01 July 2009

Internship Experience at St Peter's College

IPU Exchange Student Ayuko Otsuka Teaching a Japanese Class

Translated by Shirley Ghozalli. Edited by Moira Blake.

Ueta Sensei teaching his class at St Peter's College

Ayuko Fujita teaching the class

Helping a student with her question

As part of her 4-month exchange program at IPC, Ayuko Fujita is doing her internship at St Peter's College in Palmerston North. Ayuko is a student from International Pacific University (IPU) in Okayama.

Ayuko started her teaching observation, arranged with the Japanese teacher at the college, Shinji Ueta Sensei, at the beginning of June. On one occasion, Ueta Sensei offered Ayuko a chance to teach the class herself. Not wanting to miss this rare opportunity, Ayuko immediately started preparing her teaching plans and then practicing in front of IPC lecturers. She received feedback and advice that helped to prepare her for her class.

"It was quite hard. However, since all the students are willing to learn and they listen to me earnestly, I feel motivated. It is a Japanese class so we use Japanese to communicate, but we still use English to explain the instructions and the important points. So it is quite difficult to judge well when to use which language. But, of course, being able to teach my mother tongue to foreign students is a valuable experience that I cannot have if I stay in Japan," Ayuko commented.

So far, Ayuko has taught twice in the same class and she admitted that the second time, she was less nervous than before. She called the names of all the students and walked around the classroom to make sure that everyone understood the lesson. The students are not shy to ask questions when they don't understand. "It makes me very happy when a student remembers my name and greets me outside the class."

"Ueta Sensei graduated from a teaching school for English teachers in Japan. To him, I am like a real teacher trainee so he gave me concrete guidance. His class is popular among the students because his teaching is mixed with humour and magic tricks, which keep his lesson interesting for the students. Just by observing, I found many things to learn. Though Ueta Sensei is busy, we always do a review meeting after the class. He kindly points out which parts were good and which parts can be improved. I feel very grateful to him."

Ayuko wants to be a high school English teacher and spread her joy in learning English and communicating with people from other countries. "With this experience, I feel confident of being able to deliver interesting lessons. Moreover, I am glad I came to IPC. The lecturers are very kind and willing to go over their lessons until I really understand. I learnt writing and typing skills in English and I think my English skills have improved so much in a short time. I want to become that kind of a teacher," Ayuko concluded.

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