English Studio is especially proud of the new teacher-training program the school implemented last month. Many staff have been working at English Studio for several years, and Managing Director Shane Thompson says, “Instead of spending energy getting new teachers up to speed, we could focus on improving the level of teaching.”
This year’s training included team-building activities, such as a treasure hunt around the Yamanote line, followed by time spent reflecting on the mission behind English Studio’s three schools: Inspiring confident, expressive, English communicators for personal and social responsibility.
As the majority of classes at English Studio are for pre-kinder, kinder, and elementary aged students, and include both EFL and returnee level classes, there are a wide range of strategies and techniques that teachers explore. This year, staff paid particular attention to Learning Centres and how to use them to address differences in student ability and level.
Mr. Thompson said, “We have all come away from training with a wealth of new ideas and a burning desire to get into the classroom and use these ideas to enrich the educational lives of our students.”
