|
Schools likely to be closed if there is a flu epidemic
The government is likely to close all schools in a prefecture if there is a serious flu epidemic, particularly if it is a new kind of flu. Schools are regarded as the major source of the spread of infectious diseases.
Language schools, particularly those that charge a monthly tuition fee, will have serious problems if this happens. During the bird flu scare many schools looked into how to get insurance to cover their losses if students stayed at home either because of a government order or simply to reduce the chances of catching the flu. At that time, insurance companies seemed unwilling to provide support, and the same things is likely to happen with any future problem of this kind.
November 19, 2008
Kansai Expo a great success
The ETJ Expo in Osaka on Sunday was a tremendous success. English teachers gathered from the whole Kansai region and even from further afield to attend presentations and look for teaching materials. There was a very positive and friendly atmosphere all day and teachers went home full of new ideas and enthusiasm.
The next Expo is in Sendai this Sunday and the following weekend is the Tokyo Expo combined with the Tokyo English Language Book Fair. These events are highly recommended for teachers living in these areas. You can see full details on the ETJ website.
November 17, 2008
Dual nationality may become legal
The LDP is considering a proposal that would allow the children of mixed-nationality couples to have dual nationality. One of the parents would need to be Japanese. Under the current law the children have to choose one nationality or the other by the time they are 22. Under the proposal, foreigners would also be able to obtain Japanese citizenship without giving up their original one. This is still all at the proposal stage and it will take time before changes are made to the law.
November 15, 2008
Brain research indicates Japanese students should start learning English at a younger age
Researchers at Tokyo University have carried out brain research on Japanese junior high school students, comparing students who started to learn English from the beginning of elementary school with those who started from junior high. The students who start earlier expend less brain energy when using English especially when processing grammatical tasks. The researchers concluded that it is important for Japanese children to be exposed to English from a young age. The research was published in 'Human Brain Mapping', a U.S. science magazine.
November 14, 2008
The principal event for English teachers in the Kansai area is this Sunday
All teachers in the Kansai area that are interested in professional development, finding new teaching materials or just meeting other teachers really should attend the ETJ Expo in Osaka on Sunday November 16th. It's being held at Seifu High school in the Tennoji area. Click here for a map and schedule of presentations.
The Expo starts at 9:00 and finishes at 6:00 in the evening. Teachers are welcome to go all day or just drop in for a while. There will be about 45 different presentations on everything from teaching young children to teaching university students. There will also be a wide range of teaching materials on display.
November 12, 2008
Teachers' Union calls on members not to attend English-education seminars
The Hokkaido Teachers' Union has called on primary school teachers not to attend seminars in English education that are being run by the Hokkaido Board of Education. The Board of Education has made the seminars a requirement for primary school teachers.
The Union is opposed to current plans to make English a compulsory subject in primary schools. They say the debate on primary school English education has been insufficient
November 11, 2008
Japan Interpreters' Association shuts down
The Japan Interpreters' Association, the most well-known body for certifying interpreters in Japan has been forced to close for financial reasons. The reason given on its website was that it 'has been forced to close down as it could not receive necessary financial assistance amid the economic recession of late'.
Despite being a private company, the association had gained widespread respect and recognition for the certificates it awarded. About 130,000 people have taken interpreter exams through the association since it was founded 35 years ago and it had a turnover of about 130 million yen per year.
Many people have already paid for the exams that were due to be held in many cities around Japan over the next few months.
November 10, 2008
Keio University Wins ESUJ Debate
The English-Speaking Union of Japan's annual university debate competition was held on October 12th and saw Keio University beat Tokyo University in a hotly contested final.
This year saw the largest number of participants with 36 teams from 30 universities. The motion for the final debate was "This House believes that taxpayers' money should not be used to bail out financial institutions." The debate took place in front of a large audience, including David Warren, the British Ambassador.
Visit: The English-Speaking Union of Japan
November 05, 2008
Macmillan Releases Nikkei Weekly Interview Book
eigoTown.com and Macmillan today released a new book containing 15 interviews with top foreign business executives in Japan. The book is in English and Japanese and is ideal for students of business English.
November 04, 2008
eigoTown Launches English Magazine Site
eigoTown.com has launched a new website where Japan-based teachers can quickly and easily subscribe to English magazines and newspapers. Periodicals currently available include: TIME, Newsweek, National Geographic, Scientific American, The Nikkei Weekly and others. More publications will be added shortly. Payment is by credit card or PayPal.
Visit: eigoTown.com: Magazines and Newspapers
October 21, 2008
|
discuss their latest co-authorship
titled Top Notch (2005), published by Pearson Longman.
