The present state of affairs and issues existing in the teaching of English at junior high schools 　in Akita Prefecture 　－ based on the results and analysis of the MEXTu27s 2013 nationwide investigation on the status quo of English teaching in Japan

摘要

This paper analyzes the results of the nationalinvestigation on English language teachingimplemented in 2013 by the Ministry of Education,Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, with anaim to explore issues of English language teaching injunior high schools in Akita Prefecture. The analysisfocuses on the sections such as Japanese juniorhigh school studentsu27 English abilities, the extent towhich English is used in English classes, and Englishabilities of Japanese teachers of English (JTEs)teaching at junior high school. The analysis revealedthat the ratio of JTEs with English certificatesis considerably lower than the national average,while the ratio of students with English certificatesand the ratio of JTEs who use English in Englishclasses are higher. These findings suggest a need toencourage JTEs in Akita Prefecture to take Englishproficiency tests, as the development of their Englishskills enables them to make their classes a place forreal communication, leading to the improvementAkita University第37号　2015年115of studentsu27 proficiency in English. In addition, thefindings suggest a need to encourage JTEs to makeuse of the learner achievement goals in the form of"Can-Do lists" for evaluation of studentsu27 academicperformance.