I think in the JET programme the "every situation is different" definitely is a thing. I'm currently in my second year on JET and in fact it's almost the complete opposite for me. In all my classes I'm in charge of teaching and the JTE steps in if students don't understand something or I need help with a demonstration. I plan all my lessons and for the elective classes I get to choose what they study. It was really scary at first but I like it. But I also know some people who are just used as human tape recorders to repeat textbook passages and that's all they do in the lesson. I only have one school and am there full time though so that will possibly why there is that difference. And funnily enough I always feel like im sitting too much. I go to English classes that im not scheduled too to help because I get bored at my desk haha. Definitely agreed that a lot of ALTs are under utilized though!!! And yes with the holidays and just desk warming, it's one of the worst parts of the job. Me and my friends often talk about how they should have us doing things in the community since we are supposed to be here to spread grass roots internationalism. Great video by the way, it's always interesting hearing the experiences of other ALTs
I would honestly prefer being used as a human tape recorder, at least for the first 6 months or year. I'm looking into doing the JET program, have two degrees, speak a second language already, but I'm still nervous about it partly because I don't speak really any Japanese at all. Would be nice to have it start out being a bit more tame.
It's interesting to hear what it's like at the other end of the spectrum. I work in an Eikaiwa and there's so little time to get everything done. Lesson planning, teaching 30 hours a week, chatting with the students in the lobby before class while making time to setup your classroom (which often changes from class to class), the mental energy to go from teaching a 3 year to to teaching a 45 yr old business man... lol, not to mention the work hours. just goes to show, there are good and bad things about every type of job. I see from your video, there are things I'm glad I don't have to deal with :) There should be a position between ALT and working at a conversation school. ...strike a nice balance between the two :)
Yea. I'm sure we all have our reasons for choosing one over the other. For me, this was the kind of job I wanted. Teaching at an Eikaiwa wouldn't have been my ideal. But yea. There are definite good and bad points to everything.
In you video you mention having to stand for the whole lesson. Is this a normal requirement? I ask because I'm considering ALT Japan, but I suffer from chronic back pain and I'm unable to stand for extended periods of time.
Yeah I've been there plenty with finding out important information last minute lol Gotta be very observant haha anytime the teachers clear out of the staff room, I follow them fast lol I feel like one factor could be if you attend morning meetings, maybe most teachers assume you heard the important info at the meeting, that's why they don't bring it up. I just assume now that my teachers think I understood everything at every meeting but in reality I can barely pick up some keywords but not enough to figure out important events/activities taking place that same day. Of course ppl forgetting you are there is a factor too and/or they were just too busy. Finding out last minute on important stuff is the life of an ALT haha, but some are more luckier than others.
Unfortunately, I'm not at schools for the morning meeting (except 1 school since I have to take a boat there and the times don't work out to fit my typical schedule). I think I miss things because I'm usually at my schools once a week so things happen or get planned when I'm not there and they forget to tell me until the day of. I can understand it since teachers can get pretty busy so I always feel happy when they remember about me. Haha.
Are you able to choose if you're at a single school vs multiple schools? Are you also able to choose whether you're at elementary, middle, or high schools? I was under the impression that ALTs would still be required to create lesson plans, was I wrong?
You don't really get to choose anything. It's all the luck of the draw. That's why the JET Programme has the famous (and slightly annoying) catch phrase: ESID - Every Situation Is Different.
I guess most of your students don't listen to your teaching. it's not only in your teaching but also in the other JET teachers' ones. And as for it, nothing has changed in the English conversation class of Japanese schools since I was a junior high school studnent(I'm now mid 30's).
I think in the JET programme the "every situation is different" definitely is a thing. I'm currently in my second year on JET and in fact it's almost the complete opposite for me. In all my classes I'm in charge of teaching and the JTE steps in if students don't understand something or I need help with a demonstration. I plan all my lessons and for the elective classes I get to choose what they study. It was really scary at first but I like it. But I also know some people who are just used as human tape recorders to repeat textbook passages and that's all they do in the lesson. I only have one school and am there full time though so that will possibly why there is that difference. And funnily enough I always feel like im sitting too much. I go to English classes that im not scheduled too to help because I get bored at my desk haha. Definitely agreed that a lot of ALTs are under utilized though!!! And yes with the holidays and just desk warming, it's one of the worst parts of the job. Me and my friends often talk about how they should have us doing things in the community since we are supposed to be here to spread grass roots internationalism. Great video by the way, it's always interesting hearing the experiences of other ALTs
I would honestly prefer being used as a human tape recorder, at least for the first 6 months or year. I'm looking into doing the JET program, have two degrees, speak a second language already, but I'm still nervous about it partly because I don't speak really any Japanese at all. Would be nice to have it start out being a bit more tame.
man, if I was getting paid 40K a year to do jack shit I'd be right on it.
Subbed. Great channel. This is my dream to become an ALT/English teacher in Japan.
Also you have a great smile ^^
Good luck! 😊
It's interesting to hear what it's like at the other end of the spectrum. I work in an Eikaiwa and there's so little time to get everything done. Lesson planning, teaching 30 hours a week, chatting with the students in the lobby before class while making time to setup your classroom (which often changes from class to class), the mental energy to go from teaching a 3 year to to teaching a 45 yr old business man... lol, not to mention the work hours.
just goes to show, there are good and bad things about every type of job. I see from your video, there are things I'm glad I don't have to deal with :)
There should be a position between ALT and working at a conversation school. ...strike a nice balance between the two :)
Yea. I'm sure we all have our reasons for choosing one over the other. For me, this was the kind of job I wanted. Teaching at an Eikaiwa wouldn't have been my ideal. But yea. There are definite good and bad points to everything.
Tom jones
In you video you mention having to stand for the whole lesson. Is this a normal requirement? I ask because I'm considering ALT Japan, but I suffer from chronic back pain and I'm unable to stand for extended periods of time.
i dont think teachers really sit...maybe u can do some.other type of teaching instead of an ALT
On the plus side. There are a lot of national holidays.
Haha. Yea. I was surprised at how many public holidays there are here.
Yeah I've been there plenty with finding out important information last minute lol Gotta be very observant haha anytime the teachers clear out of the staff room, I follow them fast lol I feel like one factor could be if you attend morning meetings, maybe most teachers assume you heard the important info at the meeting, that's why they don't bring it up. I just assume now that my teachers think I understood everything at every meeting but in reality I can barely pick up some keywords but not enough to figure out important events/activities taking place that same day. Of course ppl forgetting you are there is a factor too and/or they were just too busy. Finding out last minute on important stuff is the life of an ALT haha, but some are more luckier than others.
Unfortunately, I'm not at schools for the morning meeting (except 1 school since I have to take a boat there and the times don't work out to fit my typical schedule). I think I miss things because I'm usually at my schools once a week so things happen or get planned when I'm not there and they forget to tell me until the day of. I can understand it since teachers can get pretty busy so I always feel happy when they remember about me. Haha.
Are you able to choose if you're at a single school vs multiple schools? Are you also able to choose whether you're at elementary, middle, or high schools? I was under the impression that ALTs would still be required to create lesson plans, was I wrong?
You don't really get to choose anything. It's all the luck of the draw. That's why the JET Programme has the famous (and slightly annoying) catch phrase: ESID - Every Situation Is Different.
I can relate 😪😢 If it possible I would love to connect with you. If you use line I would be happy to make friend with you😊
Do you have to go in every day of your summer break?
Yea. Unless I take nenkyu, I have to be at work.
I guess most of your students don't listen to your teaching. it's not only in your teaching but also in the other JET teachers' ones. And as for it, nothing has changed in the English conversation class of Japanese schools since I was a junior high school studnent(I'm now mid 30's).
If I went to your country to work without being able to speak, read and write English, I am sure I would be the last one to know anything.