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Female, 37 Years

Haruka H.

Female, 37 Years

Vancouver, Canada

Experienced and Effective Japanese teacher - Specializing in JLPT, intermediate, basic, communication, and survival skills.

Bio

・Graduated from National University in Japan ( I have a teaching license) . ・Working at Vancouver Japanese Language School and Burnaby Japanese Language School for group class... Read more

Teaching methodology

◆◆ 100% Adjusting to Your Personal Purpose & Goal ◆◆ Currently, I have students who study Japanese for various reasons including: - JLPT test preparation - Internation... Read more

  • C$35

    Hourly rate
  • 2

    Classes
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Educational Qualification

School phycology

Hyogo University of Teacher Education

  • Japan
  • 2014

Learning Materials

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Questions for You

Q: What level of Japanese proficiency do you teach, and do you specialize in any particular aspect of the language (e.g., speaking, writing, listening, reading)?

Basically, I can teach everything depending on studnet's needs from my years of experiences. I teach Japanese proficiency ranging from beginner to intermediate levels. My specialization lies in speaking and listening skills, focusing on practical conversational Japanese and improving pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension during real-life interactions. While I cover essential aspects like reading and writing, my primary goal is to help students feel confident in using Japanese effectively in daily conversations and contexts.

Q: What resources do you use to teach Japanese, and how do you integrate technology into your instruction?

Texbook materials and I have lots of my own contents. I use a variety of resources to teach Japanese, including textbooks such as Genki, Marugoto and others depending on the student's level and goals. I also incorporate multimedia materials like videos, audio clips, online interactive exercises and my own contents to enhance learning and provide a well-rounded experience. Technology plays a crucial role in my instruction by allowing for interactive lessons through video conferencing platforms like Google meet. I integrate digital flashcards for vocabulary practice, use online grammar quizzes for reinforcement, and share multimedia content for cultural insights and listening exercises. Additionally, I encourage students to use language learning apps and online dictionaries to supplement their studies outside of our sessions. Overall, technology enables more engaging and efficient language learning experiences for students.

Q: What kind of homework or practice assignments do you assign, and how do you ensure that students understand the material?

I assign a variety of homework and practice assignments tailored to each student's needs and goals. I will adjust amont. For language skills such as speaking and listening, I may assign tasks such as recording short speeches, listening to audio clips and answering questions, or engaging in conversation practice with me or other native speakers. For reading and writing skills, I may assign readings from textbooks or online resources followed by comprehension questions or short essays. I also encourage students to practice writing sentences or short paragraphs related to the grammar and vocabulary we cover in lessons. To ensure that students understand the material, I review their homework assignments thoroughly, providing detailed feedback on areas for improvement and reinforcing correct usage. I also conduct regular quizzes or tests to assess comprehension and adjust lesson plans accordingly based on their performance. Additionally, I encourage open communication during lessons so that students can ask questions and seek clarification on any concepts they find challenging.

Q: How do you help students overcome language barriers or communication difficulties?

Helping students overcome language barriers or communication difficulties involves several strategies tailored to individual needs: 1) Patience and Understanding: I have a lot of compliments about patience and I usually create a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn. 2) Clear Instructions: Use simple language, gestures, and visuals to clarify instructions and concepts, ensuring students understand the tasks and objectives. 3) Encourage Active Participation: Foster a safe space for students to practice speaking without fear of judgment. Use interactive activities like role-plays, discussions, and games to boost confidence. 4) Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback on language use, pronunciation, and comprehension when they ask. Positive reinforcement and specific guidance help students improve. 5) Utilize Multisensory Approaches: Combine auditory, visual, and kinesthetic methods to engage different learning styles. Use videos, images, realia, and hands-on activities to enhance learning. 6) Cultural Context: Incorporate cultural insights and real-world scenarios into lessons, helping students understand language nuances, gestures, and cultural norms. 7) Encourage Self-Study: Recommend useful resources, apps, and exercises for self-study outside class. Encourage regular practice and set achievable language goals. 8) Build Rapport: Develop a strong teacher-student relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Understand their backgrounds, interests, and motivations, which can positively impact learning outcomes.

Q: How do you teach the nuances of Japanese culture and customs, and how important is this aspect of language learning?

Teaching the nuances of Japanese culture and customs is an essential aspect of language learning as it helps students understand not just the language but also the context in which it is used. Here are some methods I use: 1)Incorporating Cultural Topics: I integrate cultural topics into language lessons, discussing customs, traditions, social etiquette, and cultural values relevant to various situations. For example, when teaching greetings, I explain the appropriate bowing gestures and honorifics. 2)Cultural Materials: I use authentic materials such as videos, articles, and literature to expose students to real-life cultural contexts. This could include watching Japanese films, reading literature, or exploring Japanese websites to understand contemporary culture. 3)Role-Playing and Scenarios: I create role-playing scenarios based on everyday situations in Japan, such as visiting a restaurant, attending a festival, or interacting with colleagues. This helps students learn not just language phrases but also the cultural norms associated with those situations. 4)Discussion and Reflection: I encourage discussions about cultural similarities and differences between students' cultures and Japanese culture. This promotes cross-cultural awareness and empathy, crucial for effective communication. By integrating these methods, students not only improve their language skills but also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture, fostering more meaningful and culturally sensitive interactions.

Q: What is your approach to teaching grammar, and how do you make it engaging for students?

My approach to teaching grammar in Japanese involves a balanced mix of structured learning and interactive engagement to make it both effective and enjoyable for students: 1)Clear Explanation: I start with clear explanations of grammar rules, using simple language and examples to illustrate usage. I break down complex concepts into digestible parts, ensuring students understand the underlying principles. 2)Contextual Learning: I believe in teaching grammar in context, connecting grammar rules to real-life situations, conversations, or texts. This helps students see how grammar functions in everyday communication, making it more relevant and memorable. 3)Interactive Activities: I design a variety of interactive activities such as role-plays, games, quizzes, and pair/group exercises to practice grammar concepts actively. These activities encourage students to apply grammar rules in different contexts, reinforcing their understanding. 4)Visual Aids and Multimedia: I use visual aids like charts, diagrams, and multimedia resources to visually represent grammar structures. This visual learning approach aids comprehension and retention, especially for visual learners. 5)Creative Assignments: I assign creative tasks like writing dialogues, short stories, or essays incorporating targeted grammar points. Creative assignments not only reinforce grammar knowledge but also stimulate creativity and critical thinking. 6)Feedback and Correction: Providing timely and constructive feedback on grammar usage is crucial. I offer individualized feedback on assignments, oral practice, or written work, highlighting areas of improvement and guiding students toward accuracy. 7)Cultural Context: Whenever possible, I link grammar lessons to cultural aspects of Japan. Explaining how grammar structures reflect cultural values or social norms adds depth to learning and encourages cultural curiosity. By combining these strategies, I aim to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students not only grasp grammar concepts effectively but also develop confidence in using Japanese grammatical structures naturally and accurately.

Q: How do you incorporate speaking and listening practice into lessons?

Incorporating speaking and listening practice into Japanese lessons is crucial for developing practical communication skills. Here are some effective strategies I use: 1)Role-Playing: I organize role-playing scenarios based on real-life situations such as ordering food in a restaurant, making phone calls, or shopping. This allows students to practice conversational Japanese in a structured yet interactive way. 2)Conversation Practice: I dedicate specific class time to open conversations where students discuss various topics related to daily life, hobbies, current events, or Japanese culture. This helps improve fluency, vocabulary, and confidence in speaking. 3)Listening Exercises: I use audio materials like podcasts, songs, news clips, or dialogues from textbooks to improve listening comprehension. After listening, I engage students in discussions, comprehension questions, or role-plays based on what they heard. 4)Pair and Group Activities: I organize pair or group activities where students interact in Japanese to solve problems, discuss opinions, or complete tasks collaboratively. This fosters peer learning, communication, and active participation. 5)Vocabulary Expansion: I introduce new vocabulary related to speaking and listening contexts, such as expressions for greetings, making requests, giving directions, expressing opinions, etc. Regular vocabulary practice reinforces speaking skills. 6)Interactive Games: I incorporate language learning games like word association, charades, storytelling, or quiz competitions focusing on speaking and listening skills. Games add an element of fun while promoting language use. 7)Real-Life Simulations: I create simulations of real-life situations like interviews, debates, or presentations, where students practice speaking in formal or informal settings. These simulations prepare them for practical language use outside the classroom. 8)Feedback and Pronunciation Practice: I provide regular feedback on pronunciation, intonation, and speaking clarity. Pronunciation drills, shadowing exercises, and tongue twisters help improve speech fluency and accuracy. By integrating these speaking and listening activities seamlessly into lessons, students not only enhance their language skills but also gain confidence in using Japanese in various contexts.

Q: How do you help students build vocabulary, and what strategies do you use?

Building vocabulary is essential for language proficiency. Here are strategies I use to help students build their Japanese vocabulary: 1)Thematic Learning: I organize vocabulary around themes such as daily routines, hobbies, travel, food, etc. This contextual learning helps students grasp words in relevant situations. 2)Flashcards: I encourage the use of digital or physical flashcards for memorizing new words. Students can create flashcards with Japanese words on one side and English (or their native language) translations on the other. 3)Reading Practice: I assign reading materials like short stories, articles, or news in Japanese. Students highlight unfamiliar words, learn their meanings, and use them in sentences to reinforce understanding. 4)Vocabulary Lists: I provide curated vocabulary lists based on lesson topics or student interests. Regular review of these lists helps in retention and application. 5)Contextual Usage: I emphasize using new words in context through speaking or writing exercises. This helps students understand word meanings, usage nuances, and improves retention. 6)Visual Aids: I use visuals like images, videos, or infographics to associate words with real-world objects or actions. Visual aids enhance memory recall and make learning more engaging. 7)Word Games: Incorporating vocabulary games like crossword puzzles, word searches, or matching exercises makes learning fun while reinforcing word meanings and spelling. 8)Interactive Apps and Tools: Recommending language learning apps or online platforms with interactive vocabulary exercises, quizzes, and spaced repetition systems can supplement classroom learning. 9)Word Association: Encouraging students to create word associations, mnemonics, or stories related to new words aids in memory retention and recall during conversations. 10)Regular Review: I emphasize regular vocabulary review sessions to reinforce learning and track progress over time. Spaced repetition techniques help in retaining words in long-term memory. By employing these strategies and adapting to individual learning styles, students can effectively expand their Japanese vocabulary and improve overall language proficiency.

Q: How do you help students improve their pronunciation and intonation?

Improving pronunciation and intonation in Japanese involves a combination of techniques and practice. Here are strategies I use to help students enhance their speaking skills: 1)Phonetic Drills: I focus on correct pronunciation of Japanese syllables (hiragana/katakana) and practice common phonetic patterns (e.g., "a-i-u-e-o" sounds) to build a strong foundation. 2)Listening Practice: Regular exposure to native Japanese speakers through audio resources, podcasts, music, and videos helps students develop an ear for correct pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm in spoken Japanese. 3)Repetition and Modeling: I model correct pronunciation and intonation, and encourage students to repeat after me. We focus on individual sounds, words, and phrases, paying attention to pitch accent and rhythm. 4)Minimal Pair Exercises: Contrasting similar-sounding words (minimal pairs) helps students distinguish and pronounce sounds accurately. For example, practicing "shi" and "tsu" sounds. 5)Pitch Accent Training: Japanese has pitch accent patterns that affect word pronunciation. I teach students common pitch accent rules and provide exercises to practice pitch patterns in words and sentences. 6)Shadowing: I use shadowing techniques where students listen to native speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation in real-time. This helps improve fluency and naturalness in speech. 7)Record and Review: I encourage students to record their own speech and compare it with native speakers. Self-assessment and feedback help identify areas for improvement and track progress. 8)Conversation Practice: Engaging in regular conversation practice sessions allows students to apply correct pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm in meaningful contexts. Role-playing scenarios and dialogues are effective for this purpose. 9)Interactive Tools: Utilizing speech recognition software or language learning apps that provide instant feedback on pronunciation accuracy can be beneficial for self-paced practice outside of class. 10)Feedback and Correction: I provide constructive feedback on pronunciation errors and guide students on correct mouth shapes, tongue placement, airflow, and stress patterns to improve clarity and naturalness in speech. By combining these strategies with patience, regular practice, and exposure to authentic Japanese materials, students can make significant improvements in their pronunciation, intonation, and overall speaking confidence.

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