日本の英語教育はすべて英語のみで行うべきである。賛成？反対？

English is a global language that is widely spoken and studied in countries all around the world, including Japan. In Japan, the teaching of English is a mandatory part of the curriculum, and many schools and language institutes employ native and non-native English teachers to help their students improve their language skills. One of the main debates in the field of English language teaching in Japan is whether or not teachers should teach solely in English. In this blog post, we will examine the pros and cons of teaching English only in English.

Pros of Teaching English Only in English

1. Immersive Learning Experience: When English is used as the sole language of instruction in the classroom, students are immersed in an English-speaking environment. This immersive experience can help students improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills more quickly than they would in a non-immersive environment.

2. Improved Communication Skills: By using only English in the classroom, students are forced to communicate in English, which can help them improve their confidence and proficiency in the language. This can be particularly useful in a country like Japan, where English is not spoken widely outside of the classroom.

3. Exposure to Authentic English: When English is used as the only language of instruction, students are exposed to authentic English spoken by native speakers. This can help students develop a more natural-sounding accent and improve their comprehension of the language.

4. Preparation for Real-World Situations: English-only classrooms can help prepare students for real-world situations where English is the primary language of communication. This can be particularly useful for students who plan to study abroad or work in an English-speaking country.

Cons of Teaching English Only in English

1. Difficulty in Understanding: Students who are not proficient in English may find it difficult to understand the teacher when only English is used in the classroom. This can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation to learn.

2. Inability to Clarify Concepts: When only English is used in the classroom, students may struggle to understand complex concepts and may be unable to ask the teacher for clarification. This can lead to a lack of understanding and retention of information.

3. Limited Use of First Language: When teachers only use English in the classroom, students are unable to use their first language to aid their understanding of English. This can be particularly problematic for students who are at a lower level of English proficiency.

4. Limited Creativity: When teachers are restricted to using only English in the classroom, they may find it difficult to be creative and may struggle to find ways to engage their students.

Conclusion

Teaching English only in English has its advantages and disadvantages. While an immersive English environment can be beneficial for students, it may also be difficult for students who are not proficient in English to understand the teacher and concepts being taught. Additionally, teachers may find it challenging to engage their students creatively when they are restricted to using only English in the classroom.

With this being explained, the debate question goes as: Should English be taught only in English for all the school levels in Japan?

Please note that we assume whether all the school levels, from elementary school to university, should carry on their English classes in English only. You probably do not have to set up any conditions if you agree with this debate question; however, if you disagree with it, you MUST describe which school levels are not appropriate to conduct English-only English classes.

Additionally, we do not consider the nationalities of English teachers. Schools do have both native and non-native teachers, so this issue is not a central element in this debate.

If you have any questions, please let me know!