Philosophy:

Stop translating and be positive!

    During my many years of teaching TESL here in Japan, I have found there are two key barriers to improving students’ English ability. 

    First, too much translation occurs. I can understand why Japanese students do, and want to do this. But, believe me when I say this, it is a major obstacle to progress. The reason I can say this with such conviction is I was learning Japanese at the same time I first became an ESL teacher. While I was studying, I too translated from English to Japanese at first. Yes, it is true! However, I very quickly realised that this was holding me back. I started to focus on learning Japanese through Japanese only lessons and thinking. It was very tough, but as a result, I believe I was better able to improve my Japanese ability. Therefore, from first-hand experience, I can confidently say translation is a major barrier to learning English effectively. So, start learning English through English only.

​

   Second, many of the students I have taught have quite negative thinking. Often they will say “Dame da” or “Eigo ga muzugashii”. Does this sound familiar? Probably you too have said something like this. But this negative thinking holds you back! It prevents progress! Yes, that’s right, prevents progress. By thinking negatively, you create negative beliefs and negative energy. So, to help yourself improve, you need to switch to POSITIVE thinking now! Yes, positive thinking removes the barriers and promotes positive progress. So. let’s switch today! Switch to positive thinking and start improving your English positively. During the many years of teaching here in Japan, I have found two big problems that stop students improving their English ability. 

Aim:

    From my experience of the problems above, my aim is to promote, first, positive thinking to promote more progressive improvement. And second, to encourage you to move away from the very bad “translation method”. Let me ask this, after studying English at school for 6+ years, why do many Japanese not speak English well? Because of the “translation method”! It stops you from moving forward. It confuses you. It is negative! Therefore, I will help stop you making this negative impact and lead you to a more positive way.