Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer: Deakin University. Mika Iwamoto. A graduation thesis submitted to the International Communication Course,

Similar documents
Japanese Language Course 2017/18

What is the status of task repetition in English oral communication

Teaching intellectual property (IP) English creatively

Challenging Assumptions

JAPELAS: Supporting Japanese Polite Expressions Learning Using PDA(s) Towards Ubiquitous Learning

The Interplay of Text Cohesion and L2 Reading Proficiency in Different Levels of Text Comprehension Among EFL Readers

Fluency is a largely ignored area of study in the years leading up to university entrance

Emphasizing Informality: Usage of tte Form on Japanese Conversation Sentences

My Japanese Coach: Lesson I, Basic Words

<September 2017 and April 2018 Admission>

CJS was honored to have Izukura share his innovative techniques with the larger UHM community, where he showcased indoor and outdoor

Add -reru to the negative base, that is to the "-a" syllable of any Godan Verb. e.g. becomes becomes

Adding Japanese language synthesis support to the espeak system

The Research of Views on Video Instruction in Learning English

3 Character-based KJ Translation

IN THIS UNIT YOU LEARN HOW TO: SPEAKING 1 Work in pairs. Discuss the questions. 2 Work with a new partner. Discuss the questions.

Frequencies of the Spatial Prepositions AT, ON and IN in Native and Non-native Corpora

TRINITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, KEW CRICOS PROVIDER CODE 00350M INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK

The Introduction of listening support into our English classroom - listening comprehension enhancement

THE PERCEPTIONS OF THE JAPANESE IMPERFECTIVE ASPECT MARKER TEIRU AMONG NATIVE SPEAKERS AND L2 LEARNERS OF JAPANESE

Study Center in Nanjing, China

Childhood; Family background; Undergraduate education; Scholarships opportunities. Family background; Education

THE INFLUENCE OF ENGLISH SONG TOWARD STUDENTS VOCABULARY MASTERY AND STUDENTS MOTIVATION

國立臺灣師範大學 國語教學中心. Mandarin Training Center National Taiwan Normal University 2016~2017 BULLETIN. Since 1956

Section 7, Unit 4: Sample Student Book Activities for Teaching Listening

The Use of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in EFL Classroom

MOUNT LAWLEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOOL YEAR

EASY LANGUAGES. English in Malta - IELS. Destination. Why study English in Malta?

CEFR Overall Illustrative English Proficiency Scales

Attention Getting Strategies : If You Can Hear My Voice Clap Once. By: Ann McCormick Boalsburg Elementary Intern Fourth Grade

Frank Phillips College Student Course Evaluation Results. Exemplary Educational Objectives Social & Behavioral Science THECB

Artwork and Drama Activities Using Literature with High School Students

TESL/TESOL Certification

SMARTboard: The SMART Way To Engage Students

A PRIMER FOR HOST FAMILIES

ELP in whole-school use. Case study Norway. Anita Nyberg

Developing Grammar in Context

Call for International Experts for. The 2018 BFSU International Summer School BEIJING FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

IMPROVING SPEAKING SKILL OF THE TENTH GRADE STUDENTS OF SMK 17 AGUSTUS 1945 MUNCAR THROUGH DIRECT PRACTICE WITH THE NATIVE SPEAKER

Go With the Flow. By Nancy Kott WZ8C

Kobe City University of Foreign Studies Exchange Program Fact Sheet Japanese Language Program (JLP)

Teaching Global English with NNS-NNS Online Communication

Form A DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL THE TEST BEGINS

FIGURE 8.2. Job Shadow Workplace Supervisor Feedback Form.

Information Retrieval

Evaluation of a Simultaneous Interpretation System and Analysis of Speech Log for User Experience Assessment

Positive turning points for girls in mathematics classrooms: Do they stand the test of time?

Applying ADDIE Model for Research and Development: An Analysis Phase of Communicative Language of 9 Grad Students

English-Taught Courses at Wuhan University

a) analyse sentences, so you know what s going on and how to use that information to help you find the answer.

Global institution in Hong Kong Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

INSTITUTIONAL FACT SHEET

2014 Free Spirit Publishing. All rights reserved.

"Women of Influence in Education" A Leadership Gathering in Hong Kong

Introduction to the Common European Framework (CEF)

This course aims to introduce students to the methods, subject matter, and perspectives of sociology.

NTU Student Dashboard

Welcome Prep

Possibility to Prevent Learning Disabilities (LD) in School by Performing Special Developmental Intervention to them in Preschool period

National Survey of Student Engagement The College Student Report

babysign 7 Answers to 7 frequently asked questions about how babysign can help you.

Developing Effective Teachers of Mathematics: Factors Contributing to Development in Mathematics Education for Primary School Teachers

Local Conformity of Inclusive Education at Classroom Levels in Asian Countries

GERMAN STUDIES (GRMN)

Writing a composition

A typical day at Trebinshun

Thinking Maps for Organizing Thinking

SIMPLY THE BEST! AND MINDSETS. (Growth or fixed?)

Changing User Attitudes to Reduce Spreadsheet Risk

Exchange report & National Chengchi University Taipei, Taiwan Spring 2017

Linguistics Program Outcomes Assessment 2012

Holy Cross School. August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat. Orientation. Development. Calendar Template by

PANORAMA. Exam Schedule. parent newsletter. THURSDAY December 15. TUESDAY December 13. MONDAY December 12. WEDNESDAY December 14.

Music in World Cultures, MHL 143 (34446)

Close Up. washington, Dc High School Programs

2014 Sociology GA 3: Examination

LOTE: Indonesian Second Language GA 3: Examination

The lasting impact of the Great Depression

Client Psychology and Motivation for Personal Trainers

Dale Carnegie Final Results Package. For. Dale Carnegie Course DC218 Graduated 6/19/13

Calculators in a Middle School Mathematics Classroom: Helpful or Harmful?

Sight Word Assessment

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE AT IVANHOE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. An Introduction to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme For Students and Families

Improving Conceptual Understanding of Physics with Technology

Appendix K: Survey Instrument

English for Life. B e g i n n e r. Lessons 1 4 Checklist Getting Started. Student s Book 3 Date. Workbook. MultiROM. Test 1 4

Voices on the Web: Online Learners and Their Experiences

PREPARATION STUDY ABROAD PERIOD. Adam Mickiewicz University Report 1. level bachelor s master s PhD. 30 / 06 / 2017 (dd/mm/yyyy)

"2012"Concordia"Language"Villages" 1"

Information Session 13 & 19 August 2015

Creating Travel Advice

TOEIC Bridge Test Secure Program guidelines

A Study of Metacognitive Awareness of Non-English Majors in L2 Listening

Sample Of Welcome Back Letter From Vacation

ACCOUNTING FOR MANAGERS BU-5190-AU7 Syllabus

HOLISTIC LESSON PLAN Nov. 15, 2010 Course: CHC2D (Grade 10, Academic History)

How to make an A in Physics 101/102. Submitted by students who earned an A in PHYS 101 and PHYS 102.

Not the Quit ting Kind

-- Writing a travel itinerary --

Summer in Madrid, Spain

Transcription:

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 1 Running Head: INFLUENCE BY EAS OF 2007 SUMMER Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer: Deakin University Mika Iwamoto A graduation thesis submitted to the International Communication Course, Department of English & International Interdisciplinary Studies, Osaka Jogakuin College, in partial fulfillment for degree requirements. Advisor: Dr. S. R. Johnston

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 2 Abstract The purpose of this paper is to know about OJC students who participated in English Academic Study (EAS) and how it changed their understanding of other cultures and their thinking about English study. Participants of this paper were seven OJC students. From the end of August 22 to September 23 in 2007, they participated in EAS with me. The purpose of EAS was to improve TOEIC scores. However, students had different purposes and expectations. From the result, although it is difficult to say TOEIC score was influenced by EAS, students could touch other cultures and they improved some English skills like listening and speaking. Thus, we can say this program was a good experience to understand other cultures and improve English skills. 抄録このリサーチペーパーの目的は English Academic Study(EAS) により他国の文化の理解と英語学習の考え方についてどのように変化したかを知ることです このリサーチペーパーの調査の対象者は 2007 年の 8 月 22 日から 9 月 23 日までの間 私と共に EAS に参加した学生の皆さんです EAS の目的は TOEIC のスコアの改善でした しかしながら 学生たちはそれぞれに異なる目的と期待を持っていました TOEIC スコアの変化が EAS の影響であると断言することは難しいですが 生徒たちは他国の文化に触れ リスニングやスピーキングといった英語のスキルを改善できました つまり このプログラムは他国の文化の理解や英語のスキル改善のための良い経験になったと言うことができます

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 3 Introduction Osaka Jogakuin College (OJC) has some programs for studying oversea. There is semester abroad, field work, and English Academic Study (EAS). A lot of students hope to study abroad by using these programs. Especially, EAS program is one of the good programs for English study. Every February and August, there are EAS programs in Osaka Jogakuin College. This program is one of study abroad with home stay for about four or five weeks. The purpose of this program is to improve TOEIC score. TOEIC means Test of English for International Communication. TOEIC is universal test to evaluate communication skills widely. It is practiced in about 90 countries. We can know our English level as world basic by TOEIC (ETS, 2008). However, we can learn not only TOEIC skills, but also culture and language skills through this program. In 2008, students could choose two countries: one is New Zealand in February, another is Australia in August. I wanted to go abroad and experience home stay. Moreover, I tried to study English or other culture through this program. That is why I participated in August program with 23 students. The program was done through August 22 to September 23 and every student studied at Deakin University. The students at OJC who have lower than 600 TOEIC score have the right going to EAS. In this research, I will examine what students think they learned during the program. Literature Review To understand OJC students and their views about studying overseas, it is important to know the literature on immersion, intercultural communication, and English education in Japan.

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 4 Immersion in Different Cultures According to Kondo (1981), the pattern of reaction of culture shock is different by age, character, and experience. Moreover, there are Japanese features in culture shock. Especially, it is thought that self culture principal, specific communication patterns and human relationships are important. Japanese people tend to think their culture is important and find it difficult to accept other cultures because they withdraw into their own world (p. 3). Students experienced similar situations like this by visiting other countries. Cornwell (2002) and Johnston (2006) explain about situations in which students feel trouble in other countries using the words culture bumps and cultural plunges. Culture bumps are that something happens that causes you to wonder what just happened (p. 254). Cultural plunges are cultural immersion conductive to students rethinking stereotypes (p. 238). This time, culture bumps can help explain the OJC students experiences. Intercultural Communication and English Study According to Torikai (1996), one difficulty of understanding of cross cultural communication is difference of thinking of words between Japanese and other countries. There are differences of quantity of words and how to use silence. Torikai says that all foreigners are the culture fighting to make a good use of words and Japanese are the culture thinking that silence is beautiful (p. 31). For example, when a foreigner and Japanese communicate in English, the foreigner often speaks too fast and the Japanese speaks slowly because they think about grammar in their heads. While Japanese think about grammar, they have silence. Many foreigners do not like that silence. Therefore, they speak again

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 5 before Japanese begin to speak (Torikai, 1996). That is one reason why Japanese cannot communicate with foreigners. Thus, one reason why Japanese cannot speak English is related to English education in Japan. English Education in Japan: Grammar Torikai (1996) explains that Japanese people have difficulty speaking English in other countries because Japanese education stresses grammar. Japanese cannot speak English because they worry about mistakes in their grammar. This is showed by students real experiences. While Japanese often think about grammar, foreigners feel silence. They do not like that silence. Therefore, they speak again before Japanese begin to speak (Torikai, 1996). Torikai suggests that Japanese need practical English exercises to communicate without thinking about grammar. It will help us to become accustomed to not only reflective communication which we do not stress grammar but also to listening to English. Research Question I want to know how OJC students change their thinking about intercultural communication through EAS. Especially, I researched how students understand culture and what were some troubles by international communication. In addition, I examined the relationship between Japanese students communication skills and English study in Japan. Moreover, I want to know about changing of attitudes to English study including any changes in TOEIC scores of EAS participants before and after. Method Participants and Data Collection I interviewed seven OJC students who went on EAS program to Deakin

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 6 University. It was unstructured interviews and qualitative research, so that I could find out their thinking about the program. I researched about how students understand other cultures and what was trouble of international communication with host family or other country friend. Moreover, I collected data of TOEIC tests score of EAS participants. I compared the score before and after they went to EAS because I wanted to know how the TOEIC scores changed through English life like a home stay and EAS participation. Comparison with Data Collected Last Year Last year, Rina Suzuki wrote her graduation paper examining students views of learning at Lincoln College, New Zealand in spring 2006. My research compares Suzuki s data with my data. Suzuki went in spring 2006 with 23 students and I went in summer 2007 with 17 students. About English Academic Study EAS program at Deakin University was done at the end of August 22 to September 23 in 2007. The Melbourne campus of Deakin University is located at Toorak. During the EAS program, we experienced home stay and one OJC student per one family. Every student was given tickets for train or tram and went to school by these vehicles. On the first school day, students had to write an essay to test our writing and reading skills. By this test, we were separated into classes and four or five OJC students per one class. The class started at 8:30 and students had four classes till lunch time. Different from Japanese college, there was morning coffee time after we took two classes. We learned writing, reading and listening including pronunciation. Then, students had one class after lunch time.

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 7 Sometimes, we went to the city for events, like a picnic and studied about Melbourne. One particular aspect of EAS is having special class of TOEIC for only OJC students on Tuesday and Friday. EAS and OJC Students I researched about why OJC students went to EAS and how they felt about other culture. Moreover, I focused on what they learned from EAS. Then, I compared with Suzuki s report in 2007. Reasons to Go In comparing 2006 date and 2007 data, we see differences in reasons to go on EAS. The data below is my data and from Suzuki (2007). Table 1 Why Students Go on EAS 2006 students 2007 students Reasons Number Reasons Number of of Students Students Improve TOEIC 2 Home stay 4 Overseas 3 Knowing 1 culture Cost 3 Cost 1 Improve English 1 Love 1 Australia Improve 1 motivation

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 8 First, I will discuss reasons why OJC students went to EAS in 2007. This EAS program is to improve TOEIC skills, but a lot of students have other reasons and expectations. It is very different from 2006 students. Four students strongly expect they can have a home stay in 2007 data. Moreover, there was no one expecting to improve TOEIC or English skills. This data is very different from 2006 data. As an interesting answer, there were students who want to use school money in both my data and Suzuki s data. We could use 400,000 yen which is given from OJC for several study programs including EAS. We were able to receive monetary support. 2006 students felt appeal about support money. When I compared to 2006 and 2007, 2006 students had more motivation related to study than 2007students. Like these results, students had each reason to take part in EAS. Culture I reported how they felt overseas and how they changed thinking about other culture or foreigners. Table 2 Troubles in Oversea Lives Transportation Home Shop Nothing rules hours 2 2 1 2 I asked what was the most troublesome for them in other country s life. Their answers were different for each student or host family s situation. Two students felt trouble about transportation. In Australia, we had to use

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 9 trams to go to school. A lot of students have never experienced this and felt difficulty to memorize station numbers or stations they have to change the tram. Moreover, students felt difference of sense of value about distance or food. For example, host mother said School is very near from house. However, for student, it was very far. Students felt difference of sense of value not only of transportation, but also food. The size of food which host family felt small was very big for students. That s why they felt it difficult to understand explanation of transportation or size of food by natives. Students were confused by differences of sense of value. We can call these experiences culture bumps (Cornwell, 2002). It means something happens that cause you to wonder what just happened (Cornwell, 2002). Home rule also caused trouble for two students. One student said she could use shower only three minutes. This connects with Australian environmental problem of lack of water. Another trouble was that students could not use kitchen freely. For example, students could not use kitchen except regular time host mother decided. Therefore, students could not drink water at mid-night or make their lunch early in the morning. Laundry was also a problem. As an example, students could not get their laundry because host family did not do washing regularly. Therefore, students had trouble with their underwear or clothes. This is same as Torikai (1996) has indicated. Japanese tend to hesitate to ask when speaking English. Moreover, in strict families, students had trouble about using the bathroom. One student said If the bath room is a little wet, I was warned about it persistently. She felt stress about it. One student answered shop hours as a difficulty. In Australia, a lot of shops

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 10 closed early. This student said it was difficult to shop at the time she wants to go. In Japan, there are a lot of shops open until mid night like a convenience store. Almost all streets are bright. However, in Australia, especially when we stayed, there were practically no stores that were open at night. Moreover, almost all of the streets turned down the lights. It was very different from Japan and students felt inconvenience. It was culture bumps for students. However, we have to understand other country s cultures. Japanese people tend to think their culture is important and can t accept other culture because they withdraw into one s own world (Torikai, 1996). We need to accept other country s culture and adapt to other culture. Johnston (2006) says Students need to step outside their comfort zones in order to challenge their long held beliefs concerning schooling, culture, and the world (p. 238). We should enjoy learning other cultures and get used to a different comfort zone. I also researched how students changed their thinking about other cultures or foreigners from these experiences (Table 3). Table 3 Changed Thinking about Other Culture or Foreigners Change Not change 3 4 Table 3 is result of changing or not changing about thinking of other cultures or foreigners. Three students changed their thinking about other cultures or foreigners. Two students answered the changes were influenced by host family. Student B said, I could learn difficulty of give and take balance about home stay. Also, she learned historical background of Japan and Indonesia from Indonesian who had lived with her in Australia. They talked about trouble of war of Japan

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 11 and Indonesia. Students B did not know about war of two countries. However, she understood what happened between Indonesia and Japan and how Indonesians think about Japanese. Student C understood several senses of value. Her host family believes Catholicism strongly. Her host brother who was five years old played the piano at the Mass because he was good at the piano. She actually experienced the life in a family with a strong religious belief. There was no trouble with food and also no different thinking by influence of religion for Student C. However, there was a different problem. Student C s host family was father, mother, son and other Japanese students. The son who was five years old had a cognitive disability. Her host mother was very nervous about her son. She hated that relatives and friends felt sorry for her son. On the other hand, sometimes, the mother and son quarreled at dinner time. However, she could not stop the quarrel and felt miserable. It was painful for her. However, Student C learned about the difficulty of staying with other people and understanding not only other country s culture but also family culture like a home rule. In school life, student A found that each country s educational differences from pronunciation while she was talking with other countrys students. Each country s pronunciation and accent was very different. Student A said I felt it difficult to understand about pronunciation of Asian students like a Chinese, Vietnamese. These students used accents at the different point with Japan. Therefore, students felt trouble understanding words or conversation. There were four students who answered that their views had not changed. Student D and G said that they had no stereotypes about Australians. Therefore, they could understand culture and did not feel trouble. Student E had image that

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 12 Australian is kind and merry and her host family was just like that. Student F had been to Australia last year. Therefore, she did not feel fear about other culture or home stay. In Suzuki s paper (2007), one student said, Throw away stereotypes and do not compare Japan and other country. It is important to have fun and to accept the other cultures. Although Suzuki and I researched about different countries, we found similar answers. We can say that students learned understanding on each country. We have several differences of sense of values. It is important that we understand each culture or lifestyle without stereotypes. Affective Influence OJC students experienced home stay life for one month. They felt trouble communicating with host family. I researched how to relate the communication trouble with openness of Japanese students. Table 4 Communication Trouble Student A, F Student B, E Couldn t come up with words. Sense of value (difference of thinking about distance, size and speed). Student C, E Accent (Host family s accent was very different and difficult to understand or the speaking was too fast). Student D, G Nothing. Students B and E felt sense of value was very different. For example, there was food size or how to feel distance. Through host family felt the food size was

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 13 small, students felt it was big. Students C and E felt difficulty listening to accents. The cause was different. Student C s host family was not native Australian. She met very international environment. Her host father came from Scotland and her host mother came from China. Both father and mother were not native. Therefore, she felt difficulty about understanding accents. Student E also could not understand accent because her host family members spoke too fast. It was cause of listening knowledge and experience. There are native teacher who speak fast in OJC, of course. However, OJC teachers speak slowly when we cannot understand in class. It was different with real English life and class. Student A and F couldn t come up with words smoothly. As the reason, student A said she thought about grammar before talking, as Torikai (1996) pointed out. For example, students once make right sentence in the head and speak to people. Students cannot answer the question reflectively. Moreover, affective filters may influence this (Torikai, 1996, p. 9). According to Torikai, when we study other languages, our learning is influenced by motivation, confidence and worry. Affective filter is a factor to prevent study motivation. If the filter is low, we can absorb a lot of skill. On the contrary, if the filter is high, we cannot absorb a lot of skills because the filter makes barrier for language (p. 9). It is like an accepting door with a high filter opening a little and a low opening a lot. If the door is a little open, we cannot accept several situations because door is almost closed. However, if the door is open a lot, we can accept several situations, even if they are poor situations because the door is almost open.

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 14 An example of an affective filter is influence by a Japanese friend. There are a lot of Japanese students in school. Students depend on each other. Moreover, students compare their English skill with friends. If their skill is poorer than friends, they tend to guard to use English. Thus, the accepting door with a high filter opens a little and students are afraid of communicating with English. It is same situation with EAS program. Therefore, students did not have active motivation and feel the need to improve English skills at the school. English Education in Japan We have learned English since junior high school. However, we cannot use English fluently when we meet situations in which we have to use English. It is caused by Japanese educational system. In my reports, every student answered English education in Japan is not useful. Students found that they cannot come up with words smoothly when they communicate with English. They think about grammar in their heads before they utter words. Japanese can t speak English because they worry about mistakes in their grammar (Torikai, 1996). Japanese education stress grammar. There are no situations which students can communicate with English practically. Therefore, students always think about grammar system. It is the same as Torikai s research. I interviewed seven students about how they think about English education in Japan. Then, every student said it is very bad. A lot of students said there are no practicalities in English education in Japan. Below are opinions of student A and B. (Student A) Now I m teaching English to elementary students. Japanese education thinks

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 15 grammar is important. As a result, we couldn t speak fluently because we thought about grammar before speaking. It is not useful when we meet situations in which we have to use English. (Student B) Grammar is important. However, we do not have environment for improving English (There are no situations to use English). Moreover, Japanese teachers English knowledge is very low. Like student A s opinion, there are grammar troubles in English education in Japan. Like these opinions, students felt Japanese education system is not good for English communication. Actually, students felt that their English communication skill is low even though they participated in EAS. English education in Japan must be reviewed for more practical education. About TOEIC Students could live in environment using English one month. Most important goal of EAS which OJC expected was to improve of students TOEIC score. Below is the table of changing of TOEIC scores (Table 5).

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 16 Table 5 Change of TOEIC Scores 2007 students Before After Now Student A 580 550 _ Student B 580 450 760 Student C 420 535 520 Student D 595 600 620 Student E 485 470 _ Student F 495 480 500 Student G 610 635 _ Three students scores were up after EAS, but four students scores were down. We couldn t find good influence of EAS result from this table. However, now, three student s score improved. Especially, student B has high score now. She said this is not influence of EAS. She loves Australia and EAS was second time going to Australia for home stay. Moreover, she works at a hotel and needs to use English communication and sometimes contact with host family. Therefore, her TOEIC score is her study result and motivation to learn and use English and not directly a result of study in the EAS program. However, the opportunity to live in Australia for one month through EAS may have added to her motivation, In Suzuki's (2007) paper, three students improved scores after EAS. Especially, student 7 had most change (Table 6).

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 17 Table 6 2006 students and TOEIC Scores Student Before After Recent Student 1 580 580 610 Student 2 500 500 585 Student 3 580 550 _ Student 4 560 550 645 Student 5 580 600 _ Student 6 605 620 705 Student 7 525 575 645 Students 5, 6 had not big change and other four students had decrease or same. Five students recent scores improved. However, Suzuki said it is very difficult to say the increase is directly connected to the EAS program because students might have studied more after returning from EAS (p. 13). Especially, 2006 students, different from 2007 students, had motivation which they want to improve TOEIC or English skills before they went to EAS. This difference of motivation might have influenced the difference of recent TOEIC score of 2006 and 2007 students. 2006 students improved their TOEIC score remarkably compared with 2007 students. Students Views of TOEIC We had TOEIC class for OJC at Deaken University two days during a week. From Table 5, it is difficult to say that TOEIC class is effective class for improving TOEIC scores in the short-term. In my research, students answered TOEIC class at Deaken was not useful and boring. Below are the reasons why they felt bored

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 18 about TOEIC class and some possible improvements. (Student A) Class time was too short. We had not enough time for description. (Student B, D, G) I felt bored. It was not useful for TOIEC. Level was very low. (Student F) Even though every student has different poor parts and level in TOEIC, we had the same class both high and low level students. (Student C, E) I want a text book for TOEIC like OJC TOEIC seminar. From these opinions, it is difficult to say the TOEIC score is directly connected to the EAS program. There were big differences between students and teacher about thinking of study quality. At Deaken, teachers tried to teach English pleasantly. Every time, students played games like puzzles or reading stories. However, students expected study which they use textbook for TOEIC and learn about techniques to improve TOEIC scores. Students might imagine class like an OJC TOEIC seminar which is held during summer vacation or winter vacation. Therefore, students couldn t be motivated about TOEIC. That is why students did not feel good effect. As a result, EAS program for TOEIC couldn t connect to good results. EAS Influence I researched how students felt the EAS could be changed to improve their English skills (listening, speaking, and writing) (Table 7). Moreover, I researched how to relate to communicate with their host family. * In the table below, active means students could communicate with host

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 19 family actively. Passive means students could not challenge communicating with host family actively. Table7 Communicating with Host Family: Active/Passive A B C D E F G Active Passive Active Active Sometime Passive Active Active Passive active Active Active Improve Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes By EAS The Table shows that students communicated with host family whether active or not. Moreover, it shows that students felt their skills were improved by EAS. Student C, who is active, felt she couldn t increase word knowledge because she used only easy words. Therefore, she didn t feel that she improved her English skills. Student A and E was nervous the first time. However, as days passed they could speak with host family actively. Moreover, students, except C, said especially their speaking and listening knowledge was influenced by EAS. Students said they could improve their listening or speaking skills in Australia, but after they returned their skill levels went back from before EAS. The reason is that they do not have enough opportunities to use English compared with oversea life. They need to use English more actively to keep English skill which they got in Australia.

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 20 In OJC, there are a lot of native teacher compared to other colleges. We should use the environment which we are given because we have chances for communicating with native teachers. In Table 5, student B who kept using English in her life improved the English skills and her TOEIC score. Thus, it is very important to make use of our OJC environment to use English by ourselves. School or Family Moreover, I researched which situation was good for their English skill improvement: school or host family. Four students of seven said they could improve their skills by communication with host family (includes student who answered both). There were more chances for using English at home than school because students could speak to OJC friends at school. In the 2006 data, students who chose host family was 6 of 7, and one student answered both school and host family. 2006 students also said that In the University, we may talk to OJC students in Japanese too much, while in the home stay, we never use Japanese to our host family (p.11). In this way, almost all of the students who answered active said they were influenced by EAS. Especially, communication with host family helps students English skills increase because almost all students could not use Japanese. Thus, at school, there were too many OJC students. Also in class, there were four to five OJC students. It was not a good situation to improve English. In the future, OJC will need to think about the number of OJC students in class. Motivation Students were influenced not only by home stay and study, but also by the psychological part. Student B said she learned that challenging is important to

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 21 communicate with people. Student E said she could have courage for speaking. These opinions were the same with Suzuki s report. In her report, one student said, I was not afraid of speaking English. Moreover, there are student who had friends in New Zealand and they keep communicating with chat by PC. After Returning to Japan 2006 students and 2007 students could get better English skills and good experience. However, both 2006 and 2007 data indicate that some students said they stopped speaking so much English and listening after they returned. Students improved skills only in oversea life because they had to use English. Unfortunately, students don t have chance to use English after they return to Japan. That s why their TOEIC score was also down. Actually, in Suzuki s reports, students 4, 6, 7 who kept studying English by influence of by EAS improved their TOEIC scores (Table 6). Also in my research, student B who kept using English improved her TOEIC score (Table 5). Thus, how to improve their skills depends on what they do after they come back to Japan. A lot of 2007 students were influenced by EAS in the part of listening, speaking. However, they were not influenced by EAS in the part of TOEIC after English study except student B. Discussion The reasons to go to EAS were very different for each student. In my research, the 2007 students answered that improving TOEIC score or English skill was not important for them. They expected to experience home stay or know other culture. It was very different from 2006 students who expected to improve English skills. This result was interesting to me because I expected answer that students went to

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 22 EAS to improve their English skills or study like a 2006 students. Moreover, five students felt trouble in the other culture. It was from transportation and home rules. Concerning studying English, although students were satisfied with the experience of the home stay, TOEIC class was not useful for students. Students needed higher level classes. However, except for TOEIC class, six students felt listening and speaking skills were influenced by EAS. It was from good time with host family. Students could communicate with host family almost every day. As a result, they could improve listening and speaking skill. An unfortunately point is that some students felt their English level decreased since returning to Japan because they stopped speaking so much English and listening after they returned. It means that it is important to keep using English. The result was similar to Suzuki s paper (2007) and only students who kept using English improved their English skills. Students experiences and opinions about Japanese English education was same as the Torikai s report that Japanese can t speak English overseas. Japanese strongly think about grammar. In EAS, host family is good situation to improve English skills. We could spend good time with each host family when we eat dinner or day life. It might help improving our English skills. Conclusion The purpose of this paper was to research about EAS program in Australia from August to September 2007. Moreover, I compared with Suzuki s paper written about EAS on 2006. I researched how EAS influenced OJC students who went to Australia and studied at Deaken University. Through EAS, students learned difficulty of understanding other culture. It

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 23 was influenced by difference of sense of values. As for studying, we can say EAS was not effective for improving TOIEC for students. It was the same with Suzuki s report (2007). However, it may be a way to motivate students to study English. In the future, EAS will need to improve because every student answered EAS TOEIC class was boring. TOEIC class will need to give textbooks for students. Moreover, it will also need to practice placement test for each student who has different levels. Students understood how difficult it was to communicate with English and learned how important home stay family is to speak English. Students who communicated with host family actively felt improvement of their English skills. Therefore, students who will participate in EAS in the future should communicate with host family actively because home stay is good chance to use English every day. Moreover, it is very important to keep using English after they return to Japan because they cannot keep English skills without using English every day. OJC is a good environment for keeping English skills. However, in almost all of our classes, students can speak Japanese and even native teachers can understand Japanese. Therefore, students do not need to use English. It is not a good situation to improve English skills. Therefore, not only students but also OJC will need to make good environment for students. Making exchange students system is good for understanding other cultures. Moreover, it will need classes which are focused on speaking. In addition, it might help students as practice for oversea or home stay. Every students answered EAS was very good experience. Students also said they could attain each purpose. There are a lot of issues like review of TOEIC

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 24 class and better English environment at OJC. However, if we improve these problems, EAS will be good program for understanding other cultures and improving English skills.

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 25 References Cornwell, S. & Nakamura. K. (2002). A Short-term home stay Program for OJJC Related Schools. Osaka Jogakuin Tankidaigaku Kenkyuu Kiyou, 32, 247-260. ETS, (2008). TOEIC Home Page. Retrieved December 17, 2008, from http://www.toeic.or.jp/ Johnston, S. (2006). Taking American students for a cultural plunge into Japan and avoiding the tourist experience & returning to Japan. In M. Afolayan, D. Browne & D. Jules (Eds.), Current Discourse on Education in Developing Nation (pp. 237-255). New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Kondo, Y. (1984). Culture shock no shinri [Psychology of culture shock]. Osaka: Sougennsya. Suzuki, R. (2007). EAS evaluation of Spring 2006.Unpublished undergraduate thesis, Osaka Jogakuin College, Osaka, Japan. Torikai, K. (1996). Ibunka wo koeru Eigo [English to get over cross-culture]. Tokyo: Marusen.

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 26 Appendix A Interview Questions 1.EAS に行った目的は何ですか なぜ参加しようと考えましたか 2. ホームステイ先の家族構成を教えてください 3. ホストファミリーとの会話は自分から積極的に行いましたか 4. ホストファミリーとのコミュニケーションで障害となったものは何ですか 5. 生活する上で困ったことは何ですか 6. 外国人への印象 異文化への考え方は変わりましたか それはどのように変わりましたか 7. 日本へ戻ってきた時どのように感じましたか 8.EAS 参加前 参加後 現在の TOEIC のスコアを教えてください 9.EAS での TOEIC クラスはいかがでしたか 改善点があれば答えてください 10.EAS を通して自分の英語能力は上がったと思いますか またそれはどの分野においてですか ( リスニング スピーキング ) 11. 日本の英語教育についてどう思いますか 12.EAS に参加して自分の目的は果たせましたか 13. 何か今後のアドバイスや改善点があれば聞かせてください

Influence by EAS of 2007 Summer 27