To educators interested in the AIS Program

 

 

Before using the AIS Program, please review the questions most commonly asked by teachers and officials at several Boards of Educations across Japan. Please also review the goals of the creators of AIS – the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW).

 

 

Why was AIS created?

The Japan-America Society of the State of Washington is a long-standing non-profit organization established in 1923 with the mission of deepening friendship and understanding between the people of Washington state and Japan. Over twenty years ago, JASSW created the Japan in the Schools Program (JIS) to promote international studies and raise interest in Japan. We have visited schools in Washington and presented lessons on Japan ever since. After observing the long-time success of JIS, AIS was created. We hope educators in Japan find the same success with AIS that we have seen with JIS in Washington state.

 

 

 

What is the educational value of AIS?

AIS is not part of a lesson series nor is it a textbook. Instead, it is a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation. We suggest that teachers make the lesson even more effective by bringing in other available resources. Through AIS, students can start by learning basic information, then move onto discussions, debates, and group projects comparing the US and Japan. We hope that AIS can help the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in their efforts to raise interest in foreign languages and cultures.

 

 

How can I use AIS?

AIS teaching materials are in Japanese and English. The lesson can be taught by the Japanese homeroom teacher, head English teacher, Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), multiple team teachers, and/or other qualified educators interested in international exchange. The lesson can be used during Integrated Learning (Sōgo), Foreign Language, and/or Social Studies classes as the basis for an international studies project. AIS can also be used separately, as a supplement to English textbooks like “Hi, Friends!”, and in many other ways.

The 2016 version of the AIS PowerPoint was designed for 3rd and 4th graders, but can also be used at middle and high schools.

 

 

How should I teach the AIS lesson?

The AIS lesson can be completed within 45 minutes, including the introduction and Student Worksheet. Please do not alter the content or order of the AIS PowerPoint slides.

A laptop or computer and speakers are required to show the AIS PowerPoint. Please review all classroom equipment like projectors and Smart Boards. Use the available tools when showing the PowerPoint.