Volume 31

Speakeasy Volume 31: December 2019

In April 2019 I became the sole editor of Speakeasy and this filled me with a slight degree of trepidation but also a sense of excitement and responsibility. In this edition of Speakeasy we have five articles with a range of perspectives. Above all, the theme I have noticed throughout the articles is one of growth: both as teachers and individuals, through experiences and decision-making.

Heather McCullough opens proceedings with her article on introverted students. As an introvert herself, she proposes that instead of seeing introverted students as problems, teachers should recognize their unique talents and learn to appreciate the different learning styles of students along with the opportunities for reflection that introverts offer teachers in the classroom.

Next, Matthew Potter looks into the issues surrounding the relationship between ALTs and HRTs in the increasingly changing world of elementary school English education. He explains the benefits of team teaching and suggests that ALTs should show empathy for their co-workers and take practical steps to improve the working relationship for both parties to ensure a better classroom experience for students.

Duangsamorn Haruyama then provides us with six valuable lessons she has learnt from working with pre-school students which can be applied to all levels of English language education.

Following that, Kirsten M. Snipp discusses the challenges of interpreting and translating the Ichibumi no Michi stone tablets on the Takasaki nature path into modern English. She discusses the timeless emotions present in the poems and reflects on her own journey as a “traveler”.

Finally, DM Zoutis gives us a unique perspective of working in a tough junior high school and shares his story of an inimitable teacher.

We are very fortunate to be able to have many opportunities to grow through the vast array of experiences available to us when working in a foreign country as language educators. I hope you enjoy reading these perspectives as much as I have. Finally, I would like to thank everyone that has made Gunma JALT such a warm community. Best wishes for 2020.