Today, you will do a collaborative proposal. With your classmates, choose a Japanese sweet (or sweets) that you think would be a hit abroad. Tell us what country (or countries) you would sell it in. Also, think about how you would market your product(s)? How would you advertise your product(s)? Have fun and be sure to include 2~3 citations!
A career in international business is one likely option for many of Meiho's Global Studies Program (GSP) students. On October 27th, such students welcomed veteran Japanese businessman Mr. Shu Yoshino to their class to discuss such a career path and the art of giving presentations.
Mr. Yoshino, who has a long career with Seiko Holdings Corporation, is a multilingual Japanese businessman having mastered English, French, and now working on German. His work at Seiko has sent him to over 30 countries, including long-term stays in Paris and Sydney. His most important work was representing Seiko at Basel world Watch and Jewelry Show, the largest trade show in the world for watch and jewelry companies.
For 15 years, Mr. Yoshino was a regular at this trade show, giving press conferences to announce Seiko's new products. It was during this time that he honed his presentation skills, becoming an expert on the subject. (He currently has a series of e-books on the topic: 英語プレゼンの極意、５日で覚えるプレゼン英語、英語プレゼン表現集.)
After an open discussion during which Meiho students asked about language learning, working abroad, and difficulties in collaborating with people from other cultures, Mr. Yoshino gave one of his signature presentations. Afterward, he shared a set of tips for creating successful presentations. Among these tips were the importance of knowing your audience, stating the conclusion up front, and the need to keep the message (and PowerPoint slides) simple and focused. (As the students are currently making online presentations as part of their coursework for 21st Century A, they will be able to refer to these tips for their own work.)
Near the end of the class, Mr. Yoshino gave some advice based on his 30-plus years of experience. The advice was that if you truly want to be a successful international businessman, there are two things you must foster. The first is the ability to adapt to different situations. The second is one's curiosity. Adaptability and curiosity can be a businessperson's greatest assets and lead to a long and productive career.
As a teacher, watching the expressions on the faces of the students as they actively engaged with Mr. Yoshino in discussion left me with the impression that Mr. Yoshino's experience and wisdom will have a huge impact on future generations of Japanese businessmen and women. We owe him a debt of gratitude for graciously making a visit to our humble little class. Thanks for your time, good Sir!
現在、広島大学独自の科目である平和科目を受講しています。私は"Global Issues Towards Peace"という授業をとっています。専用の教材を用いて、世界で問題となっている事柄（難民、核開発・保有、女性と教育、紛争など）を英語で学んでいます。少人数授業で、英語でプレゼンをしたり、ディベートしたりします。
Meiho's 21st Century students finished up the first term with a visit from the Peace Club of Otsuma-Nakano Senior High School (ONHS). The day's festivities included a casual icebreaker, an engaging discussion, and a thought-provoking presentation.
Since May, Meiho's 21st Century students, many of them having returned from their GSP term study abroad earlier this year, have been learning about, discussing, and debating Universal Basic Income. This is a modern-day movement that seeks to improve societies by ensuring that every citizen has access to enough cash to meet their basic needs. After a whole-group brainstorm in which students from both schools provided key vocabulary and ideas, smaller groups engaged in lively discussion of the topic, touching on issues such as taxes, poverty, employment, and crime rates.
When time was up, students from each group summarized and presented the content of their discussions. It was exciting to see how each group focused on different aspects of the issue, with one focusing on pros and cons, another on employment issues, another on citizens' motivation to work, and the other on financial costs and taxes. As both schools are sending debate teams to this year's NFLJ Japan National Tournament at iCLA, this discussion further served to prepare students for success at that event this summer.
Next up was ONHS's Peace Club's presentation on peace. They started by asking, "What is peace?" From there, ONHS students expressed that although it is hard to answer this question, we can still make strides in forming a more peaceful world if we examine the causes of conflict and war. Their main argument was that it is important to establish a more just and fair system of managing natural resources. This is because many conflicts and wars throughout history can be traced back to such resources as oil, diamonds, and land. They concluded by proposing that a third-party system be set up to help resolve issues between developed countries and developing or third-world countries who are competing for the same natural resources.
The presentation was followed with a Q and A session. Meiho students asked about the particular natural resources that have caused the most conflict. They were also curious to learn more about the proposed third-party system. ONHS students eagerly answered these and other questions and helped further understanding of their ideas.
For Meiho's 21st Century students (and teachers!), it was truly a blessing to have such a wonderful and engaging interaction with our peers from ONHS's Peace Club. We hope that our visitors enjoyed the event as much as we did. See you around, ladies (and Mr. Vickers)!
ああああああああああああああああああああああああああああ「２１世紀（高２文系選択科目）」を履修中の生徒のうち２名が、「*NFLJ第３回全国大会（英語ディベート大会）」に出場することが決定しました。８月６日（日）に、山梨学院大学iCLA（山梨県）にて開催されます。今年は下記のトピックに関して、全国のみならず海外の高校生達（カナダ、中国、韓国）も交えて、熱い英語ディベートが繰り広げられます。 Resolved: On balance, governments should guarantee a universal basic income for all taxpaying members of a society.
新中学１年生が中学での英語学習を始めて１ヶ月が経ちました。アルファベットの綴りの練習からスタートして、Phonics（読み方）のトレーニング、英語の歌（Country Road, Let It Be）、Tongue Twister（早口言葉）などを通して、まずは英語に親しむところから授業を展開してきました。先日の授業では、「自己紹介」の練習をして、初めてクラスメイトの前で「英語で発表」することに挑戦しました。発表する際の留意点として、以下の３つのポイントを意識してもらいました。
"The world is changing faster than it has ever changed before," started our quest speaker. "If you cannot be creative, you will be defeated by a robot!" This is how our special lecture started. Professor Michael Lacktorin, who is formerly a professor and dean of Akita International University and currently the Founding Dean of the International College of Liberal Arts of Yamanashi Gakuin University, visited Meiho's 21st Century course today. He talked with our students about how they can best prepare for an increasingly uncertain future. Professor Lacktorin started by painting a bleak picture of the future, one which will be full of human workers being replaced by artificial intelligence and robots. Then, he seamlessly built up the hope of our students by telling them just what is necessary to not only survive, but thrive, in the future: the human heart, expressed through creativity. And just what is creativity? It is "connecting the dots" between different experiences and academic fields. He exemplified this idea through Steve Jobs, whose life is a model of such. To be successful in the future, students need to make many dots (have many experiences) that are spread over a wide range of subjects (science, art, history, economics, etc.) Finally, they need to connect all of their dots, creating new insights, new ways of thinking, new solutions. This is what gives Professor Lacktorin "goose bumps," and what he and his colleagues passionately aim for in their liberal arts program. It is also exactly what will provide students with the tools they need to write their very own success stories in an uncertain future. Thanks for visiting us today, Professor Lacktorin.
Here's to a successful future for you and for us!!
As the second term of the 2016 school year coincided with the 2016 presidential election, the 21st Century students have worked hard to learn about the issues through English language sources. Our primary source was CNN Student News but our students also carried out original research as they created and shared online presentations with high school students in the U.S. All this hard work culminated in an interactive discussion of the election results and implications of Mr. Trump's victory with our gracious guest speaker Mr. Karl Rosvold. Mr. Rosvold is a true scholar, having studied at top universities such as the University of Tokyo and the University of Michigan, a translator, and an author. His previous experience as an educator was also apparent as he quickly and intuitively interacted with our students. The discussion centered on the election and covered issues such as the popular vote and electoral vote, the demographic differences between "blue" and "red" states, and why people would vote for an inexperienced outsider like Mr. Trump. The discussion then turned to the relationship between the U.S. and Japan, including discussion of the TPP and security issues. Although the topics and English needed were tough, the Meiho boys did their best to actively engage with and interact with Mr. Rosvold. Not only was this the perfect manner with which to wrap up our term and study of U.S.-Japan relations, but it is also an experience that our students will build on as they continue their studies and make their way into a globalized world. Thanks a billion, Karl, you've helped lay the foundation of our students' success.
「２１世紀（＊１）」の授業では毎年２学期に、Web2.0ツールの１つであるVoice Thread（＊２）を活用し、米国Monte Vista Christian school（＊３）の高校生と共同学習を行っています。今年の論題はずばり、「米大統領選挙2016」！１学期にディベートを中心とした学習をしてきた甲斐もあり、生徒たちは両候補者の政策をメリットとデメリット両方の観点から考察し、意見形成に必要な情報を収集しています。これらの資料を基に、今後インターネット上でディスカッションが展開されていきます。地理・歴史・宗教・政治経済環境などが色濃く反映された「異なった文化的価値観」を持った両国の生徒同士が共通の話題について議論することで、両国の生徒達の間には「これまでになかった気づき」や「新たな視点・考察」が生まれます。
７月３０日・３１日にNFLJ第２回全国大会（英語ディベート大会）が東京で開催され、本校からは２チーム（高校２年生・４名）が参加しました。参加全７２チームのうち、多くがインターナショナルスクールやIB（International Baccalaureate）校、もしくはSGH（Super Global High School）校で、中国と韓国（NFL China / NFL Korea）からも１２チームが参加し、国内では稀にみるグローバルな舞台でハイレベル戦いが繰り広げられました。 今回のトピックは、"On balance, personal genetic services are beneficial to public health."でした。参加にあたり、生徒たちは「２１世紀（文系選択科目）」の授業や放課後の時間を利用して、トピックについて事前リサーチを行い、練習を重ねました。大会当日は、相手チームの立論に対する反駁に難儀していたのと、信ぴょう性の高い証拠を十分に集めきれていなかったがゆえに相手からの反駁への対応に苦慮する場面が見受けられました。本校生徒達は残念ながら予選リーグ敗退となりましたが、今回の経験を通して、学校内では得がたい「教訓」を得たようです。 以下、本校２チームの対戦校と、参加生徒および参観保護者の感想（一部）です。
【対戦校】
Round1 伊那北C（長野）vs 明法B 宇都宮C（栃木）vs 明法A
Round2 St. Mary's International School B（東京）vs 明法A
Hello, Mr. Kamakura! How are you? I had many good experience. Two weeks ago, I went to pub to see my host mother Jennifer. She is a singer. She works there at night. I was surprised that she played in a band! She is a good singer! I was dancing with my friend and eating a pizza. It was fun! Don't worry! I didn't drink alcohol. Next day, I went to the market in the city. There are many shops. It's a big market! I could buy some gifts for! And I bought a cowboy hat for me! It is cool. I had such a good day! On Sunday, I went to the beach to see the wild penguins! They come to the beach at night so we waited about an hour. The night beach was a little cold. We were wearing the coat. They are so cute and the beach was beautiful! I thought "The nature is wonderful." I had a wonderful day! From last Wednesday to Friday, I went to the camp with my school friends and teachers. We went to the river and did wake boarding!! This was the first time for me to do it! At night we enjoyed swimming in the pool, eating dinner, singing and talking! I could have an adventure! I want to wakeboard again. Last Saturday was my host mother's birthday! We went to the city to ride the boat. The boat was comfortable. We could see higher buildings and factories. Then, we went to our grandparents' house to eat dinner. We ate special dinner and ice cream cake. It was delicious. I gave my mom a birthday card. I had a good day. Well... At school, I could make many friends! Of course "female friends" too! Recently, I can understand almost all the classes and I can talk with my friends naturally! I am so happy now!! I am leading a full life!! Thank you :-) PS. I get sunburn well. From N.S.
Dear Mr. Kamakura, How is it going? ....I got sunburn because of school camp. Let's talk about camp after, you know, I will talk about the classes. In my classes, Year 10 has 8 classes mainly. My favorite class is Math. This is because math has numbers. And I know how to do the numbers. On the other hand, I don't like science. Science has so many words I don't know and I am not good at them. Different things from Japan, this school has Bible class. Maybe in Australia, all schools have Bible class because Australians are Christians. You know, I went to school camp for wake boarding. It was the first time to do wake boarding. So I was excited! At first, I fell from the board about 6 times. But, in the end, I did it! I could have fun to! It was good. My friendship is going good. Maybe I talk a lot since January. The relationship with my host family seems good, too. My parents are busy at work, but I talk to them as much as I can. I am having fun in Australia. And I will miss here. Sincerely yours, D.A.
After two months have passed, I got used to everything. These days, I spent the time at school with my friends, not only Japanese students but also Edinburgh college students. I cannot take a photos, but I get along with them. On Sunday February 14th, I went to Melbourne festival with my host family. In Melbourne, it is a very popular festival. It holds an amusement park by the sea every year. Many people came to the festival. We watched 3 live bands there. I didn't know who they were, but I enjoyed it as an audience. I also didn't know the songs which they sang, but they sang "Rolling in the deep". I knew this song!! So I enjoyed this song especially. On Sunday February 21st, I went to see the "White Night." Do you know "White Night?" It is an illumination!! I could see only castle, but it was very beautiful. I didn't know why they call the festival "White Night." But I was impressed with it because I cannot see it in Japan. I've never seen the illumination of summer night like that. I felt like I was in a fantasy!! This time, I send a mail focusing on family time, but next week, we have a school camp!! So next time, I wanna take some photos with my friends and send them to you. From R.T.
Hi! Mr. Kamakura. How are you? I am having a good time in Australia. I was so surprised that I can spend here only another 2 weeks! Time is so fast! Also, My English Conversation is improving day by day. I wrote my resolution since before. I wrote that one of my resolutions is "I would like to skill up my English Conversation". I think my English Conversation is quite steadily progress! When I arrived at Australia, there's nothing left to talk about, but I can keep talking with my friends now! Anyway, I have only 2 weeks to stay here, but I would like to work on a lot of events and improve my English Conversation more! Also, I would like to have a fantastic day every day! By the way, I have already had a lot of experiences in here. My best impressive experiences were everyday school life, ride horse and participate in society club. I think everyone doesn't choose "everyday school life" as the best experience. But, I can learn a lot of things through everyday school life. So, I choose it. In fact, this is my first time to study foreign language abroad, so all of them are fresh experience for me. One thing, I thought the number of school students are very few. I have a lot of times with my host family. My host family is very kind and they are a wonderful family! Also, my host family gives me a lot of good opportunities. In addition, my impressive experience was also to ride horse. In Japan, I cannot have such experience as riding a horse. I participated in a horse club [In Australia, it's called Pony Club]. There, I joined Level 1 class. There were little child there. I was so surprised that even little children are good at riding a horse, but I cannot ride horse well! But, to ride a horse is just so cool! I always play badminton at Australian club every Friday. There are not only Australian people but also Chinese, Arabic and so on. Of course, we talk about badminton things, but we also talk about our own culture and so on. It is so good and I can learn about different cultures. One badminton boy also study abroad here in Australia. He is from Hong Kong. He and I always talk, but we always use easy words! He is nothing talkative but also a nice guy! We [students] had an overnight camp from last Tuesday to Thursday. It made me so tired, but I could make a nice relationship with friends! When I had the overnight camp, I didn't have enough water. And then, my friend whose name is John gave me some water. To make a good relationship is so nice things! At Karate club, I taught Japanese to everyone. They said Japanese is one of the most difficult languages in the world because Japanese has 3 different characters! Anyway, I am having a good time in Australia! See you soon. From Y.D.
Hi Mr. Kamakura! I will write my school subjects: food and design class. We have elective1 and elective2. In Elective1, we could choose one from art, food or literature. Elective2 is commerce, design or drama. In food class, we cook pancakes, cookies, lemon cake etc. It was so fun. And sometimes we learn about nutrition. In design class, first we use PC and make solid figure. It was little difficult for me. But after using PC, we made screw, iron book etc. There are so many kinds of machines and we can use all of them. I think design class is like a Japanese technique class. On Monday February 29, I went to a restaurant with Ruth (She is our school coordinator) and my Japanese friends. In the restaurant, we could eat as much as we liked for 22 dollars. It was first time to go to that kind of restaurant. There were many foods, for example, Italian food, Asian food, soap and desert. The foods were all so delicious! From 4 Friday to 6 Sunday of March, I went to the trip to Ballarat Melbourne with my family. It took us 2 hours by car. There were a lot of traditional buildings. On its way, we went to the KRYALL Castle. It was very cool. And then we arrived at Whndham Resort (hotel). It had a lot of facilities, for example, pool, gym, barbecue place and table tennis space. On Saturday, we went to the Botanical Garden and Wendoree Lake. In the garden, it had many kinds of flowers. We took many photos there. In the lake, we fed ducks. And at the hotel, I played table tennis, swimming, and had a barbecue. To eat outside was very delicious and nice. We had a great time going to Ballarat! Yesterday, Harper and I took part in the Swimming carnival. We swam 2 races, Boys Medley Relay and Boys 4×50m Freestyle. We competed with other school students. My teammates were Jack, Eric and Harper. We lost both of the races. It was regrettable that we lost our races, but Nunawading College won and I enjoyed swimming. At the end of the school (maybe 22 or 23 March), we will sing songs in front of NCC's students. So now we practice singing the sings. We will sing 'Hello Goodbye'. And, we will go to Philip Island on 23 March. We will learn surfing. First time my teacher said to us "we will go to Philip Island 10 March". But the day was cancelled. I am very looking forward to going there. Today, five years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011. I think the memorial services are held in Japan. I will make a presentation about the earthquake and tsunami in history class. I will do my best. See you soon. From G.H.
The life experiences of other's is a powerful learning opportunity. This past week, our 21st Century students had exactly that with our most recent guest speaker. Mr. Inada, a true gentleman, shared his life story with our boys. After learning about his early days in Fukuoka and his journey to Tokyo and days at Yokohama National University, our discussion turned to Mr. Inada's career, which gave him the opportunity to develop his English abilities while working in Research & Development and Human Resources for international companies such as IBM and Applied Materials. There were two pieces of advice that he gave to our students that stuck out. The first, which he learned in a university theatrical performance class in Hawaii, is the importance of overcoming one's shyness. Through training, even the shyest of us can develop self-confidence that allows us to interact with, and speak in front of others. The second is the importance of building up conversation and communication skills, which are not only important in one's personal life but also necessary in one's professional life as well. These lessons are especially important for Japanese who often resort to silence in order to avoid any potential loss of face. Japanese speakers of English need to focus on conveying their ideas and interacting amiably, and through doing so, improve their English abilities and increase their life and professional opportunities. Mr. Inada is a clear role model for our students, who have benefited greatly through their opportunity to spend some time with him. Thanks a million, Mr. Inada.
After 3 weeks passed, I enjoy my life in Australia. At school, I really enjoy! On Fridays, I have science class (chemistry). In Japan, I think lecture is a main part of the class. However, in Australia, I think doing experiment is the major element of its class. I was very surprised at this difference. During lunch time, my host sister Eve (Edinburgh college student) invites me and we eat lunch with her and her friends. It is a good chance to talk!! I talk a lot there. That is fun! But originally, I hesitated because many girls were there! My school in Japan is a boys' school, so I usually don't talk with girls. But on this Friday, I could talk with many girls. Of course, I talked with boys a lot more!
Last Wednesday, I had swimming carnival. I took part in the medley relay as a backstroke swimmer. Our team won the medley relay! I was very glad. And I made a lot of friends (I'm sorry I couldn't take photos with my friends except swimming carnival and last day). It is my school rules. In Australia, many senior students talk to junior students, so I usually talk with different grade students. Of course I talk with the same grade students, too. I think it is good points in Australian schools.
At home I played origami with my host sister Eve the other day. She liked origami very much. I was very happy because I brought washi and chiyogami with me to tell Japanese traditional cultures. I handed these ones to her. She looked very delighted. And we sometimes do barbecue with my host family. Barbecue (camp fire) is very traditional in Australia! I experience Australian culture every day! It is so good!
See you in 2 weeks!
From R.T.
Dear Mr. Kamakura,
Hello! How are you? I'm really good. I have a nice experience and it's not so hot in Australia. This is my first time to go Australia. So arriving at Australia, I am very nervous. But, I can spend a cool experience now! "Don't be shy" and "Don't be afraid" are very important to study abroad. I suggested that "keep smiling" is also important thing. I have two resolutions. First, I would like to skill up my English Conversation. Second, I would like to communicate with foreigners and enjoy every day! I would like to complete my resolutions! Arriving at Melbourne, I went to Australian McDonald's. I am very surprised that the size of hamburgers and Drink is so huge! But, I think it was just so cool! And then, I went to Edinburgh College and meet host family! My host family consists of four, father, mother, brother and sister. Host sister can ride horses and host brother can make games! In Edinburgh College, I am in the 9 grade, so math is so easy for me. English class is so difficult for me and to do assignments makes me very tired! Anyway, I am very happy to spend time there.
Sincerely, Y.D.
Hi, Mr. Kamakura.
I have come to Australia for two weeks. At first I couldn't communicate with foreigners. However, I can now communicate with foreigners better than before. My host family is very kind to me. They took me a lot of tourist resorts. For example I have been to Melbourne City twice. We went to a tennis park. I could enjoy there with my host family. But, I can't make friends well in my school in Australia. So I will try to talk to somebody from now. I want to report to you, "I made a lot of friends" next time.
A.G.
Hi, Mr. Kamakura. How are you?
Sorry to send e-mail is little late. I am little busy, but I enjoy staying in Melbourne, Australia! My host family is very nice! I like talking with them. Especially, I like talking with Randolf (my host brother). We are the same age and we both like soccer and tennis. I share the same room with him. Last weekend, I went to Melbourne city with my host family. We rode BIG Ferris wheel. We enjoyed the beautiful view. After coming back home, I made so-men for them. I think it was like Hiyasi-chuka. But my host family liked it. I was happy because Rocky (host brother) ate a second helping. I will make other Japanese food tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. And every Saturday, I go to a gym to play badminton with my host brother and his friends. To play badminton is little difficult for me, but I enjoy playing.
At Nunawading Christian College, I also made some friends. But I don't have many friends. I go to school by train. It is very slow and always late. But I like riding the train. This is because I can talk with my Australian friends on the train. I like talking with them.
G.H.
Hi, Mr. Kamakura. How is it going? I arrived in Australia. I have had a lot of fun in Australia. I have been learning more about Australia and English, for example, culture. There is little water in Australia, so I have to take a shower within four minutes! But I can take two showers, in the morning and at night. I also enjoy having time with my host family. My host family took me car movie theater on January 31, 2016. We watched Daddy's home. It was a funny movie. I laughed a lot there. I will continue to study hard. See you soon.
S.I.
Hello, Mr. Kamakura. How are you?
I am very happy because my host family is very kind and I had many interesting events during the last two weeks! On the first weekend, I watched rodeo!! This was my first time to watch rodeo. Many cowboys and cowgirls ride the bulls! It was very interesting! Then I visited my grandparents' house. Grandfather played the piano for me for two hours!! I was surprised that he has five bands! He is a good player. Last week was interesting, too. On Friday, I had swimming carnival! I joined the relay and I swam free style. We got the 2nd place! I was tired but it was fun. On Saturday, I visited my host mother's brother's house. His house is a good place, because it's in the countryside. The smell was fresh and there are lots of animals like Kangaroos and many kinds of bird... I could relax. We enjoyed BBQ and talking with the family! It was great! Sunday was my host family's dog's birthday. His name is Leroy. He is just one year old, but he is as big as me! He is very cute.
I am enjoying school life, too! The classes are very difficult to understand, but I understand a little like math, SOSE and science. I want to be able to understand all subjects! Also, I made ten or more new friends !! But I don't have any "girl" friends... During lunch time, I enjoy playing soccer, basketball and talking with friends! Heritage College is a good school!! I appreciate my host parents, too! Thank you!
See you. From N.S.
Hello. How are you? I'm good. I am very happy because I have made four friends. I'll introduction about especially closer friends. They are Seth and Shown. They are brothers. They are fun to be with. They can play some sports and make me smile by saying joke. I'm always playing with them.
K.Y.
Hi, Mr. KAMAKURA! How are you?
I enjoy Australian life. Host mother is so kind. Every morning, my mother makes breakfast for me. It's so good! She is a real chef!
I went to party twice! First party was my mother's sister's daughter's birthday party. Second party was so funny and crazy party. Chef of this party was mother. She was working so hard.
I make friends in NCC. In NCC students are very friendly, so I can make friends without any troubles. I have friends who come home together. One of the friends who is a girl can speak Japanese well.
Once a week, we have sports festival. They are so exciting to me! Last week, I went to play table tennis. Now I can play table tennis every Friday! I'm so happy. At school, I am making friends gradually.
See you in two weeks! From H.O.
How is it going? I am good now.
Three weeks have passed since we left Japan. I made 3 friends and they are 3 close friends now! I can't believe it because I am a quiet guy! I will talk a lot and make more friends as much as I can.
By the wa, speaking about host family, they are good people, too. My host parents are kind, friendly. And my host brother＆sister are kind as well. Sometimes, my family takes out me somewhere, like a soccer match! I went to a soccer game yesterday with my father, brother, father's friend, and my family's relatives. So, do not worry about me. Everything is getting good now.
１２月１日（火）、「２１世紀（高２文系選択科目）」の授業で外部より講師（The Australia Society Tokyo 代表：Sally Townsend氏）をお招きして、「豪州と日本の《違い》を比較してみよう！～異文化理解～」と題したワークショップ（使用言語：英語）を実施しました。大学受験（選抜）制度や大学生活の違い、ギャップイヤーやボランティア活動など様々な「違い」について、英語でのディスカッションを通して、生徒達は多くを学ぶことができました。現在、受講生達はICTを活用して米国の高校生らと自然災害に関する協働学習も行っていますが、異文化理解をこのようなアクティブ・ラーニング形式で学習することで、「１つの事象に対する複眼的な視点」を体得しています。
＊以下、今回ファシリテーターを務めた本校ネイティブ教師によるコメントです。
Sally Townsend, the president of Australia Society Tokyo (AST) and a graduate of both Adelaide University and Nihon University, blessed us with her presence this December as our guest speaker for the 21st Century course. During the first hour, students asked Sally about growing up in Australia and her school life, focusing on some of the differences between the Australian and Japanese school systems. As Sally is a graduate of both an Australian university and a Japanese university, she was able to share with us about some of the cultural differences in attitudes toward higher education. First, students learned about the "gap year" that many Australians take, which is a year between high school graduation and entering university during which people often volunteer and travel to other countries. This means that when Australians enter university, they are generally more mature than their Japanese counterparts who enter directly from high school. This, perhaps, is a big reason why, like many westerners, she was also taken back by how it doesn't take much effort for students to pass their university courses and graduate in Japan, which is in stark contrast to western universities at which students are expected to work extremely hard in order to pass courses and graduate.
During the second hour of our time with Sally, we learned about the work of AST and about how they work with the Australian Embassy and the Australian & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce to help Australians living in Tokyo feel at home. Many foreigners living in Tokyo experience homesickness but also a sense of loneliness, which is something that Sally is dedicated to help address. Students were impressed with Sally's willingness and enthusiasm for volunteer activities, a cultural trait of many Australians. We also learned about Sally's work at an international wine importer, which is actually a domestic (Japanese) company that is funded by French wineries and headed by a CEO from New Zealand but staffed primarily by Japanese citizens. Truly an international work place!
Through our exchange with Sally and her generosity, 21st Century students were able to learn firsthand about issues that foreigners living in Japan face and also learn a great deal about differences in school culture and expectations. So, on behalf of the 21st Century students, we would like to say, "Thanks, Sally!" and hopefully one day we will be able to walk barefoot with you on the Australian Embassy's beautiful green lawn!
Gearing up for their participation in the third annual High School Business Grand Prix, 21st B students viewed videos and analyzed web reports and financial graphs to learn about Airbnb, a startup that has grown rapidly and greatly impacted the global travel industry. Students answered questions on how the company turned problems into business opportunities through challenging assumptions to offer new solutions (a theme of the 21st Century class). They also looked into the financial history of the company and discussed how through an English language website, rapid financial growth is possible in today's world. Finally, students thought about and discussed the economic, social, and cultural impacts that this company is having on the world. Insights gained from this class will guide them as they create their own business proposals for the competition later this year. Good luck guys!
Web 3.0: the Internet of Things (IoT)
In the late 1990's, Web 2.0 tools started what we now know of as social networking services (SNS) that allow us to easily communicate with people and business all over the world through the Internet.
These days, we already see tools that are considered Web 3.0 and called the Internet of Things (IoT). Similar to how Web 2.0 tools allowed people to connect with each other, these new Web 3.0 tools will allow our things (cars, refrigerators, TVs, phones, etc.) to be connected and synchronized. These technological connections, perhaps, will make our lives, from leisure activities to work activities, much more convenient and interesting. Future jobs will require knowledge of IoT and learning about its potential now is important.
This week, J1 students did a great job and were all smiles as they took their first test of Meiho's conversation program. The test was on "Meeting for the First Time" and included (1) how to start a conversation, (2) using questions to develop a conversation, and (3) how to correctly end a conversation. Students will continue to build on these skills in their quest to become bilingual in everyday conversation. (The next test will be on hobbies and developing topics with 5W1H questions. Good luck!)
Students today need to prepare for a job market that requires not only English but also marketing and advertising skills. Today we had Mr. Ryo Yamamoto come and share his experiences working for a start-up company, English Central based out of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Yamamoto shared his expertise in marketing and showed our students the importance of knowing how to use online applications such as Google Analytics and Google AdWords. Without which, expanding a company's customer base would be extremely difficult in this day and age.
We often hear that in the future English will be a job requirement. Mr. Yamamoto is a great example of this, a Japanese man living and working in Japan but performing sixty to seventy percent of his daily work tasks in English. On a daily basis, he coordinates with staff in Boston, the Philippines, and Brazil, among other places, often using Skype to relay important information or hold meetings. Truly, the future will require that our students interact with colleagues around the globe and to understand the use of online applications for business success. Today, our students were able to learn those lessons first hand from Mr. Yamamoto, whom we owe a great deal of gratitude.
Recent events in the Middle East have forced Japan to confront the Islamic State (IS).
Today in the 21st Century class, students watched a CNN Student News clip on how the world will deal with IS after they executed Japanese and Jordanian prisoners.
Students spent time explaining the background that led up to these tragic events and also discussing the situation from the Japanese perspectives.
Most student comments touched on the idea that Japan could take up a more active non-military role, for example, by engaging with the local Sunni populations, providing economic aid, and getting more involved in international organizations. With students like these, not only is Japan's future bright, but the world's future is brighter. Way to go Meiho!
12月16日(金)。 高校1年生の音楽選択者(芸術選択)によるミニコンサートが行われました。フルート・クラリネット・サキソフォーン・トランペット・ホルン・トロンボーン・ユーフォニウム・テューバによるアンサンブルは、ベートーヴェンからアナと雪の女王（Let it go）まで多彩なプログラムでした。いずれも楽しい演奏でしたが、特に金管楽器＋打楽器のメンバーによるNHK連続テレビ小説「あまちゃん」のテーマは素晴らしいレベルの演奏でした。ブラボー！
What is it like to work in Tokyo as a foreigner? What is it like for Japanese employees to work under foreign managers? What job skills will Japanese students need to be successful in the 21st century? These are questions that our students became more familiar with this past Saturday, November the 8th. Our 21st Century class was blessed to have an opportunity to interact with an energetic and knowledgeable American IT Manager who lives and works in Tokyo. The first hour was a high-paced and fun interaction with students working together to ask Mr. Worthington questions about his life, from growing up in California to his reasons for moving to Japan. During this hour, Meiho students were also asked many things by Mr. Worthington and did an excellent job of fielding these questions. During the second hour, discussion turned to the IT world and what Japanese students could be doing to prepare for working in the 21st century. Mr. Worthington shared a story of his company, based in Tokyo, trying to hire a Japanese IT employee who was bilingual. However, even with being in Tokyo and after several months of looking, they still couldn't find a suitable person and eventually ended up hiring a non-Japanese person. Thus, he stressed the importance of Japanese people learning English and becoming bilingual at a high level. Mr. Worthington also gave students concrete examples of the types of problems companies in Tokyo have to overcome and talked about the importance of developing problem-solving skills. Finally, Mr. Worthington challenged our students to think about how they could turn their interests into careers and advised them that diligence is the key to success. Our students definitely got a lot out of their meeting with Mr. Worthington and have come away as much stronger individuals excited about their futures.
現在、「２１世紀（＊１）」の授業では、Web2.0ツールの１つであるVoice Thread（＊２）を活用し、米国Monte Vista Christian school（＊３）の高校生と異文化交流をしています。具体的には、自然災害についてのディスカッションをオンライン上で行うというものです。先般発生した広島での土砂災害や御岳山の火山噴火はCNN Student Newsでも報道されており、生徒達はそれらを視聴した後、「自然災害」について調べ、各自が英語でプレゼンテーションを作成しました。これらの資料を基に、現在インターネット上でディスカッションが展開されています。地理・歴史・宗教などが色濃く反映された「異なった文化的価値観」を持った両国の生徒同士が共通の話題について議論することで、「これまでになかった気づき」や「新たな視点・考察」が生まれています。
"Japan claims that its whaling program is for scientific purposes but most of the world doesn't agree. The UN recently banned one of the whale hunts. What do you think?" ― これは、高２文系選択「２１世紀」の授業中の一コマ。グローバル・スタディーズ・プログラム（GSP）の最終段階として位置づけられるこの科目は、将来グローバル社会で活躍するために必要な「国際教養力」と、クリティカル・シンキングやクリエイティブ・シンキングなどの「２１世紀型スキル」を習得するために設けられた、明法独自の授業です。２時間続きの授業は全て英語で行われ、少人数のゼミ形式で展開していきます。 この日の前半はCNN Student Newsを視聴しながら、国際司法裁判所が国際条約に違反するという判決を下した日本の調査捕鯨について学習し、その後簡単なディスカッションを行いました。後半は「２１世紀スキル」に関するオリエンテーション。世の中に存在する問題をチャンスと捉え、解決プロセスの中で新たな価値を創造してきたグローバル・リーダーたちに共通する資質やスキルについて、具体的な事例を取り上げながら考えました。授業の最後に出された課題、「2050年には90億人にまで達するとされる人類が直面する世界の人口増加。そしてそこから引き起こされる食料問題。一体何が原因で、どんな対策が必要か」。 生徒たちはこれから一年間かけて、このような問題の解決に必要な知識やスキルを学んでいくことになります。その過程では時にアメリカの高校生たちと議論し（ICTを活用）、また時に起業家など外部講師をお招きし、ワークショップも行います。授業の様子や昨年度の記事は、下記リンクよりご覧ください。
Hello, Mr. Kamakura. I'm sorry for the late sending e-mail. I'll introduce my classes. I have 8 classes at school, for example History, Religion, Art, Science, Math, English, Commerce and Sports. In Religion class, I'm studying Bible. It is difficult for me. But I'll keep trying. In Art class, I made ceramics and I'm studying how to take a camera and how to revise a photo. It is interesting. In Science class, I'm studying element. I must present a report, so I was busy this week and I'll be busy next week, too. In Math class, I'm studying function. It is easy for me. In English class, I have to do presentation on next Tuesday. I'll talk about fossil fuels. I'm very nervous. In Commerce class, I'm studying business. It is difficult for me. And my group will sell lemonade on next Monday. My group members are Kengo, Jack, Jordan and me. Jack and Jordan are very reliable. So I'll send their photos. In Sport class, I'm playing touch football. It is very interesting. I have come to like rugby now. All students here are very kind. If I can't understand, I can easily ask them about the conversation. In lunch time, I play cricket with year ten's friends or I play soccer with year nine's students. So my school life is very good! I'll keep trying. By the way, I played soccer last Sunday. Length of time of the game was 90 minutes. I played 55 minutes. The game's score was 2-2. I wanted to get a goal, but I couldn't. And I can play soccer every Tuesday. So now, I can practice soccer more. I'm enjoying everything in Australia! Regards, Y.G.
I'm sorry for not sending email in the past few weeks. School is fun, but classes are difficult for me. In particular, application class is too difficult. This time that our assignment is making website of business. Lay Winston, who moved from East Timor, is in the same class and he also uses English. So his website is very high quality. As software is written in English, we are having a bad time making it, but everyone looks so easy! We are frustrated. We'll go cycling camp next Monday. At first, I chose sea kayak, but it didn't have enough a room. I borrowed camping clothing and equipment from my host mother's relative. They are very kind. Anyways, we are looking forward to the camp. My host family has work on Saturday. So I often play with my friends. Recently. I went to Melbourne city with my friends by train and I cut my hair there. Last Sunday was no work day for my host family, so they took me somewhere. We went to Melbourne Zoo. I saw many many animals there, and we were keen on watching animals. We had a great time! Regards, H.S.
How are you, Mr. Kamakura? I'm good. I'm taking a lot of classes at school. They are difficult for me, especially Religion class is too hard. So when I go home I'm searching the word that I don't know. We have sports day every Tuesday. I play cricket as sports day. But actually, I don't like cricket because it's boring:( At home, I spend the time talking to host family every weekend. Sometimes we go shopping together. I like both because those are fun. Also, we go to the church every Sunday. I don't know how to pray to God, but I believe in God. Because if I believe in God, I can go to the heaven when I die. God is Everything! From K.T.
Dear Mr.Kamakura I chose normal classes at school. When in class, I sit with every student. My best friend is Brodie Smith. I enjoy school because I made a lot of friends here. I take part in every event at school. So I made friends with almost all grade students. The other day, I took part in swimming carnival. I got both first prize and second prize. Every Wednesday I play cricket. It is difficult but it is interesting. I go to church every Saturday with my host family. On Sundays, I do a lot of things. Sometimes I play soccer with my host brother. Sometimes I go swimming. Now I'm in Sydney. I went to see the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. They are very good. It took us 10 hours to go from Melbourne to Sydney by car!! This was a very long way!! I think I talked a lot with my host family on the way. See you next weekend.
Dear Mr.Kamakura I'm going to camp for a week from tomorrow. Memories until now; <Friends Edition> I went shopping with my Australian friends. I had Japanese food with my friends in Japanese class. <Host Family Edition> I get along extremely well with my host family. We went to various places together: for example, the coast, zoo, shopping centers, bowling, and soccer stadium. <Coordinator Edition> I went shopping with our coordinator. I survived in listening to lot of explanations. Finally, this study-abroad program is only for another three weeks. So, I want to enjoy the rest of my stay. See ya! From T.T.
Dear. Mr. Kamakura Good afternoon!!! At school, I write English words or read sentences in English class. I take some photos and develop them in photography class. I draw pictures while looking at various models in drawing class. Also, I study math that is easier than Japan and have tests in math class. I make simple animations on computer in IT class. Sometimes we have to go to assembly. Talking about my dairy life, I went to NSW with my host family as a trip!!! That is hotter than VIC! We fished fish and went to the chocolate factory! It was a good experience! One day, we went to Cranbourne Garden in a drawing class!! It was rainy. So I thought if it was sunny, it was better because the view was very nice!! That was very big!! At school, we helped Japanese assembly. It was the day that the number of schools came to Beaconhills, so I was very tired!! But I got sushi as a reward!! So I was very very happy!! At home, I made Shogayaki for our family!!! They were happy when they ate it!! I was so happy! And I thought I wanna make it again! I can't send an email next weekend because we'll go camp during the week!! But I will send one as much as I come back from the camp!! See you!!! I'm gonna make good memories!!! From T.I.
以下2名分のレポートを追加します。
Hi, Mr. Kamakura. I am enjoying Australian life. I am also enjoying school time and the time with host family. First, I want to talk about school time. My favorite subject is PE. Because it gets used on good terms with an unfamiliar person. I think that sports time gets used on more good terms with friends. I chose touch football. I am doing the cricket with my friends in almost lunch time. I want to send a cricket time's picture in my next email. There is no event these days. But today I sell Lemonade in lunch time. This is in commerce class. Next, I want to talk about every weekend with host family. We went to the beach the other day. It is unlike Japan. It is very beautiful. We explored the beach. And I went to Gold Museum. It was too good because I could get gold free! On Fridays, I go to soccer club. It is fun because I can exercise only this time. But I can go also on Tuesday from this week. It is a very pleasure time. I want to enjoy the remaining three weeks. From H.K.
Mr. Kamakura I spent time in Australia for about two months. I'm enjoying now! I got many friends who are Aussie people. We often play sports, which are football, basketball, rugby and Aussie football! They are great friends and very kind. In school class, we talk every time about questions. I think I can understand some classes and can't understand some classes. I understand math. It's too easy, and art that's easy too. Cooking class is also easy for me. But I can't understand business. That's hard as well as English class. I like school. This is a good place. Host family are good people. Especially, I like my host father. He is very kind. Before yesterday, he took me to the national park and took me another place. Anyways, I am enjoying Australia! From T.K.
3 weeks have passed, and I am getting used to life in Australia! So I don't want to go home!! This week, the swimming carnival was held by my school on Friday!! Because I belong to the swimming club, I won 3 races!!! I was very very happy and it was fun!! I became a legend! Hahaha.
Also, we went to the sea and did fishing on a boat!! It was fun! But I couldn't catch any fish... So I'll get many fish next time! We also played on the beach, so I got tanned! Because this time is the first time to go to sea this year, I was more excited!!
Every week is fun! So the next week will also be fun!!! See ya!
<Week4>
Good afternoon!! This week was also good!!
By the way, I'll introduce what I study at school. We could choose subjects which we wanted to take in our school. I chose English, photography, drawing, IT, music, and math. English is the most difficult subject for me. But I enjoy the photography class most.
We went to Dandenong market. After that, we went to the Myuna farm! I saw many animals!!! And we fed them, too.
On Friday, we had to wear pink something. It was Pink Friday! But many students didn't wear pink hahaha. I went to Melbourne city with Jumpei, Thomas, Daniel. They are my friends!! We also went to the highest building in Melbourne!! It was so scary!! But very fun!!
From T.I.
Hello, Mr. kamakura. I'm sorry for the late email.
2 weeks have passed since I came to Australia. I'm enjoying Australian life. I was nervous at first, but I am getting used to the life here gradually. I go to school with my host brother now. Now I'm very very happy. But I am not brave to talk with Australian students at school. I am afraid you can make honest friend．
By the way, here are some pictures. First picture is host brother's birthday party on February 2nd. We ate cakes and it was a good day. Second picture which we went Amusement park is on February 9th. Last picture is swimming carnival.
<Week1> Dear Mr. Kamakura How are you?? I felt this week was very very long for me! Because many many things happened this week. First, at school, I had many friends there and talked a lot in English haha. Second, my host family members are parents, 2 children and one foreign student from Hong Kong who is Sam. Sam taught me that February 1st is the New Year Day in China and we ate Chinese food to celebrate it. I cooked Sushi for my Family!! I miss Japan a little when I ate it. Finally, it is about the weather. I think you know the season is the opposite to Japan here. Australia is too hot now!! I felt hotter. However, I'm enjoying the life here now!!! So don't worry!! Best regards, from T.I.
<Week2> Dear Mr. Kamakura, Hi!!! This week also many things happened! I went to store in Pakenham on Tuesday. I was surprised that many things are big here in Australia! There was also kangaroo sausage! I went to Host mother, Rachael's brother's house. We had a BBQ together. It was very very good!!! I had 10 pieces of chicken! I saw a wild possum in the garden! It is rare to see it. So I'm a lucky boy! It was a good experience! I went to Planet Shakers church! We enjoyed watching a band playing music. I was surprised that it was free! It isn't normal in Japan! I became one of the fans after leaving the Church! It was so good!! At school, I take photography, math, IT, music, drawing and English!! See you next week!! From T.I.
Hello Mr. Kamakura, Here is my first report. I'm enjoying my stay in Australia. But I didn't make some friends yet. I don't forget "Don't be shy". So I'll keep on trying. Photo 1 This picture was taken on my first day of school. I took this photo in front of my host family's home. The house has four bedrooms and has two levels. In the backyard, the house also has a heated spa bath. I was surprised. I took this picture with my host brother, Matthew. My host mother took the picture and my host father took me to school that morning. My host brother is interesting and my host sister is cute. Photo 2 I took this photo on top of a mountain. We went up the mountain using hiking trail. I got up at 6:30 on Saturday morning. It was cold and misty. The walk was easy but tough. We were five members walking up the trail. I took this picture with my host brother. Regards, Y.G.
How are you? Many flies live in here. First week, my host family went to Queens land. So I stayed at host mother's brother's house. I'm at host family's house now. My little host brothers are very vigorous! I made a friend who moved from East Timor. His name is Lay Winston, and he is very kind. Me and my friend Nojiri started Kendo here at Beacon Hills. Because my host school's Japanese teacher invited us. Melbourne is dry, but the temperature is high. So it is very hard. Regards, H.S.
Events of the week; Monday: I was looking forward to the school. It was fun as expected. Tuesday: Shopping in Parkenham with my schoolmates and coordinator. Wednesday: I had fun playing with Sarah. Thursday: I had fun playing soccer with Chead's friend, and I went to soccer club. Friday: I was talking to Sarah and Emily. Within one week, I was able to talk with a lot of friends about 40. It is fun every day here! Australia is very very hot, more than 30 degrees every day. Have a nice weekend, Kamakura teacher!!! See ya! From T.T.
Dear Mr.Kamakura Good afternoon. First, I apologize to you for the delay in sending this e-mail. Two weeks have passed since I arrived at Australia. I'm surprised at the differences with Japan and Australia. There are many racial people in Australia. Also, a mind of "the Ladies first" is very important here. Sometimes, I don't know what I should say. I think I should have learned more English before leaving Japan. However, I enjoy life in Australia. When I just came here, I couldn't talk to students. But, I talk to girls now! These are the photos that were taken at the time of the class of chemical experiments. And the other one is the photograph taken when I rode on Mustang of Ford together with Elizabeth. She is my little host sister. Best regards, K.T.
２月７日（金）、「２１世紀（高２文系選択科目）」の授業で外部より講師をお招きして特別授業が行われました。講師の片山勇志氏は、株式会社新東洋の代表取締役社長（CEO）を務める傍ら、Hatch Cowork + KIDSの代表として、現代日本が抱える社会問題（仕事と家庭の共存、女性の社会進出など）の解決に向けて、精力的に取り組んでいらっしゃる方です。これまでにCNNやJapan Times紙などマスメディアからその活動が注目され、昨年末にはアメリカ副大統領バイデン氏や日本在中アメリカ大使ケネディー氏と日本の女性の労働環境に関してディスカッションも行っています。 同氏は幼稚園から高校まで日本のインターナショナルスクールに通い、アメリカの大学を卒業後はイギリスやフランスでの勤務経験を持つ、まさにグローバルパーソン。今回は、"Reshaping the way we live: Why Japan needs to rethink how we work and live."という議題のもと、授業は英語と日本語を織り交ぜたディスカッション形式で行われました。今後、日本経済の衰退を食い止めるためには女性や外国人労働者の活用が不可欠で、そのための労働環境を整えていく上でまず必要なのは、人々の「考え方」を変えること。女性や外国人労働者に対するこれまでの既成概念を打破すべく実践されている、ご自身の活動について語って頂く中で、「２１世紀を拓く日本人」に不可欠な資質に関する議論が展開されました。以下、生徒と片山氏とのやりとりの一部をご紹介します。
＜ファシリテーターを務めた本校ネイティブ教師によるコメント＞ In life we sometimes meet people with great vision for the future. Often these people only have the vision and, thus, those visions remain unfulfilled dreams. But sometimes these people have both the vision and the ability to turn the vision into reality. On February 7th, the 21st Century class met one of those people in Mr. Katayama. After a warm-up interview activity in which students learned about Mr. Katayama's educational experiences both in Japan and abroad, students became deeply engaged in Mr. Katayama's presentation on how to build a stronger workforce in Japan. Students learned firsthand how we could revitalize and then sustain the Japanese economy but also ideas of how Japan could help make the world a better place. Perhaps what will stay with the students most is the idea that Japanese students need to "hatch" out of their shells, carefully think about problems and not fear failure in the pursuit of their solutions. Our students were more than blessed to have someone of Mr. Katayama's caliber and expertise interact with them and we are sure what they learned will stay with them throughout their lives.
１１月１日（金）、「２１世紀（高２文系選択科目）」の授業で外部より講師をお招きして特別授業が行われました。講師の武内氏は海外滞在歴１０余年で、これまでに国内外の大手ゲームメーカーに勤務し、北米や欧州を中心にマーケティングや商品開発に携わってきました。今回は、ご自身の大学進学からその後のキャリア形成に関するお話からグローバルビジネスに必要な心構え、マーケティングや商品開発の裏側に至るまで、様々なお話しをして頂きました。２時間通して行われたこのセッション、質疑応答も含め、もちろん全て英語で行われました。以下、ファシリテーターを務めた本校ネイティブ教師によるコメントです。 Over the past few decades, one of Japan's strengths has been its gaming industry. Japanese companies not only develop gaming systems and games for Japan, but also sell these overseas. How do they do this? Well, in the 21st Century class, we were able to invite an expert from the field, an account manager. Interacting with the students in English, she explained how games go from drawing board to the final product. Students learned about the localization process, in which Japanese games are translated into other languages and made ready for foreign markets by working in multinational teams. Our expert's advice for our students was that although communication skills are very important, the most important skill for high school students to learn is how to work within a team. Secondly, although with conveniences such as e-mail, instant messaging, and other social media, actually going to abroad to meet face-to-face with foreign colleagues is extremely important in ensuring success in the world of global business. Our 21st Century students were surely blessed to have such an expert come and talk with them.
平成24年12月26日～28日、中学1・2年生の希望者対象のEnglish Shower Program が実施されました。昨年度に続き2回目です。1年生7名と2年生16名が参加しました。 3日間文字通り「英語漬け」の生活を送りました。といっても、自己紹介、ゲーム、ケーキ作りにスポーツと、英語を使いながら楽しむことを大いに重視した行事でもあります。アメリカとイギリスから来られたnative speakers の先生も、生徒たちと仲良くなり、参加者全員を引っ張っていくことに特に力を入れていました。
生徒の感想から： ･ 英語に自信がついた。来年も行きたい 先生がやさしく、わからなくてもヒントをくれて、わかるようになった ・ はじめは人前でスピーチをするのは嫌だったが、言葉が詰まらずに出るようになりよかった ･ This camp was very good for my English. I think eye contact is very important. I will join this camp again ! 以上1年生
･ 2回目の参加ですが、英語と接する時間がとれ、参加して良かったと思いました。来年はオーストラリアでがんばりたい。 ・ This English immersion camp is a lot of fun ! It's not only studying English. We enjoyed basketball and food was delicious. とても元気がでました。 ・ This camp was very exciting. English is difficult, but I can enjoy studying. Teachers were very kind and lectures were interesting. I think I can speak English better now than I could before ! 以上2年生
Our summer English conversation three-day program has the following goals. (1) ABC Challenge. Students practice pronunciation through a Dr. Seuss ABC book, picking up natural rhythms and intonation. (2) Questions: Increasing the number of questions students can ask in conversations. (3) 5W1H Conversations: Students take part in real-time topical (video games, clubs, etc.) conversations based on what, when, where, who, why, and how.
Preparing for Academic Prowess ＆ Global Participation Today's Japanese students have two needs when it comes to English education: passing university entrance examinations and using English in the job market. Furthermore、 a global perspective and awareness of Japan's role in the world is a necessity. Meiho's two year (H2 and H3) Academic English program is specifically designed to meet these needs.
Methodology Learning through English and an English only classroom. Students here are not passive language learners as much as they are active class participants. Courses feature a western-style seminar approach、 one in which students participate in discussions and work in groups to engage in problem solving.
Newspapers ＆ online news broadcasts (H2 ＆ H3)
Gaining a global perspective and strengthening vocabulary and listening skills through IT. During the first hour of these courses、 we focus on corpus-based vocabulary commonly found in newspapers. This is further supported through viewing online news broadcasts and reading online articles from international outlets.
Debate ＆ Discussion (H2)
Building confidence to convey opinions and concerns in English. In the second hour of class、 students learn how to debate and discuss issues in English. Topical knowledge and linguistic knowledge are both increased and supported through a balanced mixture of discussion、 reading、 writing、 and online sources.
University entrance examination preparation (H3)
Tackling the most difficult university entrance exams. In the second hour of class、 we tackle the most difficult university examinations. Both topical and linguistic knowledge are increased through discussions、 readings、 and working on actual past examinations. Student ability to comprehend and answer long and dense reading passages found in university exams is our focus.
Instructors
Experienced、 professional、 expert. The top of the crop with international pop. These courses are designed、 taught、 and monitored by the best native speaking and Japanese teachers. Our goal is to help bring up the next generation of Japanese leaders who can operate with ease on the global scene.
Who should take these courses?
Although any student that meets the prerequisite English requirements will find these classes useful and interesting、 they have been designed specifically for the following: ＆#61548;Students interested in studying abroad ＆#61548;Students returning to Japan ＆#61548;Students planning to take university entrance examinations ＆#61548;Students who may not study abroad but nevertheless want a similar academic experience
Captions for photos
Students working on a University of Tokyo entrance exam passage. Students using technology to increase global awareness and English skills. 表示
Hello. This week I report about my activities on weekends.
I usually spend my time with my host family. We went to the William Rickets' Sanctuary 2 weeks ago. It was on the aboriginal artworks of William Rickets、 who spread the aboriginal philosophies. In their thoughts、 all the living things are originally born from the ground. I did knew the aboriginal、 but it was impressive to go to a place like this.
The host parents' grandchildren often come to the house. The host mother likes to play with them、 and I help her playing with them. Yesterday、 her son's parents and children came to the house、 and we played with them.
My time in here is running out. I really think I want to know more about the ethnics in Australia and their sense of value. And I'm still trying to find what or how to do that. We're learning about Judaism and Christianity in the Religion class. I'm trying to know their philosophies.
That's about it for my report. See you next week.
W.N.
Hello、 Mr. Kamakura. How are you going? Nine days ago was a holiday which was Friday、 so I went to Melbourne city and participated in the MOOMBA festival. It was very exciting and very fun. At the end、 I watched the fireworks that were so beautiful. If there is any chance、 I want to go to there again.
To change the subject、 a day before yesterday、 I went to Melbourne city again to watch Australian formula 1 grand prix. I had never watched a grand prix in Japan before. Even though it was raining、 we still went to Melbourne city. Seeing formula 1 in real life was very exciting. It was very noisy and had an energy that was produced by the engine. Surprisingly、 the Japanese car racer who is Kamui Kobayasi participated in Melbourne grand prix. I couldn't see his face because he was wearing a helmet、 but the grand prix was very fun anyway. I am going to come back to Japan after 3 weeks. As the time passes、 I will miss Australia. I don't want come back to Japan (Sob with grief). Anyway、 I am enjoying my time in Australia. Maybe see you next weekend.
Regards、 K.T.
Hi Mr. Kamakura、 how are you doing? I am doing fine. I haven't spoken to you for a long time、 but I don't miss Japan、 because I'm enjoying this life in Australia. I could stay here forever and I'm looking for the next host house.
I am staying with a family which has a Mother and 2 sons、 my host brothers. Also、 staying here are two Beaconhills Gap Students who are working at the college as teacher coordinator. One is from Canada and the other is from Scotland. Both are 18. The host mother is from New Zealand and both her sons are Australian. The house has many different types of English but I can't tell the difference as they talk very fast.
I have been attending Beaconhills College and I have heard that the Beaconhills students are very clever. I'm certain they get high marks in their exams. I have met many different nationalities at the school such as; Chinese、 Spanish、 American and Philippine. Those students at the school have accepted me well.
There is a very popular music band called 'One Direction' they are from the U.K and they are now my favorite artists. I'm sure they are world famous and I love their songs. There is going to be a concert in Melbourne on the 16th April、 but I'm going back to Japan on the 8th of April. I'm too sad as I just miss out on going to see them. They are like 'Arashi' in Japan which is a very popular group.
I went and saw Australian Rules Football match between Carlton - my host brother Christian's favorite team and another team. I went with the 2 gap students and one another gap student from Germany also working at the school but not staying with us in the same house. The Sport is similar to Rugby and Soccer. The players are able to kick and hold the ball which is shaped like an egg. Of course、 none of us had seen the sport before、 so we were all excited. It was a really good game as the score was very close. The other team only won by 3 points.
Last Sunday I went to see the movie "John Carter"、 it was an adventure movie like Indiana Jones.
Tomorrow I'm going to the 'Mitchell River' camp which is a rafting and hiking camp、 I am very excited about it although at the same time a bit nervous.
I want to do my best so that I will have no regrets from this experience. I will see you soon and look forward to talking to you about everything.
S.I.
Hello. Mr. Kamakura. I'm sorry that we haven't had school event.
Last Wednesday、 I played suiting game. It was very fun. I had never played suiting game before.
Yesterday、 I saw F1 racing. I had never seen that before. It was very noisy but I like to watch F1 racing. I want to see that again.
I enjoy staying in Australia. I think we will stay in Australia last 3 weeks. I want to enjoy more.
M.O.
Hello Mr.Kamakura! Sorry I didn't write back sooner. Time flies so fast、 doesn't it? I don't want to come back to Japan. Because it is spring in Japan. It is hay fever season! I have a hay fever. I'll blow my nose many times when I come back to Japan. But I miss you and my family and friends of mine and our teachers.
I enjoy this life. I experienced a lot of pleasant and valuable experience. I really want to live here. But I cannot speak English well. I must learn English more. But I use easy English words every day. Probably my English skill is weakest of Japanese students. Other Japanese students are good at writing English. I know that. I'm impatient little bit. I'll hold out till I finish this program.
It has been one year since the Great Tohoku Earthquake happened. I had a moment of silence at shopping center. I had Japnese food at Japanese restaurant then.
I ran 400m、 800m、 1500m and relay at athletic carnival. I got 2 prices. It was fun. But I thought that I have to build up my physical strength. Sport is great. I could talk with many people. I could make the best friend. He has been a great help for me. And I talk with him well. I could make the best friend automatically. We get along well with each other. We are a close friend. I'm so happy.
My host parents are really great people. They are a devoted couple. I'm happy to see the merits of the relationship between you. I cannot thank you enough to them and my family and you. Many thanks!!!
I have taken more than a thousand photos. I'll take photos something as ever.
Hello Mr.Kamakura. I'm sorry to be late to send you this email. I enjoy everyday、 of course! Today、 I report something to you.
According to the heard of Beaconhills College、 the school has introduced iPad since this year. For example、 we can download text books、 homework、 and message from teachers and so on. Various things are done on iPad. In short、 students have to always take iPad at school. Then、 I got my own iPad last week. Of course、 it is just borrow. If I buy it、 I have to pay $800. It's impossible. Also、 I have borrowed a jacket for iPad. It has the school's name. It's too cool. So、 I might buy only jacket.
Today、 it is exactly a month since I arrived here. More recently、 I'm feeling time goes on
Fast. And I'm missing basketball practice in Japan and my dog!!! (laugh)
Finally、 I have good news. Probably you have already noticed this from the picture. This picture was taken by my host mother when we visited friend's house for dinner. Orange shirt is me and navy blue is my host brother. Next time、 I'll try to get a picture what 'the second generation of team Beaconhills' with Australian friends. See you again.
Sent from my iPad. S.T
Hello Mr.Kamakura. I'm sorry. I was late to send e-mail for you. Life in Australia is very fun、 so I forgot to send you email.
Recently、 it gets a little cold、 because it's autumn now in Australia. It has passed half of this program. I'm feeling time passes very quickly. I'm feeling that my English skill get a little better. I made a lot of friends. Of course、 I'm making friends of difference years.
I feel that they are more gentle than Japanese students. I like Australian students!
I went various places. Australia is a very nice country. Someday、 I want to return to here again. Please say hello to Mr.Igarashi、 Mr.Komori、 and other teachers. See you.
Y.I
Hello Mr. Kamakura!! It has been about a month since I came here. Sadly、 we have to go back to Japan in April. If possible、 I want to stay here forever!! That is because there are a lot of generous people that are my friends、 host family and so on. So I am very happy because of them. But I think my family will miss me、 I hope. I don't anticipate that fact or maybe not. I don't know whether I miss my family or not.
Change the subject、 unexpectedly I met Yosiki who is at another school here in Australia. As a result、 I went to a department store with him yesterday. We were talking about school and daily life to each other. It was nice to talk with him. And surprisingly、 my house is close to Yosiki's house. The distance is about 20 minute walking.
Now、 I am going to talk about my school life (I write about the difference between Japan and Australia). I think that Australia's schools are smaller than Japanese' schools. And there is a playground and an exclusive science room. We usually study English、 math、 science、 Bible、 PE、 history、 art and cooking class. It is different compared with Japan's school. I can't understand all of the English、 but I can enjoy those classes.
My school friends make me happy、 because they have funny subjects to talk about、 so I laugh with them every time. In Australia、 nobody is shy、 which I find amazing. Mr Kamakura、 how would you compare Japanese students to Australian students? I like Australian students better compared with Japanese students. Why don't I like Japanese students? Because I find them a little bit shy. Incidentally、 I am not shy anymore、 so don't worry about it. Sorry for the long letter. See you next weekend.
Regards、 K.T
Hi、 Mr Kamakura. I came to Australia and one month has passed. It has gone very fast! I have done a lot of things in the last two weeks. February 22nd、 I played volleyball in a school competition. I played with my classmates. They are good at volleyball. We struggled but we couldn't win. I enjoyed playing and I talked with my classmates a lot that day. Next day、 I went to Healesville Sanctuary with Kota、 Masahiro and Mrs. Hyland. We saw animals such as koalas、 kangaroos、 emus、 platypus、 tasmanian devils and dingoes. We saw a bird show as well. They were all Australian animals and I enjoyed it. After that we walked in the bush near the Sanctuary. That was a very good place to walk. Last weekend was very busy. On Saturday、 I woke up at 8:30 and went to church with my host family. In the afternoon I went to the beach with my host family and Kota. I went to the beach on January 29th but it was a different beach. There were some fish there. I swam in that beach and it was fun. Next day I woke up before 7 o'clock and went to a lake. I went water-skiing there. I tried knee boarding and the biscuit. The knee boarding was very difficult because it needed power and good balance. The biscuit was very nice but my hands were exhausted. Today I went to the Queen Victoria Market. There were a lot of people there and I saw a few Japanese speaking Japanese. There were many shops and I bought coasters there.
The first picture is my friends in school. I have tried hard to speak with them when I had a chance. Another picture is Lake Eildon and myself. I water-skied there and it was the best day of my stay in Australia so far. I will try hard to speak more and more if I have a chance. I look forward to enjoying my stay in Australia for the last month.
S.W
Hello!! I'm sorry. I think my E-mail is latest in Japanese students. I can't excuse because every Japanese student have a time that is the same time to me. I'm exited in Australia. Australia has nice nature and nice people. So I can relax here. I could make some friends. But we are not friendly enough yet. I want to be more friendly. So I'm trying it very hard everyday. My English has problem that is grammar!! I can't structure sentence very well. So、 I'm repeating very easy English. Sometimes I can make a sentence that has two verbs. I'm asking my friends who are foreigners about this、 but it is too hard for me. Because when I want to ask someone、 I can't structure sentence as well too!!
Also、 I have a problem that is different culture. Australian manner is sometimes difficult to me. Anyway、 I should try harder about all things. I think my sentence has many wrong points、 but this is the limit of my English abilities.
By the way、 I lost my camera somewhere. I should buy another camera in Australia.
PS: I heard "wanna" and "gonna" when since I came to school that is first time. Thank you for teaching me about that.
K.H
Dear Mr.Kamakura and Mr.Saotome、
Hello. Today I report about my thoughts of Australian society、 especially in Melbourne、 because I think I started to understand about the life here.
First is about the wastes. Here in Melbourne、 you don't need to separate combustible and incombustible wastes、 as you can see in my first picture. But if you want to throw plastics or paper away、 you have to put them in a recycle bin. In the supermarkets、 you are required to bring your own bag、 and they have fewer packed foods than Japan's. Personally、 I think it's a great system to protect the environment.
Now we see the news about the floods threatening New South Wales、 northern Victoria、 and South Australia. As for the floods、 for second topic、 people are very prepared for floods. In the family I'm staying with、 they save food in case floods came and couldn't go buying them、 make upstairs in front of entrance of the house、 and have boats in case the house became flooded. In fact、 floods and bush fires are the two major disasters in Australia. Last night、 my host father Greg showed me a video of the flood last year in February. In the video、 the roads near the house I'm staying at were being flooded. Actually、 it's because they had hurricanes over Queensland、 New South Wales、 and Victoria. Apparently、 that was the first flood that threatened Melbourne. But in the video、 they were not surprised or feared. Instead they were enjoying taking the video! I really envied them、 because in the March 11th disaster in Japan、 I couldn't do anything but being panicked and losing calm.
I have some information about the ethnics in Melbourne as well. They really live together in harmony despite many nationalities and ethnics. In fact、 Melbourne has over 130 nationalities in their immigrants. But recently、 they do not get along with some Muslim people and refugees. Some Muslim people insist obeying some rules in Qur'an、 which is illegal in Australian laws. About the refugees、 some refugees came to Australia illegally、 and because UN recognizes Australia a country which accepts refugees、 Australian government has to give money even though some refugees rely on that and don't work. Through learning this problem、 I realized it's very hard to solve these kinds of problems about ethnics、 again. We also have some other problems about ethnics、 though they've not come to faces. They'll be very difficult to solve、 now I suppose. Now I take 'Religion ＆ Society' classes、 which is required to be enriched in Victorian parents now、 so I'd like to learn more about it. And personally、 I was moved by the people here for their kindness of being very friendly to me. Now I'm thinking how I should enrich these experiences in the rest of my program and after finishing the program (and English skills、 of course).
Hi、 Mr.kamakura. I am enjoying stay in Australia. I can now listen to English better than before.I can understand what people say! I talk to host family a lot. But it is difficult to understand TV and movies because people speak very fast. In school、 students speak very fast with each other、 too. So it is difficult to join in with their conversation. But I can understand them when they talk to me and I can talk to them. I am trying to talk with my friends. I ask questions to talk with them. In my class、 I am the only Japanese student. So I think it is good to improve my English. The first picture is my friends at school、 they talk to me a lot. They are in the same class. They are very nice to me. Another picture is . It is an Australian dessert I made with my host parents. It was sweet and delicious. I will try hard and try to talk a lot more. I have made a lot of memories and I'll do my best. I am not shy anymore to make this stay in Australia successful.
S.W.
I took the wrong bus ＆ train 3 days ago. I have absolutely no sense of direction. I'm sorry to trouble them. I will be careful.
Yesterday、 I went to the beach house and saw the great ocean. I enjoyed 'Mask party' last night there. However、 yesterday it was raining. So I couldn't swim. I will look forward to going to the beach again. Around seventy people gathered at the party. The party finished at 11 pm. So、 I went to bed at 1 am. Today、 I was sanding and painting a bench. In the afternoon、 I ran around my house for 4 kilometers.
At school、 we went to 'Philip island' on Tuesday. We enjoyed kayaking and sliding on sand slope by sand boat. I'm enjoying school life every day.
With kind regards. R.O.
Hello、 Mr. Kamakura. How are you? Recently、 I have been happy at school. That is because I have a lot of new friends. I think the number is over 25 now. What do you think about this? Do you think that I should make more new friends? I think that I am acting more confident. I am working considerably hard at it. But、 I still struggle with listening to English well. As a result、 my ear must be crazy. So I am worried about it seriously. Could you please give me some advice? Change a subject、 recently I went shopping to buy a soccer ball for school lunch time as well as playing soccer with my host father. I am looking forward to doing it. There are a lot of different things in Australia compared with Japan. But、 I am happy because of my host family and school friends!! Talk to you next weekend.
Regards K.T.
Dear Mr.Kamakura and Mr.Saotome、
Hello. Now at school、 I take classes of 'Religion＆Society、' 'Biology、' 'English、' 'HHD、' 'Drama、' and 'General Math'. In the English class、 we share our thoughts by using English. We saw a movie about Taliban in the class、 and next week we're going to share our reviews. In Religion ＆ Society class、 we are learning about Hinduism and what other religions are. Biology is the most difficult subject for me. Also I made some friends、 but I can't send them to you this time because of having troubles with importing pictures from my camera.
We had a bowling party with the youth from the church nearby. I also started studying Bibles to know more about the culture of Christianity. I study Bible with the group my host mother、 joining in every Wednesdays. Yesterday、 my host mother had her new car made in Toyota、 and we went to Coal Creek in Korumburra、 which is about 40km far from Narre Warren、 Melbourne. There we saw many buildings of 1900's、 when mining was the main industry of Melbourne.
This week we had the 'Swimming Carnival' (a kind of swimming competition). We went to a pool in Hallam. Many students wore costumes and had competition. I also took part in the competition for backstrokes and freestyle relay.
Gradually I have been making my friends here. I'd like to share my pictures of friends and school、 but my camera has another trouble. And I know it's illegal to take pictures of a child without his/her parents' permission in Australia.
W.N.
Hi、 Mr.Kamakura. How are you? I am having fun and enjoying school life. It is difficult to make many friends. But、 people here are very kind. Maybe、 I can make more friends soon. Last weekend、 I went to Melbourne with my host family. And we shopped and ate biiiiig pizza at 'Costco'. I bought some clothes and I enjoyed shopping. Please say hello to Mr.Igarashi. See you soon.
From R.K.
Hi、 Mr. Kamakura. Living in Australia is very hard because speaking English is very hard and they use many difficult vocabularies. And I feel that I don't have a large English vocabulary. So I am very tired and sleep very early every day. But listening English is not hard. I can understand what teacher says a little in a class.
By the way、 I have stayed in Australia for 3 weeks. And I feel this program passes too fast. But I want to try many more things in Australia. Next week、 we will go to the city. So I am excited with expectation now.
Hello、 Mr Kamakura. How are you? It has been 10 days since I came to Australia. I think that my host family is very kind and tender. My host family has 4 people、 2 girls who are 13 and 8 years old and parents. Sometimes I ride my bicycle on mountain tracks with my host father whose name is Julian. It was very interesting and exciting、 but I got a cramp. Recently、 I feel that I miss Japanese people because there are a lot of foreigners here. But、 thanks to my host family I am happy. School is challenge for me. I think that I have never felt like this before. Anyway I am happy. I will send Email to you again.
Regards、
From t.k
It has been a week since we came to Melbourne. Melbourne is very very hot. I enjoyed spending time in there. But I have trouble in Melbourne. I couldn't make myself understand. It is hard. Host mother ＆ father are very kind. When I couldn't understand their speaking、 they repeated the questions for me.
In school、 I did talk with a lot of school students. All students are very friendly. But I haven't made a friend of mine yet. So I will talk with them more myself. I couldn't catch what the teacher said. Because they speak too fast. But I can start to catch what my host mother ＆ father. I will do my best.
From r.o
Hello. Mr. Kamakura. I am enjoying stay in Australia. I went to beach with my host family. It was huge and I think sea was salty than Japanese one. I went a movie theater with my host family and watch 3D movie. I forgot movies name but it was nice and I can understand a little. And I went church today. Thursday was a first day of school. Math class is easy but I cannot understand other subjects. It is because teacher speaks too fast. But I am O.K. because I came Australia to level up English. So I think I don't have to understand all. I will do my best .Don't be shy and try to speak a lot. I heard "wanna" a lot but I didn't hear "gonna" in this week.
From s.w
This is Shugo. Hello Mr.kamakura. How are you doing? I'm fine and enjoying Australia!
It was hard journey to come to Australia from Narita because I got heavy motion sickness in airplane. When I reached here、 I felt hot but there are low humidity、 so much more comfortable than Japan.
At first、 I felt the strain when I stood various situations. However Australian people are very kind to us、 especially girls. I've already made a lot of friends (To tell the truth、 my first friend is girl).
I take Japanese class of course、 and the teacher is Japanese. She is very kind to me and other students too. Fortunately、 I'll be with basketball club team that host brother belong to. I will practice basketball every Wednesday.
It is difficult to understand speaking in English between Australians. But I feel that I getting used to use English better (a little bit). By the way、 I'm sorry I can't attach the photo because I didn't take a nice photo. I wanna you looking forward to next mail. I'll enjoy Australia too. See you in next mail. Please Say hello to member of basketball club in Japan.
Please forgive me if some sentences wrong.
From s.t
Dear Mr. Kamakura and Mr. Saotome、
Hello. I report you about my host family and our school.
I'm staying with Mr. and Mrs. Topperwien who live in Narre Warren、 about 30km south-east far from the 'CENTRE' of Melbourne. Jenny is a very kind person to correct my English and has many hobbies like paintings、 solving crosswords、 cooking、 and more. Greg is a religous person to share some jokes to me. Their house is much larger than I had expected. It even has a swimming pool! (and most of the houses are much bigger in Japan's. Apparently、 the less population makes it possible.) I send 2 pictures about the house. Usually there are only 3 people、 my host mother Jenny、 and my host father Greg、 and me. But their grandchildren、 William、 Lili and Jaz come to the house with their parents about once a week. Today we ate lunch in William's house and I took the third picture there、 which is about the host family. The woman sitting in a chair is Jenny (my host mother)、and is holding her grandson William. And the woman next to Jenny in a white shirt is his mother Carryl. The woman next to Jenny in a blue cardigan is Amanda、 Carryl's sister. And next to Amanda、 my host father Greg、 and Carryl's husband Chris.
And 2 days ago、 we had regular classes. I felt the atmosphere in Heritage College is similar to Meiho's. Many students are religious and kind to me. And in the school there are some funny guys. Some of them introduced their names 'Prime' and 'Minister' ('Prime Minister' in sum). We had a information and the classes of Biology、 Religion ＆ Society、 Enrichment. I want to keep up with the classes. My time in this stay is limited、 so I want to know a lot about the people in this country、 and what they are thinking about. I'm sorry to have no pictures of the school. I'm going to send another email next Sunday.
From w.n
Hello Mr.Kamakura.
Life in Australia is a lot of fun. Australia is summer now、 so it is very comfortable unlike Japan. I did bowling and tennis with my host family. The school friends are very friendly、 so I'm having a good time. I'll get autograph of one hundred friends. I'll send e-mail you again.
日中の活動の拠点は、Global Village English Centreというオーストラリア・アメリカ・カナダの３カ国に展開するESLスクールのヌーサ校で、平日の午前中は毎日みっちりとESLの授業を受けました。我々を担当してくれたのは、英語とドイツ語のバイリンガルでドイツ系オーストラリア人のMichael先生と、アメリカNY出身でサーフィンと合気道の先生をしている夫を持つMichelle先生でした。非常に指導力のある先生方で、毎日宿題として課す英語の日記も丁寧にチェックしてくれました。初めのうちは、生徒たちが書く日記よりも先生たちのコメントの方が長かったのですが、慣れてくると段々と長い文章がかけるようになり、そんな部分でも英語力の向上を実感していたようです。
Read the instructions below and prepare for your presentation by reflecting on the experiences you had in Australia as well as synthesizing your thoughts: - Conduct a reporting/reflective presentation of 5 to 7 minutes in English - Use about 5 PowerPoint slides (Include at least 5 of your favorite photos) - In your PowerPoint presentation、 include the following topics: 1. The best memory during your study-abroad program and the reason(s) why you think so. 2. What you can do now which you couldn't do before you studied in Australia. With regard to this、 what kind of challenges did you have in obtaining the skills and how did you overcome the hurdles. 3. Practical and effective advice、 referring to your own experiences、 for the future participants in this academic year so that they can make their future experience successful/fruitful.
「授業が分からず、本当に苦労した」「キャンプやスポーツイベントがきっかけで、たくさんの友人を作ることができた（今でもFacebookで連絡を取り合っている）」「東日本大震災の際、多くのオーストラリア人たちによる励ましの言葉が今でも忘れられない」など、３ヶ月を通して経験した思い出は、やはり十人十色だったようです。そんな中、彼らが異口同音に後輩たちにアドバイスしていた言葉。それは、"Don't be shy and be positive/proactive" "Remember to smile and thank people"。とてもシンプルでありながら、留学を成功に導くための本質を雄弁に語る彼らの姿には、点数によって数値化することのできない「大きな成長」が映し出されていました。
Hello Mr Kamakura. How are you? I'm fine and enjoying happy life in Australia. School life is fun because there are many kind students and activities. For example、 we went to the river for canoeing、 had volleyball competition and swimming carnival.
The life with host family is very fun、 too. Last weekend we went camping. There is a photo of the motorbikes. I can talk with some friends now but I can't talk a lot yet. So、 I have to try harder.
Last week Mrs Hyland took Tomohiro、 Masafumi and me to Healesville Sanctuary、 which is like a zoo、 to show us Australian animals. Masafumi took my picture.
Today I had a Swimming Carnival with all of the school students. There is a photo of the carnival. I swam in 50 metre breaststroke and I got the first place.
Two weeks ago we had a Volleyball competition with Year 10 students. We played six games and we won the competition. My photo was posted in the school newsletter. And I was so happy.
Take care and talk soon.
Kota
生徒からのＥメール②
Hello Mr. Kamakura. How are you? I'm fine. I'm enjoying life here in Australia. My host family is very good. My host mother's name is Lisa. She is a very good person. She invites her friends a lot of times. My host father's name is Steve. He is a good person、 too. My host brother's name is Liam. He is very cute. He likes Nintendo characters. But he cries so often. So、 I told him that in Japan、 if you are a man、 he should not cry.
My school is very large. I think that Beaconhills is bigger than Meiho. Students are very kind. We have Japanese class here. Teacher's name is Jyunji Sakamoto. He is very kind. I went to Japanese restaurant with Japanese class's students on February 18th. I was happy because I thought that I could not eat Japanese food in Australia. I ate Katudon. I haven't used chopsticks for a long time. I think that Japanese food is more delicious than Australian food. But I like Australian food、 too.
Science is very hard for me. I try to understand what teacher says. But I cannot not do that. But I think I will try that again.
Weather is very crazy here. This is because it is cold in the morning、 afternoon is hot、 night is cold. I have only five weeks left now、 so I will do my best. Please tell badminton club's members to practice hard! And please tell Fujiwara a happy birthday!
See you have good day.
From Naoto
生徒からのＥメール③
Hi、 Mr. Kamakura. How's it going? Japan had a terrible earthquake、 did't it? In Australia、 I often see the news about the earthquake、 tunami and radiation these days. So I hope everybody who got injured will be safe soon.
Good afternoon、 Mr. Kamakura. It has been 3weeks since I came to Australia. I feel life in Australia is really hard、 but it is fun. I think the most difficult thing is having a braveness of speaking to people、 because I couldn't do that at first. And I also think it's hard to tell my opinion、 because in Japan I often used a word which is between yes and no.
At school、 I am able to talk to students these days. And I often say 'Oh my gosh!' lately. I play cricket during lunch time、 I think it's a hard sport because I have to bat、 catch and run like baseball. My friends in Australia are kind and silly. This term is an endeavor. I learned this from my host mother. My host family takes good care of me.
I'm gonna work hard to talk to many people. See you next time!
See you and have a nice day.
Hiroki Morita
生徒からのＥメール②
Hi! Mr.Kamakura. I'm sorry. I'm late to send E-mail to you and I can't send photos because I forgot to bring a USB to plug into my camera. But next weekend、 I can probably send some photos to you.
By the way、 we (Masafumi、 Kota and I) could make many friends at school! ^v^ But sometimes we cant understand what they say to us...and classes are very very very difficult except Math. However、 when I don't know what I should do、 my friends and teachers help me. On the contrary、 when we study math、 I can help them.
Two weeks ago、 Masafumi、 Kota and I went to the river to play canoe in the outdoor education class which was very fun!! Then last Saturday、 I went to Hiroki's house with Masafumi and we enjoyed a barbecue at lunch time. After that、 we went to Masafumi's house and we ate pizza at dinner time. And then we enjoyed billiards until 10 PM.
Yesterday I went to the mountain to see a night view of Melbourne which was very beautiful. Actually we had made a plan to go to Philip island but weather was not good. So we will go to there when weather is good.
Yesterday、 Masafumi said to you、 "I'm OK!!、" so don't worry.
ああああああああああああああ3月27日（火）に、本校の中学1年・2年の生徒たちが近隣の保育園・老人ホームに伺ってボランティア体験をさせていただきました。
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Meiho's Academic English
