Teaching English in Japan is BULLSHI*T <Summary and Views>

Teaching English in Japan is BULLSHI*T <Summary and Views>

TEACHING ENGLISH IN JAPAN IS BULLSH*T (even as a Japanese)

This is another summary on a Youtube video on English Education in Japan.This video is played more than the previous one I’ve done. Again, I’ve written my point of view after each summary of the part.

Introduction of the Youtuber

Summary>

After graduating from a normal high school in Japan, the youtuber went to college in America. He studied linguistics and came back to Japan with a bachelor's degree. He scored 990, a full score,  on the TOEIC test and started working as an English teacher in Japan. It seemed to be a dream come true but ended up quitting after 6 months. 

My View>

Not much to say here except for that I guess he worked hard.

The English Education Situation in Japan

Photo by Akson on Unsplash

Summary>

The general belief of English Education in Japan is that Japanese people’s ability to speak English is associated with the quality of education. People often compare the English level with other Asian countries and point out how low it is and that’s because of the Japanese English education system.

My View>

Honestly, I wouldn’t disagree with this. It’s a fact. Ability, or maybe just the mentality, to speak English is lower compared to other countries and if there is something to blame on, I would go with the education system. 

Counter of the Common Saying

Photo by Ivan Lapyrin on Unsplash

Summary>

A lot of Japanese claim that despite the six year education in English, they are not able to speak English at all. The youtuber counters this idea. He counters this idea by saying that nobody can master English just by taking classes at school and completing homework just like you can’t become a scientist or a professional athlete after graduating from high school, especially if you had been just sitting or sleeping throughout the years, yet people blame teachers and the system for the poor outcome. 

My View>

This part, I would say, is a trick. The problem with this statement is that when we talk about improving English, especially speaking ability, it does not require a professional level. People are not hoping to make a living out of it. Just basic communications like, telling what happened, what’s wrong, sharing a portion of your idea. That’s what has been asked for. Is that equivalent to being a scientist or an athlete?  I doubt it.

Reality of Language Learning 

Photo by Andreas Kind on Unsplash

Summary>

The key-element of mastering a language is immersion and practice because the reality is that learning a language requires boring and lonely work along with the interest of culture and history. Ignoring that, as an easy excuse, teachers and systems are to be blamed.

My View>

I completely agree with this. On the way to mastering a language this is absolutely important. No doubt. My point is that it is the job and purpose of teachers and the system to provide that environment and has no reason not to be blamed.

English Education Industry

Photo by Ruthson Zimmerman on Unsplash

Summary>

Under such circumstances, the job of an English teacher is to find reasons to study English for students who don’t really need it and also to motivate them.  English is not necessary for everybody though companies will say otherwise to keep their profit.

My View>

The English education industry is weird. I’ve never done any serious research but despite all the advertisements and private schools around, I bet there are more of them than any other countries. That explains how good the business can be. I guess it works well based on the subconscious guilt of not being able to use English, which in reality doesn’t matter much.

Get Real

Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash

Summary>

Although Japanese English Education needs improvement, arguments on how the English education should be this or that is quite nonsense. It should shift its focus on how much work individuals should put in when they really need it, which is not the case for everybody. For those who need it,there are resources that can be easily accessed. People should get out of the illusion of the system improving themselves. 

My View>

The youtuber has a point when he says a teacher is just someone to motivate the student . I totally agree and shouldn’t be doing it if you're thinking otherwise. Whatever you’re trying to master will require effort and engagement. Still, if you’re in class for 4 ~ 6 hours a week times 6 years, is it really impossible to have a practical communication skill or at least there seems to be a better way to utilize that time.