English Language Teacher Training Programs : From the Viewpoint of a Junior College

Abstract

It could be said that English language education in Japan has now reached a turning point. The main objective of English guiding principles for Japanese junior high schools, which has been recently revised, is to "educate the students in order to enhance their communicative competence". As such, English teacher training programs at the junior college or university level must respond to such a change and meet the needs of our time. In this paper, I will overview the recent trends in teacher training programs-including the amendment of the Teachers License Act and newly raised standards for obtaining the teacher certificate. Secondly, the present English teacher training programs at Japanese junior colleges and universities will be examined as well as the issues and assumptions concerning these programs. Finally, feedback from the students on the teacher training program at Showa Women's Junior College will be introduced.