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Copyright (C) 1999/2023 by Richard Graham www.GenkiEnglish.com
This article is taken from the 2001 Renewer's Conference in Kobe and was
prepared by the ALT Advisor at Monbukagakusho.
The following is not the new curriculum itself.
It is just a brief description of how the
curriculum is laid out and an overview of
the International Understanding (kokusai
riikai) portion of the curriculum, which
ALTs may be expected to help with. It mentions
what may be expected of ALTs and suggests
what types of activities could be used. It
is possible that your schools would like
to explain the International Understanding
portion of the curriculum to you, but aren't
sure how. So, please have a read.
**************************************
Beginning in April 2000, elementary schools
in Japan were allowed to introduce a new
"Period of Integrated Studies"
into their curriculum. Next year, in April
2002, with the introduction of the new course
of study, all elementary schools in Japan
will be required to do so.
The Period of Integrated Studies is a period
that has been allocated for cross-curricula
study. Some of the suggested areas that can
be covered in this period are: international understanding (kokusai rikai), the environment, welfare, and information
technologies.
Teachers at individual schools are asked
to develop their own programs after considering
the interests and abilities of their students
as well as the situation of their school
and local community. In addition to elementary
school teachers, members of the local community
and other human resources may be utilised
in these programs.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
International understanding is one element that many schools may choose to incorporate into their
Period for Integrated Studies. As an ALT, you may be required to assist elementary
schools with their programs.
International understanding education has
three main goals:
1) The development of attitudes that are
respectful of other cultures and qualities,
and the development of the abilities necessary
for living together with people from different
cultures.
2) Establishment of a strong Japanese identity
to better contribute toward international
understanding.
3) The development of basic foreign language
skills, the ability for self-expression and
other communication skills for expressing
one's own thoughts and intentions, while
respecting the position of others in an international
society.
In terms of specific learning activities
at elementary school, they may take the form
of 'student research projects,' 'international exchange activities,' and 'foreign language conversation'. All are effective for developing international
understanding and it is hoped that they will
be employed in an integrated manner.
Regarding the points to consider in developing foreign language activities
during the Period for Integrated Studies,
the Elementary School Course of Study states:
1) Activities should incorporate experiential
learning, appropriate for elementary school
students, in which the children are exposed
to foreign language and familiarized with
the daily life in foreign countries.
2) The primary purpose is to foster interest
and desire to use English-not to teach a
language. It is important to assess the students'
level and developmental stage in devising
activities. The contents and activities are
not fixed so teachers when devising activities
have to consider first the emphasis on 'spoken
English' and other areas such as: what the
students want to say and do; items that the
students can relate to in their daily lives;
items that increase students' awareness of
differences in other cultures,etc...
In keeping activities interesting, it is
possible to use such activities as: games, chants, suitable songs, picture books, easy role-plays/skits, use
of audio/visual materials, as well as events
introducing culture, special events and exchange
activities, etc..
The emphasis of foreign language activities
at the elementary school is on speaking and
listening rather than reading and writing.
The purpose is to spark an interest in foreign
language and cultures. It does not mean an
early introduction of junior high school
English.
This is Monbukagakusho's handbook for elementary school teaching. It is
written in both English and Japanese.
It contains: - Sample Lesson Plans
- English Activities
- Information about Team Teaching
- Background Information for Teaching at
Elementary Schools
This book can be ordered from almost any
bookstore, or by the person who comes around
to your school handing out brochures and
pamphlets. It only costs 100 yen. All you need to order the book is the name
and catalogue #. That info is:
Shogakko Eigo Katsudo Jisen no Tebiki.
(Practical Handbook for Elementary School
English Activities)
published by Kairyudo
Catalogue #: ISBN4-304-04078-2 C307
Cost: 100yen
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