Jun 24

Just Teaching: Tests are standard, Learning is not

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Kevin Stein (Ishikawa-ken, 2000-03) has been an English teacher in Japan for 18 years.  He has taught at the university, high school, junior high school, and elementary school levels. He has trained public junior high school teachers, served as a mentor through International Teacher Development Institute, and occasionally blogs at The Other Things Matter.

Kevin is currently seeking new work opportunities at the university level as well as outside of education. Please feel free to contact him directly at kevindsteinELT@gmail.com. His CV is available online at: https://theotherthingsmatter.wordpress.com/curriculum-vitae/.

This year, I am training the teachers in my school system on how to use the standardized test prep curriculum developed for the International Course at my high school in Osaka, Japan. 

While I am not a huge fan of standardized tests as the primary measure of students language ability or for evaluating the effectiveness of a language program, I do think that they have a role to play within English language learning. Perhaps most importantly, students are often highly motivated to take and pass (or attain a high score) on standardized tests. So these tests can be an excellent vehicle for helping develop students’ autonomous study skills or for rapid vocabulary acquisition.

In the program at my school, standardized test prep classes focus on: how to make effective vocabulary lists and word/phrase cards with Quizlet; micro-listening activities to develop decoding abilities around connected speech; and metacognitive skills to help students develop a higher awareness of how they read and correct any habits which inhibit comprehension. A thoughtful test prep program—in conjunction with an extensive reading program and a fluency focused speaking class—has led to an average 3rd year students’ final TOEIC score average of 640 points and has helped over 40% of our 3rd year students to pass the EIKEN pre-1 test.  

While I do believe there are real benefits to including a formal system—whether in the form of specific classes or mandatory language lab time—for helping students prepare for standardized tests, I also think that it is important to remember that just because you have a system, doesn’t mean that students will be able to make use of it effectively.  Pressure around standardized testing goals can also result in high levels of student anxiety, anxiety which can inhibit students ability to concentrate on test materials…or occasionally even process basic instructions. Read More

Jun 22

Job: Associate Director of Communications – The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation (Washington, D.C., USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Associate Director of Communications – The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation (Washington, D.C., USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Associate Director of Communications
Posted by: The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a JET-relevant job forwarded to us:

The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes understanding and cooperation between Asia and the United States, seeks an Associate Director of Communications in its Washington, D.C. office.

The Associate Director of Communications will work with the Foundation’s Washington, Tokyo, and Montana offices to plan and execute the Foundation’s outreach, including its electronic newsletter, social media, website content, reports, and publications.  The Associate Director of Communications will be responsible for ensuring consistent and effective communications with the Foundation’s staff, Board, program participants, funders, and other stakeholders.  Specific responsibilities will include:

Editorial and Writing

Jun 22

Job: USA​ Admissions Advisor & University Partnerships Associate – CRCC Asia (Philadelphia, PA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: USA​ Admissions Advisor & University Partnerships Associate – CRCC Asia (Philadelphia, PA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: USA​ Admissions Advisor & University Partnerships Associate
Posted by: CRCC Asia
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contract: Full-Time

Thanks to JET alum Anthony Skedzielewski (Yamagata-ken) for the following job opening:

Company: CRCC Asia currently 8 office locations worldwide supporting admissions, university relations, program development and in country support. CRCC Asia employs a diverse workforce from over 10 different countries working within multiple time zones allowing for cross-cultural collaboration and expertise. The role of USA Admissions Advisor & University Partnership Associate will be based in our Old City, Philadelphia Office.

Role​: This unique position combines initiatives across two departments within CRCC Asia: Admissions and University Relations. In relation to Admissions, the individual will be interviewing, advising, and supporting students in regards to our award-winning internship programs. This will also include some account management duties such as visa processing, placement management, and payment administration.

In relation to University Relations, the individual will visit various universities and colleges to promote our programs, in addition to supporting our University Relations Managers with the business development of new university partnerships. Read More

Jun 19

Job: Director, Education & Community Partnerships – Japan Society (New York, NY, USA)

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Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Director, Education & Community Partnerships
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the organization:

Japan Society seeks an innovative educator and/or non-profit leader to spearhead new initiatives in global education, and raise the profile and impact of Japan Society’s education programs locally, nationally and internationally. The Director will be responsible to:

• Lead strategic planning efforts to evaluate Japan Society’s current education programs, and identify opportunities for new program initiatives;
• Implement new education programs aimed at K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and adult life-long learners;
• Promote the study of Japan as a focus of global education curriculums in K-12 schools as well as on the college and graduate school level in New York City and nationally;
• Initiate partnership arrangements with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, other education institutions, and relevant organizations;
• Promote global education through study-travel tours to Japan for American students and teachers, and to the US for Japanese students and teachers;
• Develop dynamic experiential programs for families with young children to participate in cross-cultural experiences highlighting major Japanese holidays;
• Capitalize on the interest of teenagers, young adults and others in Japanese popular culture to engage these groups with Japan Society’s broader programming, and to expand their interest in Japan’s traditional and modern history, art and culture;
• Identify ways to utilize digital technologies to provide curriculum materials and other educational information on Japan to a wider audience;
• Actively participate in fundraising efforts, and partner with the development staff on raising funds for new and existing education initiatives;
• Recruit, hire and supervise staff;
• Manage departmental budget.

Read More

Jun 19

Job: Japan Travel Consultant – InsideAsia Tours (Boulder, Colorado)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Japan Travel Consultant – InsideAsia Tours (Boulder, Colorado)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Japan Travel Consultant
Posted by: InsideAsia Tours
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the company:

InsideAsia Tours are now recruiting Travel Consultants for our InsideJapan brand in our office in Boulder, Colorado.

You will be responsible for creating, selling and delivering high quality Japan vacation packages. Most of your time will be spend interacting with clients or travel agents over the phone or by email, along with ensuring everything is in place so our clients have the best possible experience.

The role is very varied and requires strong organizational skills with an ability to handle a large variety of simultaneous tasks under strict deadlines. You will work within a team of other Travel Consultants, aiming to reach both individual and team sales targets while providing the highest level of customer service.

This position presents the perfect opportunity to begin a career in the travel industry but we are also very keen to speak to anybody with existing travel industry experience.

Originating in the UK we also have two offices in Japan, as well as one in Australia. In Boulder we have a team of twenty-seven and are looking for these new Japan travel consultants to help us grow onward and upward. Boulder and the surrounding area is a fantastic place in which to live and work.

For more information about the company, role, and great benefits and to apply, please see our website:

https://www.insidejapantours.com/jobs/

Jun 18

Job: Business Development Representative/Researcher – JETRO (Houston, TX, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Business Development Representative/Researcher – JETRO (Houston, TX, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Business Development Representative/Researcher
Posted by: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Contract: Full-time

Here’s a job sent to us directly from the organization:

JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO’s core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.

JETRO Houston is now accepting resumes for the position of Business Development Representative / Researcher. Please see the following link for details.

https://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/contact/jetrohut.html

Jun 18

Job: Program Assistant – Globalize DC (Washington, DC)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Program Assistant – Globalize DC (Washington, DC)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Program Assistant
Posted by: Globalize DC
Location: Washington, DC
Contract: Part-time

Here’s a part-time JET-relevant job opening shared with us:

SEEKING SHORT-TERM PROGRAM ASSISTANT FOR

OUR TOMODACHI US-JAPAN YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Globalize DC is currently seeking a short-term Program Assistant to work with us during the DC part of our TOMODACHI exchange (July 14-26).

This summer, Globalize DC, in partnership with American Councils for International Education, will once again offer its TOMODACHI US-Japan Youth Exchange Program, a two-way cultural exchange program for DC and Japanese high school students. This will be the program’s 6th year, thanks to continued funding from the US-Japan Council’s TOMODACHI Initiative. This summer’s group of 6 DC and 6 Japanese students will spend two weeks in DC at the end of July, followed by two weeks in Tokyo and Tohoku, Japan during the first half of August. If you’re not familiar with the program, you can find a lot information at www.usjapanfuture.org.

The Program Assistant will provide back-up support to the Program Director during the two-week DC segment, including real-time program confirmations, scheduling adjustments, meal pickups, social media, and assorted tasks as needed during the course of the program. Our preference (but not an absolute requirement) is for a Japanese speaker for this position, who will also be able to offer some language assistance to those Japanese exchange students who may struggle with understanding or expressing themselves in English. This will be a paid position.

To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here. If you know anyone who might be interested, please pass this information along. It’s really fun and the kids are always great!

Jun 15

Job: Exhibition Production Assistant – Kaikai Kiki (Seattle, WA, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Exhibition Production Assistant – Kaikai Kiki (Seattle, WA, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Exhibition Production Assistant
Posted by: Kaikai Kiki
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Contract: Full-time

Here’s a JET-relevant job passed along to us:

展覧会制作のアシスタント募集 / Exhibition Production Assistant Wanted

シアトルでの国際展覧会の制作とコーディネーションのアシスタントを募集しています。

必要なスキル：

• 米国での労働許可があること
• 日本語と英語の読み書き・会話ができること
• 芸術に対する深い興味があること
• 随時海外渡航が可能であること

理想的なスキル：

• 学士号取得者
• アートのハンドリング経験
• PC&MACスキル（特にMSエクセル）
• チームのコーディネート
• リーダーシップ、フレキシビリティ、学習意欲

カバーレターと履歴書を以下のメールにご送付ください。paatela@kaikaikikiny.net Read More

Jun 13

Job: Assistant Reporter – Asahi Shimbun (New York, NY, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Assistant Reporter – Asahi Shimbun (New York, NY, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Assistant Reporter
Posted by: Asahi Shimbun 
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-time

Here’s a job received directly from the newspaper:

The Asahi Shimbun newspaper seeks a skilled and highly motivated Assistant Reporter

The position is for its New York Bureau. The successful candidate will work closely with a correspondent covering general news in North America, including breaking news, politics and U.S. society, while also working with the New York bureau chief on long-term research projects and features.

Founded in 1879, The Asahi Shimbun is widely recognized as Japan’s leading and most respected national daily broadsheet. It has a circulation of nearly six million copies per day, and is read by a wide segment of the Japanese public.  The newspaper is particularly influential among Japan’s government officials, policymakers and academics.  It also reaches an English-speaking audience through its English language website. Its North American bureaus are located in Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco. Read More

Jun 12

Job: Coordinator – Oki Dozen High School (Shimane Prefecture, Japan)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Coordinator – Oki Dozen High School (Shimane Prefecture, Japan)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Coordinator
Posted by: Oki Dozen High Sschool
Location: Nakanoshima Island, Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Contract: Full-time (1 year contract)

Thanks to JET alum Josh Del Pino (Shimane-ken) for the following job opening at his school:

Responsibilities: The coordinator will be responsible for assisting 4 Japanese English teachers. The coordinator will also teach one class per week at the Learning Center which is connected to Oki Dozen High School.

A PR video about the Oki Islands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15yAUGHlP4Y&feature=youtu.be

Oki Dozen High School Website: http://www.dozen.ed.jp/

Salary: The salary is equivalent to a JET ALT salary. Since the funding comes from a prefectural fund and an SGH (Super Global High School) fund, the salary is divided and transferred to your bank account on two different dates each month.

Contract Period: September 1st, 2018 to September 1st, 2019

Living Conditions: Housing is provided for the coordinator and the monthly rent is 12,000 Yen (wifi and utilities are included). The coordinator will live in a sharehouse with 5 Japanese coordinators from different parts of Japan. You have your own room, but you share a kitchen and bathrooms. The house was renovated several years ago and it is very spacious. If an open room is available, you are free to live in a share house or an apartment that is located closer to the high school and learning center.

Japanese Ability: It would be ideal to have at least N2 of the JLPT, but it’s not necessary; be open and willing to use Japanese.

Transportation: It is not necessary to own a car, but it would be ideal since the sharehouse and the high school are about 4 kilometers away from each other. There is a bus on the island and It is possible to take the bus to work in the morning. I don’t have a car and I typically bike to and from school daily.

Application Process: If you have any questions or are interested in the position, please submit your resume in English (and Japanese if you have one) to Josh Del Pino at joshdelpino@gmail.com. I will then submit your resume to my supervisor.

Jun 11

Job: Administrative Assistant – Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (New York, NY, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Administrative Assistant – Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations (New York, NY, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Administrative Assistant
Posted by: Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, Social Section
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-time

Here’s a job received directly from the organization (English below):

Read More

Jun 11

Job: Digital Information & Knowledge Manager – Action Sustainability (London, UK)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Digital Information & Knowledge Manager – Action Sustainability (London, UK)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Digital Information & Knowledge Manager
Posted by: Action Sustainability
Location: London, UK
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to JET alum, Emily McBride (Shimane-ken) for the another job opening at her company:

Responsible for ensuring that our knowledge library of over 3,000 digital resources (e-learning, video, animation, online resource links, etc) within the Supply Chain Sustainability School is up-to-date, innovative and practical.

This knowledge will engage the supply chain and encourage them to continually learn through the School, and allow businesses to understand the steps they need to take to become more sustainable in the way they work and allow them to take action. The School will continue to be seen by the supply chain as the resource to use in order to meet with government and client sustainability targets, and as a tool to create change and embed a sustainable built-environment.

You will understand the key drivers of the stakeholders within the School and translate this into ensuring that the different types of knowledge contained within the School is leading edge and refreshed constantly.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate for the post will be able to demonstrate a track record in delivering electronic marketing campaigns and events & workshops programmes whilst managing key stakeholders  and their expectations, keeping to deadlines and achieving specific outputs.

Responsibilities:

• Understanding the objectives of the Supply Chain Sustainability School and the client audience, be responsible for the day-to-day management of the content within the knowledge management system (the School resource library).
• Seek out new and existing sources of content, liaising with Partners, sector leads and external bodies to ensure it is relevant to all members of the School. A research plan devised with timescales attached to achieve this.
• Build upon and enhance the resources in the current knowledge management system.
• Manage how the wider team adds new data (knowledge and resources) into the knowledge management system by developing and communicating a governance and process that uses best practice techniques.
• Develop and be responsible for the content strategy including the governance around knowledge management and the setup of systems and processes, and provide recommendations on knowledge management solutions that will support the running of the School interface.
• Work closely with the Marketing Manager to ensure new knowledge is communicated and promoted to members of the School (and thereby feeding into KPIs set for the School on member engagement).
• Work with the Marketing Manager to understand the School website user journey and ensure journey mapping is fit-for-purpose.
• Work closely with our website developer to ensure the School is delivered effectively and is fully optimised, and raise any issues with the developer as necessary.
• Have a desire to continuously pursue innovation and development, with a focus on knowledge users, Partners and members.
• Feed into the overall marketing strategy to ensure that industry news and new legislation allows the School to proactively respond e.g. Modern Slavery Act
• Support the wider team by recommending topics that should be considered for thought pieces and blogs to promote the School as an industry leader within sustainability in the built environment.
• Have a thorough understanding of the structure of the resource library and how it feeds into the various diagnostics ensuring practical and up-to-date action plans are produced.
• Work with other knowledge experts to develop new e-learning and workshop packages.
• Identify new knowledge experts where knowledge gaps appear and enable a process to trial and test to ensure that the standards of the delivery of knowledge (e.g. via e-learning, workshop delivery, new training mediums) are upheld.

Read More

Jun 11

Job: Operations/Admin Assistant – California Tours (Berkeley, CA, USA)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Operations/Admin Assistant – California Tours (Berkeley, CA, USA)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Operations/Admin Assistant
Posted by: California Tours
Location: Berkeley, CA, USA
Contract: Part-time

Here’s a part-time job received directly from the company:

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate tour and travel packages requiring extensive communication with vendors and clients
• Reservation processing
• Answer incoming calls
• Web content update using Word Press
• Provide customer service support to clients and off-site staff
• Update and maintain client and vendors files
• Update and maintain trip information for clients and tour guides
• Provide admin support to General Manager

Read More

Jun 11

Job: Marketing & Events Officer – Action Sustainability (London, UK)

Jobs Comments Off on Job: Marketing & Events Officer – Action Sustainability (London, UK)

Posted by Sydney Sparrow. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Job Title: Marketing & Events Officer
Posted by: Action Sustainability
Location: London, UK
Contract: Full-time

Thanks to JET alum, Emily McBride (Shimane-ken) for the following job opening at her company:

The Marketing and Events Officer will manage and drive forward the Supply Chain Sustainability School, by engaging its membership and Partner organisations. This is achieved by devising  and delivering e- marketing campaigns that promote and support the School through participation in our training programme, online activity, as well as working closely with Partner organisations to understand and support their needs.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate for the post will be able to demonstrate a track record in delivering electronic marketing campaigns and events & workshops programmes whilst managing key stakeholders  and their expectations, keeping to deadlines and achieving specific outputs.

Responsibilities:

• Understand the objectives of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in supply chain sustainability, off site construction and their client audience.
• Conceive and implement engaging and original e-marketing ideas for the School to drive participation and increase membership.
• Drive activity and learning within the School by engaging the online community to use the resources available to them, and keep their interest through regular communications.
• Work closely with the internal team to ensure the overall marketing strategy is incorporated and ideas are shared.
• Research, organise and market a range of compelling workshops for the School’s membership.
• Write and maintain up to date and relevant copy for the website and other media.
• Manage the online content of the School and resources in key market sectors
• Devise original social media campaigns to increase the visibility of all the Schools and encourage members to utilise the service. Read More

Jun 7

WIT Life #326: New York Japan CineFest 2018

Events, Film, Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers Comments Off on WIT Life #326: New York Japan CineFest 2018

Written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03), WIT Life is a periodic series about aspects of Japanese culture such as film, food and language.  Stacy starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some interesting tidbits and trends along with her own observations.

Last night I caught day 1 of the New York Japan CineFest held at Asia Society.  2018 marks the seventh anniversary of the event, and it seems to get better every year.  The lineup featured six short films that ranged in length from eight to 28 minutes, and included two documentaries.

My favorite was the final film And So We Put Goldfish in the Pool from Makoto Nagahisa, which clocked in at the longest 28 minutes but went by in a flash.  It is based on a true story of four 15-year old girls from a small town in Saitama who released 400 goldfish into their high school pool in order to escape the boredom of their daily lives.  Its zany tone and fast-paced story kept the audience captivated and laughing.  Despite its humorous tone, it poignantly addresses the universal feelings experienced during high school and certainly brought back memories of that time in my life.  Last year it received the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at Sundance (you can watch the film via this link), and it was Nagahisa’s directorial debut.

Another highlight of the program was Sugihara Survivors, which told the story Read More