ICO'S GUIDELINE FOR
Chat-Chan TEACHERS



Courtesy and Consideration
1. ICO requires that all Chat-Chan teachers be courteous and considerate.
2. Please remember good conversation manners when chatting with your students.
3. Speak slowly and clearly.
4. Keep in mind that your student is learning to speak conversationally in a new language.
5. Politeness, consideration, and respect are necessary assets for building a good learning environment for your student.

Guidelines for Helping The Shy Japanese Student
Most Japanese students are very shy. In fact, the first time you call they may say very little, or perhaps nothing at all. Please remember, if this happens, it is because of their shyness. If you escort them with patience and kindness, they will gradually open their minds to you. Soon they will be able to chat comfortably with you, and then their learning of conversational English will happen in a natural and pleasurable way.

It will help your student feel more comfortable if you begin you conversation by saying "Konnichiwa", which means "Hello" in Japanese, or some other polite Japanese greeting. Check our English To Japanese Dictionary to learn a few Japanese words and expressions. Of course it is not necessary for you learn to speak Japanese, but a familiar Japanese word now and then will help put a shy student at ease.

Praise and Encouragement
Praise and encouragement is the one of the best way to motivate people. Your patience, praise, and encouragement will help your students learn.

Visual Aids
If you have pictures that are related to the topics of your teaching session, please feel free to use them. Visual aids will help to expand the flow of your conversation. You may want to suggest to the student that they are welcome to share their pictures with you also, if they wish..

The 30 Minute Teaching Session
Each teaching session is for a 30 minute time period.
Please limit your conversation to 30 minutes.
This is important, because long conversations may be very tiring for the student.

The Use of Skype's Instant Messaging As A Teaching Aid
Please consider using Sype's Instant Messaging feature as an aid for your teaching session.
IM could be a very helpful tool for the spelling of words, or for short comments and questions between the teacher and student.

Camera Problems
If camera problems arise during the teaching session, please continue to enjoy your conversation without the camera.

Assistance With Teaching Problems
If you need assistance with teaching problems you may contact us at any time. We will make every effort to help you, so that Chat-Chan can continue to be successful.
Please send your question and concerns by email to: Jo Sickbert / ICO America in Kansas
Email: josanartist@aol.com