KMJH ICE and Ninomiya Nishi Junior High School are scheduled for seven video call sessions, during which ALL students at Nishi will participate in breakout room conversations to share their hobbies and discuss school life.
A Glimpse into Ninomiya Nishi Junior High School
Ninomiya Nishi Junior High School, a public school
nestled in nature, offers a warm and supportive environment. Known for its
diverse clubs, engaging events, and focus on community service, it stands out
as a strong choice for families in the Ninomiya-cho area.
Collaborative Planning for a Smooth Exchange
Before the four sessions this semester, I collaborated with Mr.
Hachinohe, the leisan, and his colleagues. Through text exchanges and an online
meeting, we organized the timeframe and setup for the virtual exchange,
ensuring the breakout room sessions ran smoothly.
Engaging Topics Spark Conversations
My ICE (International Cultural Exchange) students came well-prepared
with engaging topics. They discussed their favorite Japanese anime and K-pop
idols, even showcasing their dancing talents in front of the webcam to impress
their Japanese counterparts.
Breakout Rooms: Building Confidence and Friendships
The breakout room sessions provided valuable opportunities for students
from both schools to interact. Many ICE students overcame their initial
shyness, becoming more willing to sustain conversations by continuously asking
and answering questions.
Overcoming Language Barriers
While the language used was often simple—such as questions like “What’s
your favorite food?” or “Can you have boyfriends or girlfriends?”—it served as
a foundation for connection. However, for students hesitant to participate or
overthinking their responses, the opportunity to embrace the essence of
ICE—having fun using English and making international friends—was sometimes
missed.
No comments:
Post a Comment