan, as well as some my experiences as a teacher-trainer.
We will cover four main principles:
- Teaching Methodologies
- Language Acquisition
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
Keep in mind that there may be overlap between the disciplines and the various situations forthcoming.
Teaching Methodologies of a Certified Teacher
Teaching methodologies are the backbone of effective language instruction. Here are some key insights from my experiences.
"I am fluent in three languages. I don't need to learn how to teach!"
Words spoken by a former eikaiwa teacher who had inflexible teaching standards. This teacher was eventually disciplined for the following: failing to keep the class motivated or interested (resulting in severe dropouts), physical corrections (tapping the heads or hands of students when they were incorrect or out of line), and more.
"I lost my voice. I can't come to work today and teach."
Eikaiwa managers and students rejoice! This common excuse no longer applies.
Summing this up as quick as possible:
TESOL methodologies include Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) for real-life communication, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) for meaningful tasks, Total Physical Response (TPR) for integrating movement, Audio-Lingual Method (ALM) for repetition and drills, and Content-Based Instruction (CBI) for combining language with subject content. New methodologies continue to emerge, such as Gamification and CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), which change the playing field, so to speak. A solid background in their theory equips teachers with the ability to be flexible in their lesson strategies and styles.
In essence, there are various ways to teach the same material. Each style has its merits. Just as every situation and student possesses unique qualities, different approaches can be employed. Yes, you can teach a lesson without using your voice, although it is somewhat inconvenient.
Language Acquisition
"Why is my child learning so slowly?"
"I got a TOEIC score over 900, why can't I speak English well?"
Language acquisition is a multifaceted process that goes beyond mere classroom instruction.
Summing this up as quick as possible:
Language acquisition is the process by which humans learn to understand, produce, and use words to communicate. It involves both innate biological mechanisms and environmental influences. Children typically acquire language through exposure and interaction, gradually developing their linguistic abilities. Key theories include Noam Chomsky’s Universal Grammar, which suggests an inherent language faculty, and B.F. Skinner’s Behaviorist Theory, which emphasizes learning through reinforcement and imitation. The process is complex, involving cognitive, social, and emotional factors that contribute to the mastery of language over time.
Do students learn a language by going to class for one hour once a week? Can students truly learn a language by passing EIKEN level 1 or TOEIC 900+?
These types of questions and more are covered in understanding the basic principles of language acquisition. I can’t overstate the importance of understanding how a mind works in learning a language. As I mentioned in previous articles, learning a language is largely philosophical as well as technical. Each student learns at different rates due to their own unique situation and personality. Each student has it’s own unique individuality.
Students come in to class with their own baggage of doubts, fears, surprises, tiredness, stretched emotions, and more, making their learning of English a torture not reflecting upon the teachers’ performance of that day. How can one learn when their mind is elsewhere?
A foreigner off the street or a language learner without training would not be in the know of the principles of how a language is actually learned. They can assume and offer unique advice that suits them, but this advice will not suit everyone. Hence why I frown upon many of these social media content creators nowadays.
Understanding the principles of language acquisition is crucial for both teachers and students to navigate the challenges of learning a new language.
Lesson Planning to Provide Quality Lessons
Lesson planning is a crucial aspect of effective teaching. Here are some key insights from my experiences.
"I hate using a textbook!"
Often spoken by both students and teachers alike.
"What is a student-centered approach?"
Summing this up as quick as possible:
Lesson planning is the process of designing a structured and coherent sequence of activities and materials to achieve specific learning objectives. It involves identifying the goals of the lesson, selecting appropriate content, and determining the best instructional strategies to engage students. Effective lesson plans include clear objectives, engaging activities, assessments to measure progress, and flexibility to adapt to students’ needs. By carefully planning lessons, teachers can create a supportive and stimulating learning environment that fosters student success.
Textbook and Syllabus Challenges:
On my first day of my posting at the language school in Toronto, I was shocked by the rows of textbooks lining the walls of the teachers’ room. Coming from Nova and other eikaiwas with just one textbook series, I couldn’t believe it.
A textbook is only a guide, nothing more.
The textbook is often used inappropriately by the teacher which also falls under the category of Classroom Management. In teacher-trainer sessions, I often needed to help my eikaiwa teachers learn how to break away from the textbook but still teach the groundwork the textbook set up to keep within the loosely structured syllabi of the company. Not an easy task when a foreigner is asked to think outside the box.
The syllabus of an eikaiwa-styled class has to be very loosely structured to accommodate the diverse and fluctuating student demographics. It tends to follow a monetary policy as opposed to an educational one with testing, grades, and credentials. It can be done; I have created one for a school to follow, but falls short of any educational institution’s standards.
Real-Life Examples:
Have you ever gone to a class and felt frustrated because you couldn’t speak?
I remember one former non-certified eikaiwa teacher who came to work minutes before class with no preparation. His style was to only tell stories to his students. The students never spoke. This teacher never created a lesson plan. It irritated me endlessly (I wasn’t a trainer then). I felt very bad for the students. Immature teaching practices and attitudes of the teacher were in question which ultimately led to their release.
Another example was a specific teacher that spoke in a very articulate fashion and refused to teach any of his students the use of contractions. I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine anywhere in the English-speaking world where they don’t use contractions! This would not aid language learners in their future. Selfish.
There are countless examples I could use to further illustrate a professionally certified teacher versus a non-certified one in this section alone; however, I will conclude this part here. Lesson planning is an essential part of TESOL, and I plan to revisit aspects of it in the future.
Effective lesson planning not only enhances the learning experience but also empowers teachers to create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment.
Classroom Management Skills Obtained by a Certified Teacher
Classroom management is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment.
"One student dominates the class discussion time. Is there a solution to this?"
"My kids are out of control in the classroom!"
"How do you know when a student obtains a new level?"
Summing this up as quick as possible:
Classroom management in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is all about creating a positive and productive learning environment. It involves setting clear expectations, establishing routines, and using effective strategies to maintain student engagement and minimize disruptions. Teachers need to be culturally sensitive and adaptable, as they work with students from diverse backgrounds. Building strong relationships with students, providing consistent feedback, and fostering a supportive classroom community are key components. Ultimately, effective classroom management helps students feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn.
Importance of Control:
Control of a classroom setting is of vital importance. If there is dissonance, then the whole class could easily be disrupted. Thoughtful placement of students can rectify most issues. In fact, implementing dynamic seating arrangements within a class can significantly boost overall morale. Speaking of which, having a last name starting with ‘A’ relegated me up front and personal with all of my teachers throughout my high school years. You know, it would have been nice to be able to sit in different areas once in awhile for a change.
At an eikaiwa, I remember some non-certified teachers who never got up off their chairs once to use the whiteboards. They would only teach from the book and nothing more. This led to the students disdaining the textbooks and teachers in question. Disgraceful and lazy.
Effective classroom management not only enhances the learning experience but also fosters a supportive and engaging classroom environment. Classroom management is another large topic with multiple facets that can be covered in future articles. Suffice it to say, having these skills make the lessons more engaging and worthwhile for both students and teachers.
The Cons of Having a TESOL Certificate
While having a TESOL certificate offers many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
Do you know the popular saying, ‘ignorance is bliss’? For the average foreigner working in Japan, this saying certainly applies. Why would an eikaiwa teacher or ALT bother paying extra money for a certificate if they were only staying for a year or two? Additionally, if it isn’t already clear, there is a lot to learn! It can be overwhelming at times—too much, in fact.
Moreover, once you adopt the mindset of a true teacher, you realize that you must continually learn and update your knowledge. It becomes an ongoing cycle of learning, which can be even more frustrating because there is always another question, another method, or another idea that you, as a teacher, could or even should implement in your next lessons.
There are always those who will exploit your expertise as well. An eikaiwa owner might use their TESOL-certified teacher as a head-teacher (manager without any compensation), a surrogate for the most difficult students, a teacher-trainer for a group of unmotivated individuals, a punching bag for when students are lost, and more! Unfortunately, possessing these extra skills can sometimes lead to taking on more challenging work without any additional compensation.
An experienced TESOL teacher in Japan might also have troubles finding work. Seeing how many ‘Mom and Pop Shop’ styled eikaiwa are owned by people without any certificate, the TESOL certified teacher becomes a shark in an insecure body of water. If you were an employer, would you want to employ someone like me? Or would you rather someone easier to manage with less experience. Sadly, I feel I have to downplay my credentials to become employed nowadays.
One should keep in mind though, just having a TESOL does not mean you are in the know of everything. I am still a very small shark in a very large ocean. There will always be many teachers with better abilities and higher credentials than me.
In Conclusion
Teaching English in Japan is a multifaceted journey that requires dedication, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both pedagogical principles and cultural nuances. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that holding a TESOL certification can significantly enhance teaching effectiveness, providing teachers with the tools and methodologies needed to create engaging and impactful lessons.
From the initial wake-up call that led me to pursue a TESOL certification, to the exploration of key principles such as teaching methodologies, language acquisition, lesson planning, and classroom management, each step has been a valuable learning experience. These principles have not only shaped my teaching approach but also enriched my interactions with students, helping them to achieve their language learning goals.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of holding a TESOL certification. The continuous cycle of learning, the risk of exploitation, and the challenges in finding suitable employment are all factors that certified teachers may face. Despite these challenges, the journey of continuous improvement (A Growth Mindset) and the ability to make a positive impact on students’ lives make the pursuit of a TESOL certification worthwhile.
In conclusion, being a certified teacher in Japan is not just about holding a piece of paper; it’s about embracing the ongoing journey of learning, adapting, and growing as an educator. By understanding and applying the core principles of TESOL, teachers can create a supportive and stimulating learning environment that fosters student success and personal fulfillment.
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Have a great day wherever you are.
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