The assistant is a native Japanese speaker whose primary role is to be a model for correct usage and pronunciation.
Some of the ways in which the assistant can support the teacher of Japanese are
Taking part in model conversations and role plays Practicing conversation with individual students or small groups Assisting with and/or introducing games, quizzes and songs Assisting with resource production and correction of students' work Introducing aspects of Japanese traditional culture such as origami, cooking, marital arts, tea ceremony, ikebana, calligraphy etc. Introducing aspects of contemporary Japanese culture such as youth culture, street wear, music, trends, daily life cycle, yearly life cycle etc Introducing aspects of Japanese history and geography Team teaching in specialist areas such as art, music, sport, cooking, hospitality etc to bring a Japanese aspect to those subjects
More details are given in JAPEP's Team Teaching Guide which is available to all host schools
2. In classes other than Japanese language
The assistant can also be used in schools without a Japanese language program by introducing Japanese language and culture with the support of the classroom teacher. Team teach in specialist areas such as art, music, sports etc to bring a Japanese aspect to those subjects.
The assistant can be expected to assist with school excursions, camps and sportingevents and to take part in staff meetings
3. With host families
At home with the host family, the assistant is to be treated as one of the family and as such is expected to take part in normal family life including light household chores.
ROLE OF HOST FAMILIES
1. The host family should be friendly and responsible.
2. The Japanese visitor should be treated as a member of the family and encouraged to participate in family meals, outings and the normal routine including light household duties.
3. The host family will consult with the school to ensure that transportation to and from school is provided or paid for by the school.
4. The Japanese visitor will contribute towards his/her board with AUS$105 per week. Board will not be paid for periods of absence, longer than one week, such as school camps and holidays.
5. A separate bedroom, 3 meals a day and access to laundry facilities are required.
6. Although the Japanese visitor is responsible for his/her own holiday arrangements, assistance from the school and host family is greatly appreciated.
7. The host family must be willing to introduce the visitor to the community, places of interest and all local amenities. Until the visitor becomes acclimatised he/she may be quite dependent on the host family.
8. The host family is encouraged to discuss any problems first with the Japanese visitor and, if the problem continues, with the person nominated as a personal counselor and/or JAPEP. It is most important that any problems are dealt with as they arise and JAPEP's bilingual counselors are always available and keen to help host families address problems. If, however, the host relationship proves to be unacceptable to either party the host school should be notified and must provide an alternative
ROLE OF HOST SCHOOL
1. Host Family Selection
The school is responsible for the selection of a host family or families and alternative host family if the need should arise. JAPEP recommends a minimum stay of one month as more frequent moves are tiring and unsettling. The school should also try to form a host support group of interested families who, although unable to host, are willing to take the assistant for a day or an evening to provide respite for the host family. When selecting a family the school should also be aware that the assistant contributes to his/her board with the fairly nominal amount of $105 per week. The formation of a host support group is recommended to alleviate the burden on the host family's finances and time.
2. Letter of invitation
As soon as the school approves the selected assistant it must provide a formal typewritten letter of invitation so that the assistant can obtain a visa.
3. Inform community
The school should inform the Department of Education, staff and the school community of its participation in the program.
4. Design teaching program
The school should design a teaching program with the assistant which will provide him/her with a wide variety of experiences. The teaching program should enable the school to utilize the assistant as fully as possible. The assistant is expected to participate in school events, extra-curricula activities, staff meetings and lesson planning.
5. Ensure appropriate status
The school should ensure that the assistant is accorded status and respect equivalent to that of other members of staff. Although the assistant will receive no financial remuneration during his or her stay, informal English instruction may be provided by the school or community in exchange for the assistant's services.
6. Plan a 4 day week
Keeping in mind the voluntary nature of the program, the assistant should participate in programmed activities for 4 days a week, with a day for private study, tourism etc.
7. Transportation
The school should provide transportation from/to the point of arrival/departure at the beginning/end of the hosting period. The school should also provide the assistant with transportation to and from school.
8. Personal counselor
The school should nominate the principal, a member of staff or a member of the school community as personal counsellor. The assistant should be encouraged to meet regularly with the counsellor to discuss the assistant's progress and any problems and misunderstandings as they arise.
9. Letter of reference
At the end of the stay, the school should provide the assistant with a letter of reference describing the role played by the assistant in the school and the school community.
ROLE OF JAPEP
1. Selection of Teaching Assistants Your language assistant will be selected on the basis of language ability, personality and clarity of purpose. Preference is given to qualified, experienced teachers but as the Japanese Education Ministry seldom grants teachers extended leave, JAPEP also selects specialists in teaching Japanese as a foreign language, recent graduates and students majoring in English, Education or International Relations. Experts in traditional Japanese arts such as calligraphy, tea ceremony and flower arrangement are also considered for placement.
2. Placement The success of the program is aided by appropriate placement of the assistant in a community, school and family in which he or she will quickly feel comfortable. JAPEP matches the qualifications and expectations of the assistant with those of the school. You can assist by providing a clear statement of what you require and expect of your assistant. It is essential that the assistant feel welcomed as a highly valued and special member of the school community and consequently JAPEP will not allocate an assistant to a school that plans to concurrently host another Japanese assistant. When matching is completed, you will receive a profile of your assistant and the placement is confirmed by your letter of invitation.
3. Orientation All JAPEP assistants start their stay in Australia with a week of residential orientation which includes workshops in intensive English, current Japanese teaching methods and resources, and cultural differences. During this time the assistants to get to know JAPEP staff and the other assistants forming a strong support network and overcome any initial cultural shock.
4. Period of Assignment There are intakes in October and April and host school may elect to have an assistant for 3, 6, or 9 months. When the assignment period extends over holidays, the assistants are expected to be responsible for their own activities but assistance from the school and/or host family in making holiday arrangements is greatly appreciated.
5.Travel Arrangements and insurance JAPEP is responsible for obtaining travel documents and air tickets from Japan to the first host school. Each assistant will have insurance covering injury, sickness and liability. Any medical costs besides those covered by insurance will be the responsibility of the Japanese visitor.
6. Liaison As JAPEP is an Australian based organization, the progress of assistants can be constantly monitored. The assistants receive a monthly newsletter and JAPEP requires that assistants submit a monthly report. Host schools are also encouraged to consult with JAPEP whenever necessary. Our native speaker counsellor contacts assistants regularly and any problems are immediately addressed.
