In teaching ESL classes to the girls of Shujitsu HS, ESL teacher, Max Henry makes the following observations...

"I was most excited about renewing acquaintances with the students of Shujitsu High School, as the girls are a happy and enthusiastic group, who have a real desire to participate in the Australian culture and way of life. Once again, I was aware of the need to teach students basic survival language. A first priority is introductory and greeting procedures; items of etiquette and procedure in the home; and things the students need to know about being in a school. In fact, a successful teacher needs to fully empathize with his/her students and understand their immediate conversational needs.

As time went on and the students learnt more about English they realised that a “myth” is not a female version of a “moth”, and that a host mother’s instructions to “drop you off” did mean that they would be thrown out of the car when they entered the school ground.

Students used their AIIU workbooks to complete interesting personal profiles and tell me about their lives in Japan. They were also very keen to find out things about their new Australian family. The subject of host families was a recurrent theme in our discussions, with regular swapping of stories about their new sister or brother; and stories of the many exciting things done on weekends. The Australian ‘barbie” appears to be a particularly popular phenomenon.

One of the highlights of our ESL classes was a combined class with the students of Covenant College, Geelong, where the girls were teamed up with Australian students. Together they worked on some interesting getting-to-know–you exercises.

On departure, I reflected on how, in a short period of time, shy, introverted girls had gained increased confidence and had acquired a reasonable competence in English communication. It was not the first time I had witnessed many teary eyes, accompanied by wishes to stay longer, and promises to return."

Max Henry