TEACHER CASE STUDIES

Listen & Learn: Hello, Hanaka! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Shall we get started? Could you tell us how your career in teaching began?
Hanaka: I started teaching Japanese when I was studying for my Master’s degree in the UK. I also have one year of experience teaching English at a cram school in Tokyo since I got my TEFL certificate in the UK. Currently, I am teaching Japanese online with Listen & Learn.

Listen & Learn: What a multicultural work history! And what do you look for in a student?
Hanaka: I think the most important trait that students should have is interest. If they are interested in learning Japanese, their skills will improve greatly throughout the lessons.

Listen & Learn: That’s true! And what should students expect from you as their teacher?
Hanaka: They can expect me to teach them how to speak and use Japanese naturally.

Listen & Learn: I bet all your students appreciate that. So far, which has been your most memorable teaching experience with Listen & Learn?
Hanaka: I taught two Chinese graduate students for a long time. They had been in the UK for some time already since they had gone to high school there. I was very impressed because they already understood Kanji, which is similar to the Chinese characters. I hope their Japanese skills will keep on improving in the future.

Listen & Learn: What an interesting experience! Why do you think that so many people are interested in learning Japanese nowadays?
Hanaka: I think they are interested in the Japanese language and culture. I am surprised because there are various students who have lots of reasons to learn Japanese. I am thrilled that so many English people are interested in Japan!