Online PD for Japanese Language Teachers (Sept 2020)

【Session A】

Let’s apply video learning resources from “Erin’s Challenge! I Can Speak Japanese.” in class

Date: September 29 (Tuesday) 10:00am-11:10am AEST & September 30 (Wednesday) 1:30pm-2:40pm AEST

Target: Secondary

Presenter: Minako Kadoi, Language Consultant

The Japan Foundation has released a renewed website with helpful video resources called “Erin’s Challenge! I Can Speak Japanese.”. This session will focus on promoting language learning and deepen understanding of intercultural learning by using the video resources provided by The Japan Foundation.

Participants will explore the contents of the website and we will showcase an example of how you can apply them in class. Then there will be a discussion to share your ideas on how to alter the resources to suit your class. 

This session is recommended for secondary school teachers and will be conducted in simple Japanese.

Preparation: Please bookmark the following website before this session. 

 “Erin’s Challenge! I Can Speak Japanese.” https://www.erin.jpf.go.jp/en/. 

This website provides video resources for students to learn Japanese language and experience Japanese culture through the relatable perspective of a high school exchange student, Erin.

【Session B】

Activities for the Australian Curriculum: promoting intercultural understanding with Japanese patterns 

Date: September 29 (Tuesday) 11:30am-12:40pm AEST & September 30 (Wednesday) 10:00am-11:10am AEST

Target: Primary / Junior Secondary

Presenter: Himiko Negishi-Wood, Language Consultant

In this session, participants will explore a series of activities using Japanese traditional patterns in order to promote intercultural understanding. Traditional patterns reflect culture, community as well as individual values and identities.

Participants will develop their understanding of what each traditional pattern represents and signifies in Japanese culture then identify and reflect on their similarities and differences with other cultures. We will then look at the sample task to discuss how concepts and language elements can fit together for the Australian curriculum.

A traditional tie-dye technique will also be demonstrated at the end of this session. This session is most suitable for teachers of Primary / Junior Secondary and will be delivered in simple Japanese.

【Session C】

How to have effective writing lessons

Date: September 29 (Tuesday) 1:30pm-2:40pm AEST & September 30 (Wednesday) 11:30am-12:40pm AEST

Target: Senior Secondary

Presenter: Shunsuke Hirakawa, Language Consultant

How do you normally go about writing lessons? What can we do to make students enjoy writing? In this session, we will discuss teaching methods to enhance students’ writing skills. First, we will introduce the most effective structure for writing lessons. In order for students to write well, we must tell them the purpose of the writing, who, what, and for what to write, and organise what students want to write in a concise manner. After that, they must understand the composition and expressions suitable for the text before writing. Finally, we will introduce group feedback activities so students can get corrections and pointers from peers. This session is most suitable for senior secondary school teachers and will be conducted in simple Japanese.