T. Tsukui and Mike

What is an ALT? Main roles  Interaction with native English Pronunciation Intonation Natural English vs Strange English  Exposure to a foreign culture Teach about customs and traditions Increase interest in other countries Each ALT has something different to offer  Role model Boost student’s confidence Set an example of learning a foreign language  Additional support outside of class Speech contests Eiken practice

How are ALTs actually used? Reality The expectations of JTEs  Many ALTs will find themselves able to be fully utilized by the JTE and treated as equal teachers… but in some cases…  The human tape recorder Find fun and innovative ways to practice reading the textbook Read and look up Part reading Timed reading  Game show host Mix it up, try new ideas Very successful? Play it again! Encourage JTE to be involved in games  Dead weight Give more attention to individual students during class Talk to your JTE about how you can be more involved

Being an Effective ALT Versatility is the key  Many kinds of lessons Change your role based on the lesson plan Do what is needed when it is needed Be willing to adapt on the fly It’s ok to not be the star

Being an Effective ALT Team Teaching Go into it with a positive mindset Be ready for anything Sometimes ALT and JTE work together great from the start Don’t succumb to stereotypes or make up your mind before you even begin

Being an Effective ALT Team Teaching Some JTEs lack experience with team teaching Becoming more common, even in other subjects Some JTEs love it, others… not so much One step at a time, do what you can Compromise Try to have a good relationship outside of classes JTE vs HRT

Team Teaching The Root of the Problem  Too busy Help outside of class Grade papers Plan various games and activities in advance Have ideas ready Be flexible and discuss lessons when JTE has time  Afraid of failure Mistakes ≠ failure, necessary for improvement Correct mistakes politely Use of Japanese by ALT Applies to students as well

Being an Effective ALT English vs Japanese Try to use English whenever possible Elementary school vs junior and senior high school Japanese with low level students outside class

Being an Effective ALT Know your students Learn names when you can Class sizes and visit frequency vary Remember things they like You can’t know everyone well – try your best