Rubbish to say the least

Quite a few of you know that I really don't like a certain teacher here in Japanland. I taught with him in my first year, and he was also my supervisor, and I dreaded the 3 classes that I had to spend with him. I now teach with him again for 4 classes a week. He is a pathetic excuse for a teacher, and is a shining example of where English teaching in Japan is going wrong! The Japanese government is allowing people like him to teach, when they do not seem to have a good grasp of the language, and flounder in simple conversation. Teachers are supposed to set an example to their students, but when you have a person teaching senior high school oral communication and that person cannot string a sentence together without omitting verbs, prepositions, using an incorrect word order, and basically mumbling gibberish, then how can you expect the students to use the language correctly and confidently. My other English department colleagues here know how I feel about him, and in fact, share my concerns, as they realise he is a poor English speaker, and generally just not a very good teacher!!

I really tried to help him improve his English, both in terms of accuracy, vocabulary, and confidence. I was as patient as I could be...in the beginning! He even went to England last summer, in the hopes of improving his oral skills. He appeared to have improved a little, and at the very least seemed more at ease with using English. However, now he is back to his old rubbish ways, and I feel so sorry that the students do not have a more enthusiastic, innovative and skilled teacher. I hope it does not colour their opinion of learning English.

Some examples of his English attempts ;

In a conversation when he is trying to tell me that it will be cold for another two months; "another....type....twice."

In a conversation when he is trying to explain that a student is joking with his Hitler-loving comments; "mmmm...facial understanding."

In his greeting to the class in 5th period, when it is 1pm; "good evening everyone"

At the end of class when he is trying to congratulate the class on working hard; "you have a good job"

In a conversation with me, when I had food poisoning, and he attempted to wish me a speedy recovery, but forgot the expression 'get well soon' ; "ok...good luck"

Yep, he's bad! I often feel like I'm banging my head against an English language brick wall. Ah well, I'm off soon! I just hope the students can do well and enjoy English in spite of his uninspiring teaching performance. Ganbatte kids!