thoughts on the JET Programme

news reports on the abolishing of the JET Programme* are not new, but have definitely increased in the past year or so, especially since the DPJ came into power. while I occasionally read the Japan Times, these two articles were brought to my attention via a friend on facebook:

Don’t blame JET for Japan’s poor English

Readers offer their thoughts on jettisoning JET

while I certainly agree that the JET Programme is by no means responsible for the lack of english proficiency in Japan, that is not to say that JET has contributed significantly to raising the standards of english in the country. In fact, my main gripes about my time on JET were that i struggled to find meaning in my job and was highly doubtful that i had any impact whatsoever on the english standards of most of my students**. also, there are JETs out there who don’t have english that’s good enough (especially grammar-wise) to teach (or edit, or whatever else ALTs are asked to do) and their presence can cast doubt on the selection process.

but the qualifications and quality of JETs aside, how they’re used has to change: JETs wouldn’t be a waste of money if they were used more efficiently. i mean, only a maximum of 4 classes (i had less) a day in an 8 hour working day? having nothing to do during the term holidays and test periods (of which there are many)? not being able to help with scoring tests and entrance exams even though the Japanese teachers always complain about it and struggle to finish marking in time? no doubt JET salaries are high – that could easily be reduced without scraping the programme*** – but i think one major reason for the complaints about their fat salaries is because those in the know are aware of just how little JETs have to do.

i’m not sure an english-teaching cum cultural exchange programme should be ceased, as it theoretically is a good idea. the problem is that theory, of course, differs from practice – JET needs an overhaul (like much of the Japanese system in fact) but perhaps not complete removal.

 

*: these tend to refer to and address the ALT aspect which forms the bulk of the JET Programme.

**: perhaps my junior high students in the english course were the sole exception, but that’s just 20-40 students out of the many whom i’ve taught.

***: according to David L. McConnell, author of the illuminating book “Importing Diversity: Inside Japan’s JET Programme”, JET offers a high salary due to the belief that a lower salary will not attract quality applicants. my opinion is that a lot of people apply to JET due to personal desires to experience Japan or Asia and that they’ll still apply as it offers precisely the paid opportunity to do so. it also makes sure that the people who apply primarily to get a paid holiday – there are quite a few and usually they’re those who’re the biggest waste of money on JET – will no longer to so.