Journal of Applied Languages and Linguistics

Research Article

 

TITLE:  How can English Education Be Improved in Japanese Junior High Schools?

Author: Kushal Kireeti

Institution: The University of Sunderland, England

Mailing address: 101 Leo Palace Takanodai, 3-19-21 Minamitanaka, Nerima, Tokyo, Japan (177-0035)

Email: kushalks@outlook.com

Published online: 31 December 2018, pp. 88-97

Citation: Kireeti, K. (2018). How can English Education Be Improved in Japanese Junior High Schools? Journal of Applied languages and Linguistics, 1(1), pp. 88-97

 

Abstract

English education in Japan is often considered to be relatively ineffective by a number of individuals within and outside the field of education. This includes English education in primary school, secondary school, higher education and beyond. This paper focuses particularly on the three years of junior high school in Tokyo, examining potential barriers for students to elevate their English levels significantly. Interviews of teachers, class-observations and a student survey were employed as the media of practical research. While there were limitations, several points could be noted.  A major consideration is that while teachers’ opinions appear to conflict what students seem to experience, the complexity of cultural issues surrounding the classroom environment leaves it open to multiple interpretations.

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© Applied Language Studies House Publications 2018. All rights reserved.

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Keywords: natural English, autonomy, critical thinking, teacher-centered