Post by Otaku on Dec 14, 2007 15:10:58 GMT 8
I would dare say a lot of schools, especially BOEs, view their ALTs as nothing more than window dressing when it comes to actually listening to what they have to say and thinking these outsiders can actually teach do any good in the English classroom, much less, altering methods of doing things that would greatly increase work efficiency, effectiveness and morale. Let's not even get me started on the importance of having a high morale in the workplace.
Now, I understand there are already systems in place and it is virtually impossible to change those systems, especially if the person seeking change is not Japanese. However, things need to change otherwise as the world goes into the 22nd century, Japan's mindset will just be peaking the 21st.
A 'system' is only a good system if it is infallible but the simple definition of 'humankind' brings about a degree of imperfection. So naturally, systems must change to keep up with present times. If not, things become stagnant and outdated. This is where Japan shows off its stagnant muscles.
In Japan's left-hand, there are a handful of ALTs who have many great teaching ideas about improving its English education system. While these ALTs might not know everything there is to know about the system, their actions alone show dedication and desire to their job and Japan's future generation. I think any job field MUST have these two D's in order to bring about any real change. Once again, this goes back to having a high morale in the work place.
I've sat and listened to many arguments like, "This is Japan. Let Japan worry about their own children," but I have two major quick fireback responses to people who offer this measly argument. One, shutup! And two, shutup! First of all, the viewpoints of people who say these types of things need to change because what they are actually saying is that people should only care about issues and problems affecting their own country. Second of all, we all might live on different islands but we live on the same planet. We are all connected to each other in one way or another so stop with the separatist way of thinking.
In Japan's right-hand, there are a handful of ALTs who might not be system-changing orientated but are still really good teachers in the day-to-day English classroom. These ALTs aren't worried the system on whole, but rather just enjoy teaching and are really good at it.
Japan has both hands full of quality ALTs, who could make a difference if given a chance, but instead it chooses to free its hands by emptying them into the ALT garbage bin already full of disgruntled, burnt-out ALTs who have either been borg-anized or acclimated into the Jatrix. Why? Is it because of a preconceived ALT stereotype that we are only here for the onsens and green tea or is it the sheer discriminatory fact of being non-Japanese?
However you cut it, ALTs could be an invaluable resource but have remained untapped. They are only being used as window dressing. How does one change an entire culture's window-dressing mindset?
Now, I understand there are already systems in place and it is virtually impossible to change those systems, especially if the person seeking change is not Japanese. However, things need to change otherwise as the world goes into the 22nd century, Japan's mindset will just be peaking the 21st.
A 'system' is only a good system if it is infallible but the simple definition of 'humankind' brings about a degree of imperfection. So naturally, systems must change to keep up with present times. If not, things become stagnant and outdated. This is where Japan shows off its stagnant muscles.
In Japan's left-hand, there are a handful of ALTs who have many great teaching ideas about improving its English education system. While these ALTs might not know everything there is to know about the system, their actions alone show dedication and desire to their job and Japan's future generation. I think any job field MUST have these two D's in order to bring about any real change. Once again, this goes back to having a high morale in the work place.
I've sat and listened to many arguments like, "This is Japan. Let Japan worry about their own children," but I have two major quick fireback responses to people who offer this measly argument. One, shutup! And two, shutup! First of all, the viewpoints of people who say these types of things need to change because what they are actually saying is that people should only care about issues and problems affecting their own country. Second of all, we all might live on different islands but we live on the same planet. We are all connected to each other in one way or another so stop with the separatist way of thinking.
In Japan's right-hand, there are a handful of ALTs who might not be system-changing orientated but are still really good teachers in the day-to-day English classroom. These ALTs aren't worried the system on whole, but rather just enjoy teaching and are really good at it.
Japan has both hands full of quality ALTs, who could make a difference if given a chance, but instead it chooses to free its hands by emptying them into the ALT garbage bin already full of disgruntled, burnt-out ALTs who have either been borg-anized or acclimated into the Jatrix. Why? Is it because of a preconceived ALT stereotype that we are only here for the onsens and green tea or is it the sheer discriminatory fact of being non-Japanese?
However you cut it, ALTs could be an invaluable resource but have remained untapped. They are only being used as window dressing. How does one change an entire culture's window-dressing mindset?