tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729864393685833997.post8943005995510786602..comments2023-08-17T00:14:11.350+09:00Comments on JAPAN HIGHER EDUCATION OUTLOOK (JHEO): Why English learning fails in Japan: Reason #1CEJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14080778566145093851noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729864393685833997.post-20903234756859943182008-03-29T12:47:00.000+09:002008-03-29T12:47:00.000+09:00The study of English has the potential to be a neg...The study of English has the potential to be a negative with a lot of individuals because it creates a lot of spread in test scores on entrance examinations to high school and university. Therefore, it can be a disqualifier in high stakes testing.<BR/><BR/>Some students at universities will say they like learning English with a foreigner because the usual approach is so different than what they have experienced. Actually, we could push this back to the high schools, where there are many JET Programme ALTs, and a class with a foreign teacher is often associated with things like 'pair work' conversation activities. <BR/><BR/>Many Japanese don't know where their actual English ability is, and therefore they have great difficulty in setting goals for their English study and learning.<BR/><BR/>Does any of that make sense in answer to the question? I think I could agree with the statement somewhat, but would flip it as well: there are many Japanese keen to study and learn English, but don't know how, and much of education here doesn't serve them. The universities are glaringly deficient because they typically don't place or track students based on abilities, tested proficiencies, or expressed wants and needs.<BR/><BR/>THANKS for your comments.CEJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14080778566145093851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8729864393685833997.post-80038546965650957522008-03-26T20:05:00.000+09:002008-03-26T20:05:00.000+09:00I have heard it said that "the Japanese like to st...I have heard it said that "the Japanese like to study English, but aren't very interested in learning it." <BR/><BR/>Do you agree with this sort of assessment?David Ochihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07103131228462329656noreply@blogger.com