- [2009.05.07] 2009:05:07:16:16:32
- Assistant Language Teachers: Qualification
In my previous post, I mentioned my research into the JET
Programme. I am interested in how
qualified the ALTs are because I help train them. From my research, I was surprised by two things. First, about 25% of the ALTs are very
well qualified. They have taken
the time to get a teaching certificate in TEFL (Teaching English in a Foreign
Language) and studied Japanese at the university level for 1 to 2 years. On the other hand, I was also surprised
that about 18% of the participants do not have any qualifications, experience
or Japanese language ability. The
reason that there is such a wide variety of ALTs is that the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs is responsible for recruitment, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs'
main goal for the JET Programme is not language education but increasing the
understanding of Japanese society and education among youth in the
participating countries (McConnell, 2000:30).
