At TheEikenFox, we’re all about making EIKEN prep clever, fun, and effective. Whether you’re a JET on your first year or a seasoned teacher looking for new tips, this website will be your go-to resource for all things EIKEN. 🦊
We’re here to help you:
- 📝 Navigate the intricacies of the EIKEN exam, from levels 5 to 1
- 🧠 Master test preparation strategies and structure with your students
- 🎮 Add a fun, engaging twist to your lessons and keep students motivated
- 💡 Get practical tips for balancing EIKEN prep with your regular lessons
Stick around for more tips, free resources, and expert advice on teaching EIKEN in Japan — all from a clever fox (that’s us 🦊).
So, let’s lay some groundwork with some common mistakes! Whether you’re a seasoned JET or just starting out, we all know that EIKEN prep can be a tricky beast to tame. There’s the curriculum, test structure, student motivation (or lack thereof), and that moment when you realize the speaking test is nothing like your usual classroom vibes. 😅
But fear not! Here are the Top 3 Mistakes JETs often make when tackling EIKEN — and what you can do to outfox them.
🧠 1. Treating EIKEN Like a Standard English Class
The Mistake:
Many JETs teach EIKEN prep the same way they teach general English. You know the drill: grammar drills, textbook fill-ins, and conversational activities that almost help but miss the target. 🎯
Example:
The teacher before me tried to help students improve their speaking by having casual chats in class. This helped them to some degree, but when it came to the speaking test, students struggled because they weren’t used to the structured response format needed for the EIKEN test. 😬
The Fix:
EIKEN requires a test-focused approach, with specific formats to master, especially in speaking and writing. Here’s a quick example of what you can do:
- Speaking (Grade Pre-2): Start practicing with a template like:
“I agree with the statement because… First, [reason 1]… Second, [reason 2]… That’s why I think…” - Writing (Grade 2): Teach students how to outline their essay before writing to ensure they stay on track with the prompt.
By focusing on these formats, your students will build the necessary skills and confidence for the actual test. 🏅
📋 2. Underestimating the Power of Templates
The Mistake:
JETs often encourage “natural conversation” in speaking prep. While that’s great for fluency, EIKEN speaking isn’t scored for personality — it’s scored for structure. 🔍
Example:
My first Pre-1 student loved to talk freely, but his answers in the speaking test were all over the place. He couldn’t get his points across clearly because he didn’t use any structure. Introducing simple response templates improved his mindfulness when answering significantly. ✨
The Fix:
Teach response templates for speaking and writing. Here’s a basic speaking template you can use:
- For agreeing/disagreeing:
“I agree/disagree because… First, [reason 1]… Second, [reason 2]… That’s why I think…” - For introducing ideas in writing:
“In this essay, I will discuss [idea]. First, I will talk about [point 1], and then I will explain [point 2].”
Try giving your students downloadable templates they can practice with — it makes a huge difference in building confidence and clarity. 🏆
📉 3. Ignoring the Motivation Gap
The Mistake:
JETs sometimes assume that students want to study for EIKEN, but for many, it feels like just another exam they have to do. 🙄
Example:
In my first year (starting half way through the school year), there was a girl that was really disengaged with EIKEN prep. She didn’t see the point of studying for a test that wasn’t directly related to her goals. After a discussion about how EIKEN can open doors to university and job opportunities facilitated by the JTE, she became more motivated — and her test scores improved, too! 💼
The Fix:
To keep students motivated, show them how EIKEN connects to their future goals. Here are some quick tips:
- Share real-life examples of students who’ve used EIKEN scores to get into top universities or land great jobs. 🎓💼
- Gamify learning: Create an EIKEN Bingo game or a reward system for reaching certain milestones (e.g., “If you score 80% or higher on the mock test, you’ll get a sticker!”). 🎯🎉
If it’s fun, they’ll stay engaged and motivated. 💪
🦊 Final Thoughts from the Foxhole
Teaching EIKEN can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it can be rewarding and fun. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll help your students — and yourself — level up faster than you can say “3-point answer.”
Stay clever,
The Eiken Fox 🦊✨
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