How do you change what seems unchangable?
Recently we were reminded of the Simon & Garfunkel song I Am a Rock. It has been a frustrating experience attempting to teach English to Japanese high school students. There are few successes. We have come to believe that one of the more threatening reasons the Japanese don't learn English is because they are not only learning a language but a behavior. Learning English isn't just a language, it's a behavior. And it is this behavior that the students do not wish to learn; it is too far from their comfort zones. They have to learn to be free thinkers and not just regurgitate information.
So we are calling out to all those that read, what can be done to change these reluctant students. Any advise would be welcomed, from Japan or America or whatever country you happen to live in.
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1 comment:
So you're having tough times too. :)
I don't know if I have any advice. But if it's any comfort, it's not all the Japanese students that are unwilling to learn, right? Although it may be most of them. :) The best I can say is, try and see their good aspects. They all have at least one.
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