Tag: activities

  • Being Hired at National University Corporations – Martin E. Pauly

    IMG_7065-EditOn September 28 we were visited by Martin E. Pauly,  a Professor Emeritus in the Research and Support Center on Higher Education for the Hearing and Visually Impaired at the Tsukuba University of Technology.  He gave a talk on how one goes about getting hired at a University in Japan, and what they need to watch out for.

    Martin spoke of his experiences being hired and working for the Tsukuba University of Technology and his discussions with fellow professors. He was careful to mention that the hiring process in Japan is a very long and complicated process, especially for those departments looking for new professors. There are many bureaucratic obstacles that lie in the path of a job applicant, and they must be as patient and cooperative as possible.  He also spoke of the different contracts that Universities offer applicants. Martin stressed that a job seeker needs to be aware of the length and type of contract offered, as many these days are not permanent.

    Martin also shared some stories with us of what a person should not do while employed at a University in Japan, and what a person can do to increase their chances of landing that dream job. While the system has changed and it has becoming more challenging, there are still many opportunities out there. We want to thank Martin again for taking the time out of his busy schedule and joining us this past Sunday.

    Reported by Jason Hill

    All photography ©2014 Jason Hill

  • April 20 meeting with Peter J.Collins from the Foreign Language Center at Tokai University.

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    Iwate JALT met on April 20 to discuss “Supplemental Reading Material for Secondary Textbook Lessons.” Our guest speaker was Peter J. Collins, and he had plenty to say about using and making supplemental reading material to complement high school and junior high school textbooks.  He has an extensive background in developing readings for high school students as well as working with textbook makers.

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    His talk focused on ways English teachers in Japan can move away from the traditional ‘translate and memorize’ method  of doing reading assignments, and introduced a new process for which students get a richer background on optional reading assignments through additional readings that are created by JTEs and give more meaning and context to the material the students are trying to learn. Instead of simple grammar and pattern practice, this method challenges the students to comprehend the passages without the weight of previous ‘yakudoku’ learning to hold them back. Additional supplemental readings can be adjusted for the skill level of each classroom.

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    While the talk was designed for teachers and ALTs who work with high school and junior high school students, the information could also be useful for those who teach college and private lessons as well. The meeting had participants from all walks of English education, from private teachers to university lecturers.

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    We want to thank Peter for taking the time out of his busy schedule and sharing his research with us.

     

    Reported by Jason Hill

    All photography ©2014 Jason Hill