AUSTRALIA - JAPAN

EII of Australia's Teachers, Teaching Methods and Teaching Philosophy - General Information

Promoting Cultural Exchange
EII of Australia conducts intensive Japanese language assistant teacher programs - Teacher Training Course - in order to instruct native speakers on the use of The Image Lesson Method - a teaching method unique to EII. The original teaching method, curriculum, and materials used by EII's Japanese Language School has been designed to meet the needs of all students and sectors of business and industry. In order for students to reach the level of proficiency required by their particular field of work, a specific curriculum is required. This curriculum should incoporate practical conversation and vocabulary specific to their occupation. EII caters to these specific needs in our Coporate Japanese Language Programs. EII is currently the only Japanese organization with a Japanese school located outside of Japan, which is directly controlled by its parent company. Our future plans include the opening of a Japanese language training center and dormitory for foreign residents in Japan. EII is continuing its research into Japanese language studies and in doing so, endeavours to promote cultural exchange.

Providing Skilled Japanese Language Teachers
It can not be assumed that if a person is a native speaker that they are qualified to teach Japanese. As interest in cultural exchanges and LOTE studies increases, so too does the demand for quality language teachers. In addressing this demand, EII's philosophy maintains the necessity for Japanese language teachers to have learnt, not only the textbook theory required by the Japanese Teaching Ability Proficiency Test, but also have undergone studies that will provide the necessary practical skills for effective education. Unfortunately, there are few training programs that provide Japanese language teachers in particular, with this practical knowledge and concrete teaching ability. EII has been collecting and analysing numerous data from the education of approximately three thousands students. By studying this data, EII has developed an effective teaching method -'The Image Lesson Method'. The strength of the Image Lesson Method (ILM) is the 'direct' manner in which students are instructed - the target language, Japanese, is taught using the target language. Therefore, all classes are conducted in Japanese, including the initial Beginner A, B and C levels.
The nature of the ILM requires intensive study and practical training prior to the teachers debut as an EII Japanese Language Teacher. Training teachers are instructed on students' learning patterns; methods for providing translation of vocabulary and grammar without actually using English translations; materials and teaching aids; and lesson plan preparation.

EII's Image Lesson Method
The 'Image Lesson Method' makes use of teaching aids such as image cards and analogies to encourage the formation of words by the students rather than relying on direct translation. The 'Image Lesson Method' encourages an understanding of the basic principals and use of Japanese language in an interesting and easy yet rapid manner. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills are given equal focus, and the most beneficial point of the 'no English in the classroom' rule, at least from the students' point of view, is the tendency for students to develop their aural skills from an early stage. As all students are required to participate in aural excercises, and Engish is not allowed, less confident students feel more comfortable testing their Japanese skills in the classroom because it is more unacceptable to use English than to make a mistake.

Outline of EII's Objectives
1. Continuous study and analysis of practical Japanese teaching methods
2. Japanese language education utilising the 'Image Lesson Method'
Japanese education for trainees at local public bodies
Japanese education for foreign workers and trainees in domestic enterprises
Japanese education for foreign residents in Japan
3. Training of Japanese language teachers
Instruction in the use of the Image Lesson Method for Non-Japanese language instructors
Training of Assistant Japanese Intern Teachers
4. Development and publication of teaching aids and text books
5. Collection and provision of information concerning Japanese language education
6. International exchange projects related to Japanese language education
7. Overseas educational training projects for Japanese language teachers