Mastery Orientation

This academic year, that starts on Tuesday, brings with it yet another project. Last year I tried writing a newsletter for my students. It turned out that I prefer the blog format, and will continue this year with more entries for my students, that is in Japanese.

This years project is Mastery Orientation. Up to now, a passing grade has been 60%. Tests, quizzes, and writing assignments have all been passing at 60%. A passing grade in the class overall is 60%, and I drop the lowest grade from each of the categories. This year, I am going to go with a system where learners must get a 90% on their work. They can repeat it as many times as necessary.

I worked out a form that I can use to track students' performance over the year in each unit that we will cover. I also worked on posting tests quizzes and study guides for each unit on my web site. It isn't complete yet. I haven't linked all of the quizzes that I have uploaded yet.

I am considering making it possible for students to submit quizzes by email. If the student visits my web site, they can copy a quiz and then paste it into the body of an email. They can do the work there, and then send it to me. That would not be sufficient to complete the whole test or quiz of course. There is a speaking component that they would have to complete in person, but it would be a start.

more editing

The high school teacher who writes extensively about a seaweed grown in Okinawa called "mozuku", is coming by again today for editing of his latest paper on the subject. Last time he came he did a find job of incorporating the suggestions that I had. A rare event, really. He does a really fine job of writing in English, though his spoken langauge isn't as good. He probably just gets more practice with writing than with speaking.

no national anthem

There was no national anthem yesterday at my son's entrance ceremony. There was a "Hinomaru," along side the school flag at the front of the room but that was it.

Kimigayo at entrance ceremonies

"Kimigaiyo" was made Japan's national anthem in 1999, and the "Hinomaru", the white flag with the red circle in the middle, was made the national flag. There was considerable controversy about the move, but the Diet decided, without national debate, to make the decision. BBC has a good article outlining the various arguments.

The Tokyo Board of Education has made it manditory for all schools to play it at their entrance ceremonies. Some teachers have refuesed to stand for the song and the flag.

Today is my son's entrance ceremony, and I am interested to see if they play it there.

BACK!

Yes, it is as Blinger suspected, I was traveling. I went back to the US to visit family, many of whom have passed a difficult winter. My hope was that a visit and some festivities may have brought some joy.

Classes begin again on the 13th, and there has been a placement test for first year students in our department. I will venture into the university to sus out the results of those tests.

Travel helps to shine a little perspective on things. I am re-energized and looking forward to classes, participation in English education in Japan, and blogging.

Thank you for your patience