Changes to English education in Japanese elementary schools are set to be fully implemented from 2020. The number of compulsory classes for Year 3 and Year 4 classes will be increased to 35 hours per year, while English classes for Year 5 and Year 6 will double to 70 hours a year. In addition, Year 5 and Year 6 English language classes will encompass the four macro skills (speaking (present/communicate), listening, reading and writing), and formal assessment.
Currently, most municipalities hire native English speakers, or Japanese teachers of English to support class teachers, but from 2020, the class teacher will have to take a more active role. While in-school training is being provided through specially selected and trained English leaders, universities with primary school education courses are also tasked with providing English language teaching classes.
This presentation focuses on the challenges and issues faced by both pre-service teachers and providers in order to ensure that non-English primary majors are confident in teaching English on their own after graduation.
