EFL in-service teacher education in Japan: policy and practice

This study investigates current English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in-service teacher education (INSET) programmes at national universities in Japan. In particular, it examines these programmes in light of the needs of experienced EFL teacher trainees and considers implications for Japan’s proposed new system: the Teacher Licence Renewal System (TLRS). The study generates an in-depth snapshot of current EFL INSET programmes at Japanese universities, revealing serious potential problems with the proposed reform. It employs a qualitative methodological paradigm and a needs analysis technique, collecting data from case studies using interviews, course observations, documentary analysis and background information questionnaires. The findings indicate that trainees’ needs and problems are often neglected in top-down and trainer-centred EFL INSET programmes, despite trainers’ awareness, and suggests that the situation will deteriorate when the new TLRS commences in 2009-10. The study proposes an alternative model for TLRS to address potential problems and identify major areas for improvement