My boss recently decided that it would be nice for me to teach an English conversation class to members of the community. These will be adult students. They suggested that I use a text.
Any ideas for a good text to use for Japanese students? It may even help if it had some Japanese in it since these will most likely be VERY BASIC students.
Texts for Japanese speakers
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Sally Olsen
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I can understand that a text is safe and easy but it can never cover the mixed abilities of the adults that you are going to get and limits the conversation so severely. It also provides a safety net for them of course, because they can study ahead and practice. I always prefer real materials - newspaper articles, magazines, guide books and then their own stories as we draw those out. It is harder on you in a way but so much more rewarding in the end because they always know more than the think they do and can translate for each other when they are lost. I don't think we have ever heard enough stories from people - they know some fascinating stuff. To make them feel safe at the beginning, give them the next lesson to read before they come but after awhile, they will start to bring in things and it will carry itself. Many of these groups develop into independant groups where one person takes on the role of teacher for the day and prepares the topic and you are just the facilitator to be a living dictionary, smoother of the language and expander of the experience - "Gee that was fascinating and in Canada we....".