The Four “BIGS” of an Effective ALT in Japan

An Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) job is your steppingstone to effectively learn the Japanese working culture. It can offer you with great experiences and future opportunities.

Along with good work -life balance and a chance to be immersed with the Japanese culture.

Here are four tips that will help you become a more effective Assistant Language Teacher in Japan. Take these to heart and put them into practice.

1. BIG Gesture

Gesture is a very important tool when it comes to teaching a second language. It is tightly connected to language, speech and easy understanding which are essential in creating an effective form of communication

One of the roles of an ALT is to introduce new words to the students. Big gestures can help you in conveying the meaning of the words to the students in a fun, easy and memorable ways.

For students, this will give them the option to express easier before they are able to say the words verbally. They will also retain the words by remembering the actions incorporated to it.

The Teachers on the other hand will be able to assess the understanding of the students through confirming the actions that the students would make.

It can create a relaxing atmosphere inside the classroom. When the students are having a great time, they will surely look forward to your next English Lesson.

2．BIG Reaction

Reactions and facial expressions are also essential in conveying a particular emotion or feeling related to a specific expression or word. It is a form of non-verbal communication.

The class flow normally starts by greetings, where the ALT would ask the students “How are you?” and vice versa. Facial Reactions can help you in conveying those emotions to the students as well as assessing the wellbeing and conditions of the students.

Are they happy, sad, hungry, hot, or cold? Sometimes, when the students are feeling hungry, they lose their attentiveness and concentration.

Knowing the conditions of your students will give you the idea and hint to create activities that would enhance the mood of the students.

3．BIG Smile

A smile can trigger that good feeling. It initially creates that rapport between you as an ALT towards the students and the Japanese Teachers.

It relieves a lot of stress and tensions. It creates a wonderful atmosphere necessary in maintaining a harmonious learning environment.

A wonderful smile can break that barrier between culture, language, and differences. So, remember to always wear that BIG SMILE inside the school!

4．BIG Boss Shinjo!

If you spent your time long enough in Japan, you probably came across with this famous name “BIG BOSS SHINJO!”

Tsuyoshi Shinjo also known as “BIG BOSS” is the first Japanese-born position player to play in the National League when he arrived in New York in 2001. He spent the 2002 season with the Giants, where he appeared in a World Series, before returning to the Mets in 2003. In 303 career games, Shinjo batted .245 with 20 home runs and a .668 OPS, though his defense in the outfield was always must-see TV.

When he returned to Japan to play with the Fighters, he helped the team win a title in his final season.

For Japanese people, Big Boss Shinjo is considered as an ultimate performer in his own respective field. He has the charisma and charm to win his audience.

As an ALT, charisma and charm are powerful traits to successfully work your way around the school. You need to be approachable, energetic and be seen as someone reliable and capable of doing your job. Become a total performer and be like Big Boss Shinjo!!!