T-Class Poems at Aoba-Japan International School. NEAL DILK
The Japanese department at Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS) is nearing completion of a full curriculum review. Program review and revisions have occurred primarily at the Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) and Transition Class (T-Class) levels.
The Japanese program at A-JIS consists of three levels of instruction for each grade level: JSL classes for students who are learning to speak Japanese, or have some conversational Japanese language ability; T-Classes for students who have a moderate to proficient level of Japanese, or have experienced some formal Japanese language instruction; and Kokugo classes for students who have experienced formal Japanese language instruction and are able to handle a grade level, Monbukagakushou-mandated Kokugo curriculum.
The revisions to the program at A-JIS have primarily addressed approaches to JSL instruction and T-Class instruction. T-Class instruction makes use of the Monbukagakushou-mandated curriculum, but with modified outcomes appropriate for learners at this level. The JSL program is an in house, A-JIS-developed curriculum that focuses on conversational skills and introduces students to a formal Japanese learning environment. Revisions to both the JSL and T-Classes have been geared towards easing students into a smoother academic transition as they move through the various levels in the program. — NEAL DILK
