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Can you talk a little about your classroom experiences here at UCalgary?

Etsuko: I studied about listening, reading, speaking, how to pronounce and about the education system in the ����ɫ��.�� In the reading, listening, and speaking classes, we learned about folk takes such as Ta-Na-E-Ka or Momotaro.�� We discussed and inferred the story.�� In the pronouncing class, we learned about how to pronounce “th”, “r”, “l” and “o”.�� It was difficult to pronounce exactly, but Murray (Peglar) taught us very simply.�� The other class, we learned about AWL and songs.�� I could know that some AWL words are already known.�� All the lessons were valuable for me.

Asuka:�� I joined the ESL class.�� I could have a conversation with many international students.�� I took some classes in education.�� It is very difficult for me, but I wanted to understand more.�� So I think that I have to study English and education when I go back to Japan.

Kazuki: In my case, I learned about different cultures.�� In Japan, almost all of the teachers speak Japanese in English class, but I feel teachers need to speak English in English class.�� And I talked about different cultures with my classmates, so I knew about other countries and Japan.

Kana:�� I usually take an IFP class which studies about English reading, listening, and speaking.�� It’s a great opportunity for me to improve my English. I also take some education classes.�� It’s very interesting for me because education systems and teaching style are different from japan.�� Also, I take a pronunciation class, and it’s really helpful for me.�� I can learn English from great teachers.�� All of the teachers are dedicated so I appreciate all of them.

Misaki: Sometimes it’s hard for me to keep up with some classes because I am a first year student, so I haven’t learned about education too much. However, some group members have often helped me.������ When I asked a teacher to give me data for class, she sent it to me, so I was very happy.

What are some of the things you’ve learned about classrooms in Canada that you will take back to Japan to share?

Etsuko: Almost all of the classes have had discussion of some activity to talk with other students, so I’d like to take that back to share.�� Students were very positive to take a class, and it was more friendly between teachers and students.������ I was surprised at that.�� Moreover, there were less students than in Japan, so teachers can make a lesson more easily.�� Also, Canadian schools had more various options and activities.�� I’d like to share that system in Japan.

Asuka:�� I took a class in drama.�� It was very interesting to think scenes from a picture.�� In Japan, we have school festivals of acting, playing instruments and dancing but we don’t have classes in drama.�� So I want to know how to teach acting and I want many people to think about teaching acting or drama.

Kazuki:������ I think we need to learn more about other countries and the world.�� So, I will explain about Canadian schools, cultures of people, and how to teach English. It’s important for us to understand the cultures of other countries. I think it will lead to understanding about Japan.

Kana:�� In Canada, there are a lot of hands-on activities and group work.�� One of my teachers told us some communicative activities for English.�� “Rod city” is one of those activities: students make pairs and one student makes something by using a rod.�� After that the student explains his work to the other student.�� I think it’s a very interesting activity because it’s good practice for students to speak English with fun.�� There are few activities in the class in japan, so I’d like to take this activity back and share. ����

Misaki: I think school visits were a good experience for me.�� I’d like to adopt how to teach, how to approach children and school when I become a teacher in the future.��

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