What is it?
The ALT exchange is a concept that is focused towards places that have a number of ALTs working in the same city. The aim is to allow students to have real life experiences with native speakers whom they do not know. After introducing a friend of mine to my students, I realized just how enthusiastic students are about trying to communicate, and how this compels them to test boundaries with their English skills. Before you get discouraged, if you are interested in doing this project but are not confident in your Japanese skills, there is a billingual attachment at the bottom of this page that should help you out. :)
Activity Objective
The purpose for ALT exchange is to expose students in the local area to the variety of cultures and nationalities that are present in the city ALT community. The aim of the exchange is to develop an understanding of the diversity of English speaking cultures in the world.
Summary of Activity
Two ALTs will swap schools for one day, participating in the same way the normal ALT would in their school environment. Also, maybe a lunchtime activity organized for the visit ALT to encourage student involvement outside of the class with the visit ALT.
Preparation and Planning
To obtain the maximum out of the visit ALT, a special structure will need to be put in place to ensure that the exchange is successful. Meetings between the ALTs involved are essential, to discuss the content of the visit day, the lead up and follow up activities. The more structured the days are, the more likely this project is going to be an ongoing activity in the area. It is also important that there is support and enthusiasm from the schools involved. Meeting between the visit ALT and the visit school are recommended to help in the planning of the day. This could be done on a Monday afternoon (when we don’t have meetings)
It is important to remember that students in Japan are shy when it comes to new people, especially new, foreign people. Students need to be informed and support also in the exchange through announcements, introduction board, newsletter, discussion etc.
1. What is needed:
Meetings between the ALTs interested and their own schools.
Meetings between ALTs to discuss the lead-up and follow-up procedures.
Meetings between visit ALT and visit school to discuss the structure of the day.
ALT visit school for the day.
Follow up report or discussion between the base ALT and the base school.
2. Proposed structure:
Lead-up:
Base ALT puts up a board about the visit ALT, informs students in school announcements, during class time or in the school newsletter.
A plan is laid down for the day including classes, topics (should be based around conversation and culture exchange, but not a self-introduction lesson), lunchtime activities etc.
Implementation: Follow-up
Summary
This project would benefit all parties involved in the development of communication, relationships and cultural understanding. It would benefit students in their understanding of the English culture and their development in the language. It would assist JTLs and schools in building culture links and understanding of the roles of the ALT in the school. It would help the ALT gauge the differences in schools in Japan, even within just one area. With the full commitment of all involved, the Joetsu community can become more involved in International relations.
Interested Schools
A list of interested schools means the list of ALTs and JTLs who are interested in participating after receiving more information about the exchange.
Attachments: