Hello, my name is Tyler Montgomery and I’m a new teacher here at Fukuoka Jo Gakuin University.  My first semester here has been a lot of fun.  I have enjoyed getting to know the First-Year English students and my colleagues.  

In the First-Year English ICD-い class, we focus mainly on speaking, listening, and interaction, with less emphasis on reading and writing exercises to improve basic communication skills.  A key idea is that every student is an “Active Learner,” meaning students are not passive recipients of knowledge, but rather active participants in the learning process.  This includes taking part in pair and group activities, initiating conversations, and solving problems by asking questions to peers or to me.  Perhaps most importantly, making mistakes is seen as a normal part of the learning process and shows you are attempting to step out of your comfort zone as an Active Learner.  

Every class we start with a short warm-up conversation about everyday topics such as weekend plans, hobbies, part-time jobs, weather, and so on.  These are open-ended conversations that students can complete in their own way.  Next, we review homework and finally move on to the textbook.  While supporting the students as needed, I try to encourage them use the lesson materials as a launching pad to expand the lesson with their own ideas.  To make lessons more dynamic, I incorporate group activities and games to review class material and encourage interaction between class members.  

It is my hope that students feel challenged to improve their English communication skills in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.