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homersimpson · Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 569 Location: Kagoshima

In my opinion, English is still being taught with an overwhelming focus on passing standardized tests (be it TOEIC, STEP, TOEFL, HS Entrance Exam, Mid-terms/Finals, etc.) in Japanese public schools. Unlike other subjects, which also have standardized tests, there seem to be more real-world applications involved. For example, it is necessary to learn math in order to function effectively in society (you need to know how to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and so on); the Japanese language is vital for Japanese people to function on a daily basis; Geography is important so you can know how to use a map; P.E. is essential so you can avoid becoming a fat-*ss; teaching cooking/laundry/computers/industrial arts/etc. all have real-world applications. Do you believe the state of English education in Japanese schools really prepares students for real-world use? I don't, despite these nuggets from MEXT (2003):

bearcat · Joined: 08 May 2004 Posts: 367

Nope just lip service to Joe Public.

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

I think you know the answer, Homer.

I hope things improve, but I am not sure. The eiken and the TOEFL will be changed, and I think in the future testing will have more of an emphasis on oral skills but a lot of teachers are old-fashioned and are stubborn and refuse to change. Some of the younger teachers are open minded and it will be good when some of the old farts retire.

The TOEFL will have a speaking section starting in September. Japanese schools just aren`t ready to prepare for this. I guess only private English schools will be ready since they have to please their customers.

The irony is that the tests will get better and it will force the teachers to change. Or people like you and I may have to help with exam preparation but we would only do the parts that focus on speaking and　listening.
From time to time I do mock speaking tests for the eiken.

But, to keep it in perspective, other countries have the same problem. I saw it in Poland and Russia too.
But Poland had to change because it joined the EU.
Japanese people don`t have the same need for learning foreign languages as many citizens of the EU do.