Visitor's Comments

Last update: 5/30/2005

These are commets on the questionnaires: #1 or #2


ADDRESS=******
JTE=It is very difficult to move from one culture and speak in that culture.
NAME=Gary****
Need:Changeofthinking=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Sentence:ESP=It depends on what the students are planning to do. If they will remain in Japan and have traditional Japanese jobs that will have little or no interaction with the international community, probably not. However, if they plan on being in the computer industry, for example, there are a lot of English technical terms that are used in the computer industry. Also, any job that requires international contact, such as the tourist industry, would require some knowledge of English. Speaking on a general basis, however, it would assist in the growth of the student if he or she were able to learn English or another foreign language and learn about that country's culture. I can assure you that when I returned from my 4 years in you wonderful country I was not the same person from 4 years before. I was able to immerse myself into the culture, going to Noh plays and Koto concerts. I did not understand what was going on all the time, but I appreciated it just the same.


Finally, let me thank you for allowing me to give you my simple thoughts on this subject. I know that the job of a teacher is difficult and I wish you the best in your efforts.

Sentence:Englishskill=Spoken English is very important as that what most of day to day communication consists of, however, just teaching a person to speak English properly is impossible without the knowledge of grammer and the idiomatic intricacies of a language. Also, a knowledge of a country's culture is very important. For instance, when I was studying German in high school we were required to read books in the German language. This was very difficult for me because all words do not translate directly, however, years afterward, I realized that the instructor had done us a favor by making us read those books, because we were able to get a good understanding of the German thought process.
Sentence:Internet=Well, the Internet is an astounding technology. I recently completed some technical classes using the internet and it certainly has its place in study, but I feel, that in the study of English, there is no substitute between the direct communication between a student and a teacher. So I would say that the internet could be used as an additional tool for the teacher's use, but it would be very easy for the student to become frustrated with the internet if a problem was unable to be resolved. However, the internet could be used to develop a study program for each individual student, if the time were available to do such a thing. For instance, you may have some students that are interested in sports so you could refer them to a sports internet web site where they would have more of an interest in translating the words on the page. Especially, any comments made by the sports stars themselves.
Sentence:beginningage=I am not an expert of languages, however, everything I have read by experts indicates that the yonger a child starts learning English, or any foreign language for that matter, the easier it is for them. Their brains have not been "hard wired" to listen to only one language. I must tell you that the most impressive Japanese student I have ever met was when I was on a trip to inspect a radar site on a remote island in the Korean strait. This student could speak almost perfect English and when I asked him who his English teacher was, he said he didn't have one, he had learned how to speak English using American Armed Forces Radio. It has been over 30 years and I have never forgotten that encounter.

_accept_html=anketoaccept.htm
comment=I am a U.S. citizen but I have had the good fortune to spend 4 years in Japan in the Fukuoka area when I was a young man. I really enjoyed my time there.
generation:50=ON
job:kigyo=ON
man=ON
 

ADDRESS=*****
NAME=isakito
Need:Changeofthinking=ON
Need:bodylanguage=ON
Need:communication=ON
Need:crosscultureUnderstanding=ON
Need:listening=ON
Need:speaking=ON
Sentence:Englishskill=

I think that Japanese students need to learn how to speak or how to communicate more than learning grammar.
Because, the most important thing is to speak and listen not to write correctly...
Sentence:Internet=I think they you use many interesting English exercises...
so the students can learn English playing and enjoying.

_accept_html=anketoaccept.htm
comment=im Japanese, Im studying in University in Chile.
generation:20=ON
job:student=ON
woman=ON

NAME=Mirjami
Need:bodylanguage=ON
Need:communication=ON
Need:crosscultureUnderstanding=ON
Sentence:ESP=
I think English is pretty vital nowadays, but it has to be said: not everyone will actively use English in their every-day life. However, I think that familiarising oneself with a foreign language and culture is beneficial for personal growth. We need emphatic people who understand cultural differences, even in Japan. Japan will also have to change in it's attitudes towards foreigners, and this change begins with good old-fashioned cultural exchange in the classroom. You teachers have a huge responsibility:)
Sentence:Englishskill=Understanding of 'the West' not being a culturally homogenous area is desireable, and that English is being spoken (outside America) in different ways. Language studies should absolutely not be separated from cultural studies, and culture should be understood WIDELY (food, film, music, cartoons, et cetera). It is the teacher's responsibility to introduce foreign cultures to the classroom. Also, I think the emphasis should be on communication skills..Easier said than done, I know.
Sentence:Internet=
The internet is a treasure chest for teachers, don't you think? Japan has not expanded into cyberspace quite as rapidly as the so-called West, the amount of interesting sites is mind-boggling.

I think that the internet as a whole is inspiring. When I worked as a teacher here in Finland I found materials or ideas for lessons just by surfing for a couple of hours.
Also, think of setting up a school web site, which is updated by the kids in English! Or a weblog, which acts as a school diary, where each class writes about a day in the school life...I don't know. These might already be old fashioned ideas.
Sentence:beginningage=
Hmm. Difficult question, as you have so much to learn in your own language at that age with all the Kanji.
I started learning English at 9, and it worked well for me. At the time I didn't have an option, but nowadays Finnish kids can choose, which language they want to start studying at 9, which at 10, then again at 13, 14, and it is possible to take yet another language or two in high school.
I think it is easier to learn a language when young. The older the student, more difficult it gets as youngsters get 'stuck in the rut', ie caught in the Japanese culture, but are not yet mature enough to foresee the benefits of speaking another language. GET THEM WHILE THEY'RE YOUNG!

_accept_html=anketoaccept.htm
comment=I'm from Finland. Lived in Hanno-shi in Saitama pref. 2000-2001.
generation:20=ON
job:officialservant=ON
job:politician=ON
woman=ON

NAME=Donald
Need:basicability=ON
Need:bodylanguage=ON
Need:communication=ON
Need:listening=ON
Need:manner=ON
Need:reading=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Need:speaking=ON
Need:writing=ON
Sentence:ESP=It should be optional. I wasn't forced to learn Japanese at high school and if I did I would have resented it. A lot of the students will never travel and use their English, and even if they do a simple phrase book and gestures would serve most of their needs. Then the students that choose to study English will not be distracted by those who are sitting there talking.
Sentence:Englishskill=Expressing themselves verbally is important.

For example a third grader at my school got 98% in his exam and I thought "Here's a student I can speak to" but when I tried to have a simple conversation with him using grammar he knew he just said he didn't understand (What are you going to do at lunch time?). Yet other students with more enthusiasm who aren't as good at written English will come and communicate with me about their interests.

I think languages are meant to be spoken. What good is it to do well in an exam but to be unable to communicate verbally? I have learnt write a lot of grammar myself that isn't even taught in New Zealand. Some of the Japanese students would be better at spelling and grammar than mid-level native English students but that won't help them communicate.
Sentence:beginningage=The lower the better.
Teaching the sounds to young children is important. Maybe they will not be as embarrassed as older students trying to make new sounds and their ability to learn new sounds is supposedly better at a young age. Even if it's just games, songs, and commands at kindergarton.
_accept_html=anketoaccept.htm
comment=I'm an AET from NZ. I just spent a day giving interview tests to second grade students at juinor high. I am not a trained teacher but every day I have to try to help students learn Enlgish. I like your website.
generation:20=ON
job:teacher=ON
man=ON
 

email =
name1 = debbie
address = Venezuela South America
phone =
Message =

I am an English teacher as well as my husband and we are both taking at the present a diploma course at the University in English as a second language. I came across your web page while investigating the Natural Approach. After reading your comments I see that the Teaching of English as a foreign language in Japan is carried out in rather particular circumstances. It seems quite interesting and I understand the dilemma for teachers who wish to teach English as a living language.

good luck to you!

Greetings,DEBORAH bETANCOURT
 

NAME=manju
Need:basicability=ON
Need:bodylanguage=ON
Need:communication=ON
Need:manner=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Need:speaking=ON
_accept_html=anketoaccept.htm
comment=indian, want to english grammar details briefly to speak excellently
generation:30=ON
job:kigyo=ON
woman=ON
 

NAME=Yoshiko
Need:communication=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Sentence:ESP=I think every student should be provided with the equal opportunities in terms of English at junior high school level. But above high school level, students themselves could have a free choice if they want to further develop their communicative English skills in addition to their conventional school English knowledge. Or else, if they are satisfied with the minimum English knowledge, that's fine because not all Japanese need English skills in their daily life.
To become proficient in English in EFL environment like Japan is a very tough job. i personally feel that we can't impose it to every student if they don't have a special interest in this field. We can't expect all students to acquire sufficient English skills for business with the present Japanese education system.
If we start teaching English at earlier age, however, the situation will change and become much better. So I'm totally optimistic about the outcome of the idea that Japanese elementary schools start teaching English to children. That way, a lot of students would feel more familiar with spoken English by the time they get into juior high and will be more motivated to learn communicative English, not only during at school, but also all through their life.
The significance is that ---students will stop thinking English is just a "mere educational subject" and start considering it as a "living language" and as a "communication tool"...
I hope that I can see the changes soon and Japanese English education becomes much more efficient and effective to students and their English-learning becomes greatly accelerated.
I also think English teachers need to be motivated and trained to be proficient in English communications first of all. As a teacher myself, I know it is very challenging. Some of my students in Japan used to be junior high or high school English teachers. They constantly told me that they were in trouble motivating themselves. This is also a very important issue that should be taken care of...as one of those teachers, this is my own issue as well, after going back to the Japanese EFL situation...

comment=I'm currently taking a TESOL master program in Los Angeles.
generation:30=ON
job:jieigyo=ON
job:student=ON
job:teacher=ON
woman=ON
 

NAME=donkor
Need:communication=ON
Need:crosscultureUnderstanding=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Need:speaking=ON
_accept_html=anketoaccept.htm
comment=Ghanian. I am a professional soccer player, presently coaching in Taiwan. Can you suggest any schools in your area, or other areas, that might need a soccer coach. I have played in Germany, Malaysia and Nigeria. Thanks
generation:30=ON
job:others=ON
man=ON

NAME=kuwano
Need:bodylanguage=on
Need:communication=on
Need:listening=on

Sentence:ESP=I think it depends on person.

Sentence:Englishskill=I think they should study how to communicate first. I'm studying English in Canada. I could't talk with homestay family when I came here. I studied Grammer in junior high school, it didn't help me. It wasn't interesting and was so boring for me, so I didn't like to study English. I like to study English now because I can communicate with Canadian. It helps me to study English.

Sentence:beginningage=baby

generation:20=on

job:student=on

woman=on

Comment=If my son or daughter ever misbehaved in the classroom, I would want to know about it so that I could be involved and help with any disciplinary action. I think that teachers should guide and reinforce good manners, but the parents have the ultimate responsibility for their children's discipline.

Email=oiea@****
Sei=Dansei
discipline select=parents together
myName=Eric ****

pc=windows

who?=parents

JTE=I think listening comprehension and extensive reading are the most important.

NAME=Seiji ****
Need:basicability=ON
Need:crosscultureUnderstanding=ON
Need:grammar=ON
Need:listening=ON
Need:reading=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Need:speaking=ON
Need:writing=ON

comment=Japanese

generation:60=ON
job:student=ON
man=ON

NAME=riya
Need:basicability=ON
Need:bodylanguage=ON
Need:communication=ON
Need:crosscultureUnderstanding=ON
Need:listening=ON
Need:reading=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Need:speaking=ON
Need:writing=ON

Sentence:ESP=I would say........no and yes.(For "no")Some students are very poor in English but they find out their great ability toward other language than English when they enter university.Some students don't need English at all for their entire life.I think there should always be an option.Not only English but for some students, korean Hangul or Chinese could be more useful in their future career.Language learning should focus more on student's preference, their future, their needs and not on the test...If they can chose what they want to learn, I think motivation toward the language class will increase more and they will feel more satisfied.

(For "yes") On the other hand, English is the most common language in this world these days.Also, by learning other language, students can expose to world outside their country which could enhance their "internationalization" more.

Sentence:Englishskill=Most important...I can't choose from the basic four skills in learning language (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) so I would say well balanced skills of those four and a little bit more confidence in their speaking skills.

Sentence:Internet=(1)I think if you surf the net, there are so many interesting materials that you can use in the class.

(2)Create a web community to make friends all over the world and communicate and discuss the teaching strategy with them.

(3)Try to use the internet in the class.(For example, there are so many useful on-line English language practice drills out there) and games too.

Sentence:beginningage=I agree in some degree.I think it is very effective for the younger age students to expose to an auditory English from the elementary school.But I don't know if it is effective enough to start with grammars when they are at the stage of learning their own language.(Could be confusing for them to persist on two different grammars at such a young age)If the plans are unfinished or half-finished, it is counterproductive to teach English to those students.It should be well planned.

generation:20=ON
job:student=ON
woman=ON

NAME=Keiko
Need:Changeofthinking=ON
Need:communication=ON
Need:listening=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Need:speaking=ON

Sentence:ESP=Yes, they do need to learn English if they want to succeed in the international community. Knowing English is no longer a special skill, it is rather a required skill to play an active role in the world.

Sentence:Englishskill=Definitely communication skills. I know students are expected to know as much grammar as they can for the high school entrance exam but we all know that itself does not help them much to be able to carry on a conversation in English.

Sentence:Internet=There are many useful educational sites that teachers can use to teach conversational English. It is often fun and very interactive. I don't think the lecture based traditional teaching methods keep students motivated to learn English.

Sentence:beginningage=I think it is a great idea. That is when students have less pressure to get good grades. So they tend to be able to learn English through playing with the language. I think they should start learning English as early as they can.

comment=I am a native of Japan but it has been 8 years since I moved to the United States.

generation:20=ON
job:teacher=ON
woman=ON

JTE=It would be nice to have an American to visit you school for awhile. I can visit Japan and teach English and American culture.

NAME=****
Need:Changeofthinking=ON
Need:basicability=ON
Need:communication=ONN
eed:crosscultureUnderstanding=ON
Need:listening=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON
Need:speaking=ON

Sentence:Englishskill=practice in English communication with an American.

Sentence:Internet=Teachers can have students have Internet penpals. I can be an Internet penpal.

comment=Both of my parents are from Japan, but I was born in America.

generation:30=ON
job:jieigyo=ON
job:schoolrelative=ON
job:teacher=ON
man=ON

NAME=****
Need:Changeofthinking=ON
Need:communication=ON
Need:crosscultureUnderstanding=ON
Need:listening=ON
Need:selfexpression=ON

Sentence:ESP=I don't think that Junior high students really need English. Because they are still too young to consider their future, let alone English need.

Sentence:Englishskill=I think that Self-expression abilitiy in English is the most important in 21 century.

Sentence:Internet=They should contact with other English teachers and native speakers to get more useful insight about English Education.

Sentence:beginningage=It is good planning I think.

Many research are showing that early English education is better to improve total English proficiency in the end, especially pronunciation and listening ability without hindering the mother tongue.

comment=I'm Japanese. I want to know the matter of English Education in Japan more
generation:30=ON
job:kigyo=ON
job:student=ON
man=ON

NAME=****

Need:speaking=ON

Sentence:ESP=Japanese Junior High school students really need English because they learn faster at that age and we all know that English is the international language and it's very important for business and future travel.

Sentence:Internet=Yahoo.com

You can get much more information for English questions from the American website.

comment=I'm an American and I have been teaching English for 4 years in Japan

generation:40=ON

job:teacher=ON

man=ON

NAME=****

Need:bodylanguage=ON

Need:communication=ON

Need:selfexpression=ON

Sentence:ESP=Yes, but the other way than current teaching.
More focus on communication is much more necessary than just teaching what English is (in Japanese).

Sentence:Englishskill=Experience in using English for communication is the least done at Japanese school but most important thing.

Generally, Japanese adults know what is English pretty much, but do not know how to use it.

Japanese people should have more opportunities in experience to utilize their English knowledge they learned.

Sentence:Internet=Internet may be helpful to experience the communication with English speaking people, not only for teachers but for students too.

Sentence:beginningage=Basically good thing.

I saw the Swedish people speak good English since they start learning English at primary school; and what they learn at school is not "This is a pen" but "Hi, how are you ?" and/or "My name is AAAA. What is your name ?"

Let me repeat that the purpose of language is communicating with the other people.

comment=We must keep in mind that the purpose of language is not language itself but COMMUNICATION.

generation:40=ON

job:kigyo=ON

man=ON

NAME=*****

Need:speaking=ON

Sentence:ESP=Japanese Junior High school students really need English because they learn faster at that age and we all know that English is the international language and it's very important for business and future travel.

Sentence:Internet=Yahoo.com

You can get much more information for English questions from the American website.

comment=I'm an American and I have been teaching English for 4 years in Japan

generation:40=ON

job:teacher=ON

man=ON

Comment=hello

hi this topice teacher manner

i hope teacher was very some angery because teacher is moyhre and father teacher teach children teacher learn children manner and disciplen but very important anybody respect teacher

i like some teacher

anyway buy mail send you plz

Email=

Sei=Dansei

Toshi=18

discipline select=teachers

myName=sajid raja

pc=windows

who?=teacher are very angery

Comment=Do good and try to good , then u teach and learn good .

Sei=Dansei

Toshi=24

discipline select=mother

myName=vineet

pc=windows

who?=God

NAME=Mieko French

communication-ishikishiteyaru=on

generation:40=on

grammar-atukai-reason=To communicate with native English speaking people both oral and in writing, English grammer is very vital tools and necessary for effective communication and mutual understanding.

grammar-need-comment=Studying English grammer is very important for any person who wants to communicate with English speaking people.

grammar-need-yes=on

job:officialservant=on

kiso-communication=on

kiso-grammar=on

kiso-listeningandspeaking=on

kiso-readingandwriting=on

kiso-taidokanshin=on

kiso-wordsandphrases=on

kisogakuryoku-sonota-text=The basic study of English should include studying words, grammer and learn how to speak and write English.

maijikanyaru=on

woman=on

JTE=It depends on the reason for the persons motivation for learning English.

NAME=Natalie Pangallo

Need:communication=ON

Sentence:ESP=once again it depends on the context in which the english will be used. put it this way i don't have a desire to learn japanese but my friend does.

Sentence:Englishskill=Once again it depends on the reasons a persons wants to learn english. if a student is aspiring toward being a doctor in an english speaking country then he/she would need to have excellent english speaking, reading, listening and writing skills. If a student has only a desire to visit an english speaking country and not live or work there, then he/she will cope with minimal english skills. Then there are those students who learn english just for the enjoyment of learning another language.

Sentence:Internet=i don't think you really can teach a language over the internet as face to face social interaction amongst non-english and englsih speaking students is the best way to learn and acquire a language.

Sentence:beginningage=as soon as they start school aged 5 or 6.

comment=Australian.

generation:30=ON

job:teacher=ON

woman=ON

Comment=I would like to say that I agree with you in every cases you mentioned. I m an English techer too in Turkey, in small town.

Our students' parents are mostly farmer and uneducated people.

They don't pay any attention to the their childeren's education.

But I believe we as teachers succeded some progress here.

We organised an action plan :

1-Reward : I sometimes give some little presents to my succesfull students and sometimes all. A pencil ,choclate .

When ? give them choclates we eat them together in the class.

2-Assignment For Students : I bought roses for alll students' mother s and they gave them to their mothers as a gift.

3-Guidance: We have a guidance class for an hour in every week. I decided to do this class at the weekend in one of our students' home. By this way I have a chance to talk about their parents.

4-I found pen-pals for my students. This drawed their attention to the English Class.

Sei=Dansei

Toshi=25

discipline select=teachers, parents and community

myName=Mevlut AYDOGMUS

pc=windows

who?=Family-Teacher

JTE=don't teach from just a textbook- make it interesting

NAME=makoto hamade

Need:Changeofthinking=ON

Need:communication=ON

Need:crosscultureUnderstanding=ON

Need:grammar=ON

Need:selfexpression=ON

Need:speaking=ON

Sentence:ESP=I believe each country's language define's their culture.

I wish it was not so that English would dominate so much of the world

but it does. Yes I think they need to know some English, just as I think

North Americans should learn some kanji. Honestly, there is no harm in learning

anything. Having spent time in Japan, it would be helpful because Japan looks

to the international market for a lot of its business. Many will also leave or

travel outside of Japan and it can only help to know some English.

I am a Japanese Canadian living in Vancouver, please contact me if you would like to talk about

other related topics. I know Japanese people in Canada who have failed in their transition to

English so I think I can offer cultural and language advice. I have also seen the some of the

mistakes of the Japanese system to teach english- the English taught was absolutely useless

and the people could not communicate even after years of learning. I'm only a student, but I have

learned my second language, and I can offer my experience. I'll be happy ot send you other information

and if you have any news/job for me, please let me know.

Thank you.

Sentence:Englishskill=Students should understand some foreign culture.

They should also work on pronunciation and listening.

to learn better, they must become interested in the subject.

Use popular culture, sports and music to extend their capabilities

because the english business world can be very casual.

In japan, there is levels of people (boss/worker/customer) and their

relationship/language is strict. In North America, the custom is to

be more open and friendly so students should be taught more than

business and vocabulary. They need to have personality and an

ability as well as a desire to further themselves in both language and culture

Sentence:Internet=Use the internet by providing sources where they may find simple

but interesting articles, music stations and topics of interest.

Even sound files for difficult words and interactive games that teach

or quiz students. Also a forum to connect and write to

foreign students via e-mail or mail. Use the internet to

show them what is on the internet(free helpful items)

Sentence:beginningage=I think Japanese is a difficult language unless you understand the culture.

Introducing English will not harm a learning Japanese but at such an

early age, it will hopefully be done so the children are happy and interested.

At the very least, it may be good for them to learn some pronunciations of words

that many find difficult ( r/L sounds).

Start early at age 5-8 with games, sounds, writing.

I would not get very technical till about age 12.

comment=work/business is not all formal- teach socialization. Even some words used in your questionaire seems strange to a native english speaker

generation:20=ON

job:student=ON

man=ON

JTE=Listening, understanding is basic to all the language learning

NAME=Asif Latif

Need:bodylanguage=ON

Need:communication=ON

Need:listening=ON

Need:selfexpression=ON

Need:speaking=ON

Sentence:ESP=Geographically, English is the most widespread language on the Earth.

According to a survey carried out in the United Kingdom some years ago, 550 million people around the world speak English as their first language, of which only 60 million are from the British Isles. The rest are non-British.

People who speak English fall into one of the three groups -- first, those who have learned it as their native language, second, those who have learned it as a second language in a society that is mainly bilingual, and third, those who are forced to use it for a practical purpose -- administrative, professional or educational.

One person in seven of the world’s entire population belongs to one of these three groups. Incredibly enough, 75 per cent of the world’s mail and 60 per cent of the world’s telephone calls are in English.

English – well there is no running away from it!

why not japanese!

write me back at < >

waiting for ur reply

Asif Latif

Sentence:Englishskill=At an international seminar organized by Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to discuss the teaching of the modern language, the following general principles were subscribed to by the majority of the delegates. These principles state the facts very clearly.

1. The approach -- to the teaching of all the foreign languages -- should be primarily oral.

2. Active methods of teaching should be used as far as possible.

3. The greatest possible use of the foreign tongue should be made in the classroom.

4. The difficulties of the foreign tongue in the matter of the pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar should be carefully graded for presentation.

5. The teaching of the language should be considered more as imparting of a skill than as the provision of information about the forms of the language.

The seminar further agreed that &#8216;the four fundamental skills to be taught are: understanding, speaking, reading and writing in the order named.&#8217;

Sentence:Internet=a plenty of websites offering language games, pezzles, online counselling for language learning,for problem discussion, you can find them through any search engine!

Sentence:beginningage=the best decision i will say, we have the same over here in Pakistan, frist we started english from class six, now english being introduced at elementary level, that step from our japanese counterparts be appreciated in wake of the international status of engilsh.

comment=am from Pakistan, got a masters degree in english language and literature, a highly motivated individual with an exceptional flair for english language teaching, currently working to identify "the factors hindering promotion of English in Pakistan" , a thesis in partial fulfilment of my masters in education, i wanna share our research findings!

generation:30=ON

job:teacher=ON

man=ON

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