ALT Basics
What does ALT stand for?
Assistant Language Teacher
What is the most common first question in ALT interviews?
Tell us about yourself
What is the polite Japanese greeting used at school in the morning?
Ohayou gozaimasu
How do you motivate shy students?
Pair work, praise effort, small tasks
What is Japan’s capital city?
Tokyo
Name one main duty of an ALT.
Assist JTE, teach English, cultural exchange
Why is smiling important in an interview?
Shows energy, friendliness, and approachability
Why is punctuality important in Japan?
It shows respect and professionalism
Who decides the lesson plan, ALT or JTE?
Usually JTE, with ALT input
What is Japan’s national sport?
Sumo wrestling
Who leads the lesson, ALT or JTE?
JTE leads, ALT supports
Give one way to handle a noisy classroom in your answer.
Positive management: use gestures, quiet signals, teamwork with JTE
What gesture replaces handshakes in Japan?
Bowing
Give one way to make lessons fun and engaging.
Games, songs, gestures, interactive activities
Name one popular Japanese festival.
Obon, Hanami, Tanabata, etc.
How long is a typical Japanese class?
50 minutes (JHS/HS)
45 minutes (Elementary)
What is one strength ALTs should emphasize in interviews?
Flexibility, teamwork, patience, communication skills
True or False: In Japan, group harmony is valued more than individual opinion.
True
What should you do if students don’t understand instructions?
Simplify, use gestures, demonstrate
What do Japanese students usually eat for lunch?
Kyūshoku (school lunch)
True or False: ALTs only teach English conversation.
False – they support all English learning, but focus on communication
Why do interviewers ask about “challenges in Japan”?
To see if you are realistic and adaptable
What is one cultural adjustment foreign teachers often face?
Language barrier, indirect communication, long work hours, etc.
How would you adapt an activity for older students?
Add more challenging language, roleplays, longer conversations
True or False: Most Japanese schools require students to clean the classrooms.
True