Teaching English as a Foreign Language in
JapanBy Assoc. Prof. Edo Forsythe
Hirosaki Gakuin University
Navy Russian Linguist & Instructor
English and American StudiesAssoc. Professor
EdD Candidate
Who am I?
Slides available at: www.slideshare.net/EdoForsythe/
This is a green presentation
Language learning theories
Language learning methods
Teaching English in Japan
Today’s Topics
Language learning is a social process.(Vygotsky, 1978; Frawley & Lantolf, 1985)
Communicative language learning theory (Canale & Swain, 1980)
- Comprehensive Input Hypothesis (Krashen, 1982)
- Output Hypothesis(Swain, 1985)
Language Learning Theories
Communicative Language Learning:- Focus on interaction (group work; pair work)- Focus on communication (say what they want)
MEXT’s focus: Teaching students to
communicate in English
Language Learning Methods
CLL in the ClassroomEnglish: not just another school subject
English is a muscle!English is like cotton candy.English is a toy—
STUDENTS GOTTA PLAY WITH IT!!!
Language learning = sociocultural activity
Development must be scaffolded for maximum effect
(Vygotsky, 1978; Frawley & Lantolf, 1985)
Scaffolding = gradually building on previously learned knowledge
So, in the classroom, as you teach one lesson, the next should build upon the previous one.
CLL in the Classroom
CLL in the Classroom
This is… Is that…
I want this / that.
Get Students Communicating
Give students a chance to apply the textbook topic. Review the lesson
as usual, then have the students get up and apply it themselves.
Total Physical Response (TPR)
-Get the students moving
-Reinforces language
-Allows practical use of the language
Knowledge = Confidence
Communicate with TPR
Let students use English practically!
- Introduce friends- Discuss likes/dislikes/hobbies/ wants & goals- Tell about themselves & their lives
Get Students Communicating
Photo by ALT Ashleigh Mooney
Given this textbook page, discuss in groups how you can get the students communicating beyond the textbook dialog.
Get Students Communicating
Teaching in JapanThe situation:
- Not your classroom- JT may not be confident in English- JT may not know what to do with
you- It takes time to build rapport
Communication is the key!
Read and understand the lesson plans
(Consider how to make lesson more active)
Ask questions for clarification(Other teachers, BoE staff, other ALTs)
Arrive completely prepared for lessons
Suggest ideas for team teaching
Teaching in Japan
Teaching in JapanJump in with both feet!
Integrate yourself into your base school
Take an interest in school activities
Remember: You are here to help teach the students English
(Don’t be an unwelcome guest)
Slides available at: www.slideshare.net/EdoForsythe/
Contact me via email [email protected]
Thank you
Questions?
Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing, Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 1-47. Retrieved from http://ibatefl.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/CLT-Canale-Swain.pdf
Frawley, W., & Lantolf, J. P. (1985). Second language discourse: A Vygotskyan perspective. Applied Linguistics, 6, 19-44.
Krashen, S. (1982). Principles and practices of second language acquisition. London: Pergamon.
Swain, M. (1985). Communicative competence: Some roles of comprehensible input and comprehensive output in its development. In S. Gass & C. Madden (Eds.), Input in Second Language Acquisition, pp. 235-53. Rawley, MA: Newbury House.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
References