Japan Sep 10, 2016
The need for effective English teachers
by Walt Gardner
Japanese students' ability to speak English is abysmal. Improvement will require finding native speakers as teachers.
Issues | LEARNING CURVE Jul 20, 2016
Eiken broadens language tests to address criticisms
by Joanna Vasquez
As the Eiken Foundation tries to meet the demands of a growing number of test-takers, what do students, parents and teachers make of the tests?
Voices | COMMUNITY CHEST Jul 20, 2016
Readers' letters: Rote learning, vocab and Eiken's aims
Some readers' responses to last month's article by Hans Karlsson, "Is the Eiken doing Japan's English learners more harm than good?"
Japan Jun 20, 2016
Helping foreign students to learn Japanese
by Walt Gardner
The education ministry's proposal to establish hub schools where foreign students can learn Japanese is a good idea, but the plan will hinge on getting good teachers.
Issues | LEARNING CURVE Jun 8, 2016
Is the Eiken doing Japan's English learners more harm than good?
by Hans Karlsson
Critics argue that the Eiken proficiency exams focus too heavily on vocabulary, grammar and the written word at the expense of fluency.
How-tos | LIFELINES May 22, 2016
Teacher seeks advice on sick leave and contract nonrenewal
by Kosuke Oie
A reader writes to Lifelines about difficulties he is dealing with at work.
Issues | LEARNING CURVE May 11, 2016
'Predatory conferences' stalk Japan's groves of academia
by James Mccrostie
“Predatory conference” organizers now stalk Japan’s groves of academe, preying on unsuspecting researchers. These conferences are inferior events that contribute little to the field of academic knowledge but generate plenty of revenue for organizers’ bank accounts. Academics, some simply naive but others willingly participating, ...
Japan Feb 27, 2016
Time to get real about English instruction
by Walt Gardner
Disappointing results from students undergoing total-immersion English education show it's time to rethink policy.
Issues | LEARNING CURVE Feb 17, 2016
Developing confidence in English through Skype and scarecrows
by Louise George Kittaka
Innovative classes in Shikoku hone students' cultural sensitivity as well as their communication skills.
World Jan 18, 2016
Britain to offer language classes to female Muslim migrants
Britain will fund English-language classes for Muslim women migrants in hopes that building community cohesion will help fight extremism. Prime Minister David Cameron says the £20 million ($28.5 million) fund will help tens of thousands of women facing social isolation and discrimination. Writing Monday ...
Issues | LEARNING CURVE Jan 6, 2016
For Japan's English teachers, rays of hope amid the race to the bottom
by Craig Currie-Robson
Despite key "eikaiwa" union victories in 2015, job insecurity and stagnant wages continue to plague the language teaching industry
Issues | LABOR PAINS Nov 29, 2015
Lessons in Japan's labor laws from striking NPB baseball stars and English teachers
by Hifumi Okunuki
What do Nichibei Eigo Gakuin teachers in 2000, pro baseball players in 2004 and Berlitz language instructors in 2007 have in common?