JALT2025 - Tokyo

Developing ALTs: Identity, Reflection, and Team Teaching

Nov 2, 2025, 9:45 AM

20m

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

Room 401

Speaker

June Ha Kim (Akita International University)

Description

ALTs in Japan often face unclear roles and limited training. This reflective presentation follows an ALT’s growth into a more independent, pedagogically aware teacher through their graduate studies and experience. Drawing from various teacher identity and pedagogical theories, it will highlight how reflection and targeted training aided in team teaching development and professional growth. Finally, concurrent research focusing on ALT professional development will be presented.

Summary

ALTs in Japan often face unclear roles and limited training. This reflective presentation follows an ALT’s growth into a more independent, pedagogically aware teacher through their graduate studies and experience. Drawing from various teacher identity and pedagogical theories, it will highlight how reflection and targeted training aided in team teaching development and professional growth. Finally, concurrent research focusing on ALT professional development will be presented.