Language Resident Name: Yohichi Tagami
Day and Date: Monday, February 13, 2017
Language and Level (intermediate or advanced class): Intermediate Japanese
Class theme/topics discussed: Valentine Day around the World & White Day in Japan
Goal of the class:
The students will be able to get to know the Valentine day and compare it with the ones of other countries.
How did you structure the class?
Activity 1 (2 min): Attendance check and Announcement
I check students’ attendance and give them announcements.
Activity 2 (8 min): Warm-up
I casually ask the students about their weekend and lead discussion by asking the questions to the students since we had beautiful sunny skies during the weekend.
Activity 3 (20 min): Introduction of Valentine Day
I simply ask the students about the Valentine day upcoming this week and announce the today’s topic. I also ask them about general information of it with the perspectives of both America and China and write them down on the whiteboard. Then, I ask them about their memory of that day and share them in the class. After that, I lead the discussion by giving them the equal chances where they are able to express their ideas in the class. Then, I talk about the recent trend of Japanese one by introducing the types of chocolate that one gives it to the other with some illustration on the whiteboard.
Activity 4 (30 min) Watching a Japanese Warmhearted Story
I briefly introduce the story in the class and give them some questions which the students need to pay attention to while watching it. Then, we watch the whole story together in the class. After that, we review about the summary of that story together in the class by asking them questions and getting the answers in the class. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3r7izr
What technology, media or props did you use? (internet resources, playmobiles, handouts, etc.)
Powerpoint
What worked well in this class? What did not work?
The class was successful in general. Today’s topic did help a lot the class be more productive and interactive. Basically, I was able to lead the class as planned, conducting each activity in an appropriate order. The story that we have watched in the class today was also relevant to their level of Japanese, so it seems to me that they understood the story very well. However, I found some parts needed to be revised.
How could this class be improved/ modified?
The PowerPoint I used today was simple, so I can put more photos in the slides, which makes it creative. By doing so, it would be also a good help for their understanding when they get lost during the class. Before watching the short story in the class, I need to give the students basic background of the story such as main character, key points, and new vocabulary, which would motivate the students to watch it with those views. Also, I need to clarify well about the activity after watching it.