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Japanese Teacher Training Workshop
Cornell University's Department of Asian Studies

Schedule
The four-hour daily schedule consists of a morning session, usually of three hours (with practice teaching and discussion), and an afternoon session of an hour (with a lecture and discussion). However, the final schedule is subject to changes and differs slightly from year to year. Trainees are provided with an actual class of model students, the members of which have, for the most part, never studied Japanese and will begin Japanese study as part of the JTTW experience.

During the first week of the workshop, trainees will have ample opportunity to observe model classes taught by Cornell staff. Each demonstration is followed by a discussion of the techniques used and the reasons for employing them. In the afternoon, participants may attend lectures on topics such as "Teaching the Four Skills," "Evaluation of Results," "A Model for Second Language Learning," "Design of a Program," and so on.

Starting the second week, trainees themselves teach the model class. There will be a discussion and critique session after each teaching period. Each trainee will have a chance to create and administer oral examinations to the model students as well as teach several demonstrations. Every few days trainees will again observe an experienced trained teacher with the model class; in addition, workshop participants will be given some opportunities to view Cornell staff teaching students of more advanced levels--including students in FALCON (Full-Year Asian Language CONcentration, Cornell's intensive language program).

The fourth week includes discussion of evaluation techniques for various skills. Trainees will have the opportunity to observe oral examinations and comprehension examinations being given to actual classes.

In addition to JTTW's daily schedule, workshop participants will have the opportunity to get to know each other and to meet and talk with staff from the Cornell FALCON Program, students of the program, and workshop staff. Such opportunities generally include informal gatherings every Friday afternoon, one large picnic for everyone enrolled in JTTW and FALCON, and a welcome and a farewell reception.