A How-to for ALTs to Cope With Schools and Language

Photo GoToVan

For incoming JET ALTs and first-year contract ALTs who arrived before the pandemic exploded, there is a lot of navigation of cultural and language issues. You may find yourself in an academic context for the first time since you graduated from school. And the way Japan's schools operate is at once familiar and alien to you. Add a new language and stir. 

Don't feel lost. There are lots of resources to help you. Some of them are tried and true tools for teaching and learning. Here, I turn the tables by using two digital teacher resources and a low tech paper one to help you, the rookie ALT, with the tsunami of information about the ALT role and school life.

Vocabulary help with Quizlet

You may have encountered Quizlet, a powerful tool for vocabulary learning in any language. Many teachers in Japan, including me, use Quizlet sets to help students acquire English vocabulary and expression. 

Well, here's my way to pay it forward to you ALTs who are eager to learn the Japanese language and need a primer on school-related terms. 

To learn about the architecture you will encounter in elementary, junior high, and high school environments, I created a Quizlet set for places in the school. 

You'll also enounter a lot of vocabulary about academic concerns. Your Japanese colleagues may give you a potted version of school life, but it can blow past you fast. Don't worry, as I have you covered. Check out Japanese School Terms for ALTs: the academic year. 

Depending on your school placement, you may experience different kinds of organization. Some schools have three distinct terms with term exams. Others may test by units within the three-term schedule. The school year depends on the philosophy of your school, designating terms or units. You may be placed in one school, a few schools, or way too many schools. But you don't need to feel lost about where you're supposed to be and when.

A Low-tech Scheduling Solution 

Read about my ways of keeping up with scheduling at schools. This planner style was introduced to me by a school administration. I use it to plan backward - look at your goals and then build a sequence that culminates in outcomes. It's a way to pace your work over a term or year and stay sane.

The Lifecycle of the ALT on ThingLink
ThingLink is a digital platform on which you can turn photos and videos into interactive graphics. I built you one.

Click on the link below to view the interactive graphic

You're welcome. This interactive graphic has information on the kinds of ALTs, the training and networking available to support you in your job, and how to move on from ALT work. ThingLink is free, and once you see how it works, you might want to use it yourself to build digital interactives for your lessons.

Do you have a question? Ask away. I'll address any questions with additional Quizlet sets or ThingLink interactives.