As teacher you are still learning things! - We are!"
Because you can write it, doesn't mean you can speak it and vice versa.
Hey guys on Ask Japanese it's Cathy Cat
This time we are gonna go and ask Japanese language teachers
the truth about what it is actually like to be a Japanese language teacher here
in Tokyo. They might share some ideas that you don't know yet and if you're curious
about studying Japanese language here in Japan
Stay tuned for that. We have done more on the topic, don't forget to subscribe for more
videos around this. Let's go and ask Japanese teachers about
what it's like to be a teacher here in Japan.
I have been a teacher for 15 years
and more.
The material we are using is changing.
Also the internet emerged, this will go up on YouTube right.
There are new type of media
and so I always have to keep on learning too.
I will attend seminars, and check the internet to
be able to know about the trends.
Teachers are still learning?! - We are not just teaching,
we are also learning all the time.
How long have you been teaching. - At this school for 2 years but...
I have been teaching for over 10 years before that. - Your Japanese
is so pretty and easy to understand. - I work hard on that
Are there secret efforts you do for your students?
The Japanese language is so hard because we have so many Kanji right
But the truth is... we teachers...
don't know the meaning of all Kanji that exist. We actually
go into deep research for them to understand the background and meaning
their story. It's part of Japanese culture. So we can tell students these things
in the easiest way. Kanji and words,
Japan has a traditional culture and new culture
The backbone of many things are kanji so it's good to know
the background story and students will get even more interested.
Even though students in one class are supposed to have the same level
each one has a different ability in understanding and how much
they learned in their own culture. I try to make sure
that I look at everyone there. - What I realized listening to you
is how your social connections matter. - It's not just teacher and students
but it's also about the atmosphere of the class and how easy
students can talk to each other. I try to help with that.
Monday to Friday the teachers change and team teach
and we hope to speak about it with each other, like if changing seats
would better things. We try to create the best classroom possible.
No class will work if you just focus on one student.
You need to follow up on student's homework and let them read things to see
if they understand the lecture. Ask them kindly "how did it go?" and such
I try to do that a lot. - Students that remember fast
and students that fall behind... how do you treat them?
Most students have an interest in Japanese culture before they come
those learn quickly, People that like anime, manga or games.
And those who love literature and traditions too
Those who have an interest in Japan
are eager to absorb Japanese skills.
On the other side, the culture and the formal language
we have in Japan is difficult. Some expressions are hard to explain.
Those not liking those and shouting "What a pain"
will struggle continuing their studies.
Don't get too frustrated or you won't continue?
True. If you don't enjoy Japanese, your motivation will decrease.
If you can write, doesn't mean you can speak it and vice versa
As teachers we try to fix and help out with that.
It's not just a teacher's experience. There are many studies
and seminars for teachers too. There me and my teacher friends
will meet up and try to absorb new information
We won't use it all, but get ideas for trying things in our class
and such. I try to include new things into my class.
These are extra efforts I do.
Our students come from many different countries. Some are very young
in their teens, some are in their 40s 50s
We try to make classes that work for all types of students
Some want to go to university or work in Japan
some learn Japanese as hobby. Everyone
has a different reason for learning.
I try to adjust my class for those needs
What I found really refreshing and interesting is that Japanese teachers still
keep learning. I think every good teacher
will say that to you. Life is a constant state of learning and
learning more and I find it really nice to
hear that teachers will also talk to other teachers asking "What worked for you?" get some
extra information or maybe even look into some Kanji that are
not used as common and they keep learning and you keep learning so it's not just
a one way thing. You can also influence each other. One thing that might work for one teacher
might not work for the other teacher but they are trying to improve and make their
language classes the best so you guys can enjoy it. So yeah teachers
it's a hard job but there is a lot of effort that goes into that.
Now if you are curious about learning Japanese language here in Japan...
there is a programme that is for free that connects students with Japanese language
schools, depending on what you wanna do, where you wanna be, how quickly you want to learn so
and how long you want to learn. It's called "Take me to Japan" some other YouTubers have mentioned it
as well. If you're curious about that there is a link down below so you can find out more
in case you are curious now about hitting the streets of Tokyo being here in
this place where I am right now, learning Japanese language. I wish you all the best with your Japanese
language studies. Don't forget before you come there is always a little bit of learning
you can do, for example learn Hiragana and Katakana before you come and start
Good luck with you studies and I catch you soon for.... Good luck and
I catch you soon for more videos here from Tokyo coming out to you with Ask Japanese. Bye.