Speaker
Abstract / Bio
Transitioning from an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japanese elementary schools to a part-time teacher in an after-school program (gakudo club) can offer unique experiences and insights into the landscape of early EFL education in Japan. As a graduate student studying and researching EFL teaching methods, I have experienced firsthand the differences between structured classroom instruction and informal after-school teaching environments. This presentation explores the challenges of adapting structured classroom settings with 3rd to 6th graders to the informal play-based environments of gakudo clubs with primarily 1st and 2nd graders. Through personal narratives and utilizing methods supported by research on play-based learning and informal education, this study explores a variety of strategies for engaging young learners, managing diverse behaviors, and encouraging language acquisition outside traditional classrooms. This presentation aims to shed light on Japanese after-school English education programs and provide practical approaches for foreign educators navigating these unique environments.
June Ha Kim is currently a second-year graduate school student at Akita International University in the English Learning Teaching Practices program. He also has a BA in English from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He was previously an ALT in northern Japan for 5 years teaching at the elementary and junior high school level.
| Presentation Title / 発表タイトル | EFL Teaching : From ALT to Teaching After-School Programs |
|---|---|
| Where are you currently studying? / 学校名(全員) | Akita International University |
| What type of student are you? / 当てはまるものを選んでください | Full-time MA 全日課程修士学生 |
