gunmajet.net

 

In its inaugural year (2007), the Regional Opinion Exchange (ROE) focused on basic ALT-related issues, such as utilization in the classroom, class preparation, and relationships with other teachers, including the Japanese Teacher of English (JTE). Furthermore, the ROE surveyed opinions on transition to Japanese life, and information availability/effectiveness. The results of this exchange were forwarded to respective Boards of Education and ALTs and have, in principle, been reflected in day-to-day interactions since.

 

Now in its second year, additionally the 2008 Regional Opinion Exchange has been formatted to shed light on issues & activities that deal directly with internationalization and cross-cultural communication in schools and local communities across Gunma. As both internationalization and cross-cultural communication are key components of the JET Programme, it is important that participants have a chance to trade opinions and ideas with not only their peers, but Boards of Education as well.

 

Gunma is a relatively large prefecture with small communities scattered throughout which makes it somewhat difficult for ideas to flow freely from one end to the other. This is why the Regional Opinion Exchange is necessary to act as a medium to foster the sharing of ideas across geographical barriers. It is encouraged that participants actively share stories of their contributions to internationalization in their community, and offer sincere and constructive opinions of others’ efforts.

 

Note:　An email has been sent to all JET ALTs in the prefecture about this seminar. If you did not recieve the email, please send an email to brant-b@pref.gunma.jp a.s.a.p. Also attached is a PDF questionairre that is required to be filled out by all JET ALTs and will be collected at the seminars. If you cannot make your respective seminar, please fax the completed questionairre to the International Affairs Division at 027-226-3394.

 

CLAIR will be giving 10 ALTs the opportunity to meet in Tokyo for the annual ALT Opinion Exchange Meeting.

Applications must be faxed by your supervisor by October 24th.

http://www.jetprogramme.org/e/news/2008-2009%20ALT%20opinion.html

Tokyo Game Show is an annual video game exposition. It's certainly the largest and most exciting of this type of even in Japan, and arguably the world. Unique to this show (as opposed to E3) is that for the last two days it's open to the general public. Come see the exciting new games, hear announcements, play demos of games that won't be released for months or more. It's a great time, and quite the experience. If you have any nerdy friends back home, and you go, they'll be insanely jealous.

This year's TGS is open to the public from October 11 to 12, from 10a - 5p.
Tickets are 1200 yen at the door.
It's held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba (only about 30 minutes from Tokyo, Kaihin-Makuhari Station past Disneyland)

What is Design Festa? A bi-annual massive international display of art (which includes performances, music, crafts, jewellery, photography, etc, etc, etc). Go if you're interested in seeing some cool things, insane things, etc. If you have a talent you'd like to showcase, sign up and do it. Several ALTs have shown their art at DF.

Date: November 8 (Sat) & 9 (Sun), 2008
Open: 11:00 - 19:00
Place: Tokyo International Exhibition Center "TOKYO BIG SIGHT"
West Hall 1, 2, 3, 4, Atrium & Outdoor

COST (differs for exhibitors)
at the door: 1000yen/1day or 1800/2day
in advance: 800/1day or 1500/2day

http://www.designfesta.com/02_en/00_df_e/what/index.html

Details TBA.

Contents: Pre-departure procedures for non-renewing JETs ­ return airfare, pension refunds, etc.

Please Note: The parking for visitors at the Prefectural Office often gets crowded, so please give yourself plenty of time to park before the meeting. Free parking tickets will be distributed at the meeting to anyone who requires them.

Conference for re-contracting JETs.

Business attire is required.

Attendance required for all re-contracting JETs.

Please bring your lunch or plan to buy from the Kencho cafeteria. The schedule has been adjusted so that lunch will start at 11:45 so as to miss the lunch rush.

The call is now out for presentation submissions for JALT's 38th Annual International Conference on Language Teaching and Learning. The deadline for submissions is April 25, 2008. For more information, visit the website at http://jalt.org/conference.
.
The Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the improvement of language teaching and learning both within Japan and internationally with nearly 3,000 members in chapters and affiliates across Japan as well as members abroad.

Dear Gunma JETs,

National AJET is conducting surveys from March 6-15. The information in these surveys will be used during the May Opinion Exchange meeting between National AJET and representatives from CLAIR, MEXT, MOFA, and MIC.

National AJET needs YOU!

By taking the surveys, you will be able to affect positive change, and help shape the future of the JET Program. To best represent the JET population, the more people we having taking them, the stronger the survey results will be.

We will also be presenting specific case studies from JETs, so this is a chance to show off your hard work to the head honcho government dudes in Tokyo. Strut your stuff!

Check out the surveys at http://www.ajet.net/survey/

If you have any questions about what these reports are for or anything else about them, please email me.

Thank you!

http://www.jalt.org/chapters/omiya/nakasendo.htm?a
.
Participating Organizations
JALT Omiya, JALT Junior & Senior High School Special Interest Group, The Association of Japan Exchange and Teaching (AJET), Elementary School Thematic English Education Movement (ESTEEM), and sponsored by: ABAX and English Education Press.
.
Featured Speaker
Tim Murphey presenting on 'Teacher Learning Communities (TLC) and the Wiki Teacher'
.
Summary
As we are aware, numerous organizations in Japan, both at the regional level and at the national level are in the business of teaching English. Each works in a unique environment and serves a unique constituency and therefore each has an expertise. The purpose of this conference is to make connections. Through our participation in this conference we will forge relationships, share ideas and gain new perspectives on the art of teaching English. Toward this end we have gathered together teachers from both large and small organizations in the Kanto area (Saitama, Yokohama, Gunma) to present on what they are currently doing and their vision of English teaching. We have a variety of learning and teaching environments represented too.
.
Conference goals
Demonstrate that inter-organisational co-operation is possible
Establish inter-organisational relationships in Kanto
Provide opportunities for members to share their experiences through giving and attending presentations
Provide support for the continued growth and prosperity of all participating organizations
.
Time
21 June 2008, 10am - 5 pm