To find out about Red Brick Bulletin click on the link below:
http://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ss/tsk/akarenga_eng.htm
Some of the issues that are of specific interest to Albertan's are highlighted below (check the link for the latest issues):
Fall/Winter 2011 - Issue 8 (Pages 1 - 4) (Published 25 November 2011)
Special Feature - Hokkaido/Alberta High School Student Exchange Program
Canadians in Hokkaido - Impressions of Hokkaido/Alberta High School Student Exchange Program 2011 participants from Alberta placed in different regions of Hokkaido
February 2011 - Issue 4
A Town Close to Home - Tokoro (sister city with Barrhead, Alberta, Canada)
December 2010 - Issue 2
Special Feature - Regional Leaders International Forum in Hokkaido held in Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of Friendship and Affiliation between Hokkaido and Alberta (Canada)
A Town Close to Home – Shikaoi (sister city with Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada)
Canadians in Hokkaido – Impressions of a Canadian living in Shikaoi (from Calgary)
November 2010 - Issue 1
Special Feature - Introduction of The Red Brick Bulletin
A Prefecture Close to Home – Hokkaido (twinned with the Province of Alberta, Canada)
If you would like to write something for the Red Brick Bulletin, let us know and we will put you in contact with the editor.
Alberta/Japan Network Development (Summer 2011)
Based on Suggestions from our 2010 Pilot Project on Exchanges with Japan and follow up with school and community groups, the Alberta/Japan Network will be one of the networks students will work on this summer see FACTSnet Summer Jobs 2011. With the Earthquake and Tsunami, we are looking at finding ways Albertans are helping and how schools and community groups can be involved.
Students have examined social media to see how people have helped each other in the wake of the Tsunami. As well, students became Conversation Partners in conjunction with the Hokkaido Teachers of English Program. Topics discussed were, Alberta/Japan Student Life, Japan Disaster Relief, Curriculum Studies, and Parent Involvement in Education.
In 2012, ideas include working with the Alberta Japan Twinned Municipalities Association at http://www.ajtma.com to create more personal works. As well, to perhaps work with the Edmonton Japan Community Association to create more local networks and cultural sharing, visit them at: http://www.ejca.com
Students have examined social media to see how people have helped each other in the wake of the Tsunami. As well, students became Conversation Partners in conjunction with the Hokkaido Teachers of English Program. Topics discussed were, Alberta/Japan Student Life, Japan Disaster Relief, Curriculum Studies, and Parent Involvement in Education.
In 2012, ideas include working with the Alberta Japan Twinned Municipalities Association at http://www.ajtma.com to create more personal works. As well, to perhaps work with the Edmonton Japan Community Association to create more local networks and cultural sharing, visit them at: http://www.ejca.com
HTEP : Hokkaido Teachers of English Program 2011 Conversation
We welcome you into our conversation with the Hokkaido Teachers of English Program (HTEP).
We will be having four round table discussions:
- Group A: International Tsunami Relief Effort
- Schools Supporting Japanese Relief Efforts
- Stories from Japan in Aid of Tsunami Relief
- Other Tsunami Relief Efforts
- Group C: Student Life in Alberta and Japan
- Group D: Learning From One Another
- Japan Visit 2010 - Alberta/Japan Project
- Alberta Gr. 8 Studies on Japan
- Visitors to Alberta
- Canada's National Song : "Oh, Canada"
An Introduction to HTEP.
The Hokkaido Teachers of English Program (HTEP) began as an intensive English language and cultural immersion for English teachers in Hokkaido in 2001. The program has developed into two separate cultural exchanges - one in Canada and one in Hokkaido.
The Canadian component is a 4-week program that focuses on 4 key areas:
- English Language Development
- Cultural Experiences
- Second Language Pedagogy
- Professional Development
As part of this program Teachers participate in daily Conversation Groups:
"Participants gather daily with a Canadian to discuss cultural experiences, clarify new vocabulary and practice pronunciation. Each group keeps track of the new concepts that are learned in the previous meeting so that they can be reviewed in future meetings."
For more information visit one of the above links or http://www.htep.ualberta.ca/
Discussion on Alberta Japan Studies
This discussion originated with HTEP teachers see HTEP : Hokkaido Teachers of English Program 2011 Conversation
Make a comment to this post to continue the discussion.
[Items in square brackets are a summary of the HTEP discussions]
Social Studies and Canadian Studies in Japan:
In Canada we study other countries in order to learn about ourselves and the world. We study some history, geography, economics, sociology and civics to understand what it means to be a good citizen. In Alberta, this is called Social Studies.
Does Japan have a subject like Social Studies? If so, what is studied in this subject area?
[In Japan elementary school children study a subject like Social Studies. In Junior High and High school they study separate subjects like Geography, History, Politics, Philosophy and Economics.]
Do students in Japan ever study about Canada? If so, under which subject and at which grade level? What are they expected to learn about Canada?
[Japanese elementary students study world geography, including Canada. In Junior High, they go into more detail. In High School there are choices in studies, which may include studying Geography, History, Politics and Economics]
Alberta Grade 8 Study of Edo and Meiji Japan:
In Alberta Grade 8 students learn about the Edo and Meiji Periods of Japanese History. (See Learning about each other links in the HTEP post)
Grade 8: Isolation during the Edo period.
As part of the study on Worldviews grade 8 students study the effects of cultural isolation (how the Japanese did not welcome foreigners) during the Edo period, how this changed Japan and how the shogun maintained control.
Do Japanese students study Worldviews? What do they study and in what grade?
[Japanese students study worldview as the study History and other subjects. They do not make a specific study of Worldviews as they mostly learn the facts.]
What do Japanese students study about the Edo period? In what grade(s) do they study this?
Do Japanese students study about how Japan isolated themselves (did not welcome foreigners) during this period?
[Japanese students study about the Edo period at all levels. They study similar content to Alberta grade 8 students, except their studies are more detailed and not connected to studying Worldviews}
Grade 8: Adaption during the Meiji Period.
In Grade 8 students also study the effects of rapid adaptation (suddenly interacting with foreigners) during the Meiji period, how this modernized Japan, why and what the changes were from the Edo period and the challenge to maintain traditional culture.
What do Japanese students study about the Meiji period? In what grade(s) do they study this?
Do Japanese students study about how Japan rapidly adapted to modern ways of doing things brought by interaction with the foreigners during this period?
[Studies of the Meiji Period are similar to the Edo period]
Places to Visit in Japan.
Do Japanese students visit historical places related to the Edo and Meiji periods?
[Elementary students visit places in Hokkaido, Junior High students places in Northern Japan, and most High School students visit Southern Japan especially Koto.]
What are the most important historical places related to the Edo and Meiji periods to visit for Canadian teachers and students to visit. See links in the grade 8 curriculum link.
[There are some places in Hokkaido to visit from that period. The Edo Tokyo Museum was also highly recommended. Also the Kyoto area and perhaps Nagasaki. Places that show the similarities between the aboriginal people of Hokkaido and Alberta would be of most interest.]
Travel And Exchange:
We want to encourage more travel and exchange between Alberta and Japan. Alberta already has an Alberta-Japan Office in Tokyo. It promotes economic exchange. Many cities in Alberta have sister cities in Japan: (See http://www.ajtma.com/news.php). These exchanges promote good will between people.
What could Canadian students and teachers learn by visiting Hokkaido and other parts of Japan? Where should they travel? [See above]
What do you think Japanese students and teachers would like to learn and see if they came to Alberta? (See Visitors to Alberta Link on the HTEP post)
[There was not much time to discuss this but festivals and places that show Alberta’s multicultural heritage would be of most interest].
What else could we learn from visiting each other? [Make a commet to this post to continue the discussion.]
HTEP Group C Student Life in Japan and Alberta:
Group C: Student Life in Japan and Alberta:
In the 21st century almost all high school students must continue their education. Some may work or take a year off to decide what they want to study but eventually good jobs and promotions require special training.
1. Is this situation the same in Japan?
Students can continue their education in:
- University
- Technical institute
- Specialized training certificate programs (e.g. hair dressing, massage therapist, day care worker)
Answer
Yes the situation in Alberta and Japan are similar and are mostly the same.
These days students look for programs that offer practical, co-op programs or work experience. Almost all students have to work at a part time job while they are studying. Some continue their studies on a part –time basis after they have reliable employment.
2. Is this situation the same in Japan?
Answer
Japanese students also work part time while in school.
We are students. Johanna goes to university while Nic goes to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Our lives as students are similar, but also different.
Comparison Chart Between University of Alberta and NAIT
| Items | NAIT | University of Alberta |
| Time of classes | Usually 2 hours | 60 minutes or 80minutes or 3 hours |
| Number of Classes for full time studies | 7 classes | 4 classes minimum 5 classes maximum a semester |
| Number of breaks | 2 : reading week in February and Christmas break and other holidays | 2 : reading week in February and Christmas break and other holidays |
| Semester length | 4 months | 4 months |
| Exam format | Lab exam and/or theory exam | Written essay style |
| Mid terms | 0-2. More important courses may have a lab and theory exam. | 1-2 depending on course written style |
| Lecture style | Hands on demonstrations, written notes, interaction with teacher | Power points, talking, iclicker, videos |
| Number of days at school | 5 days a week | Varies per semester (2-3 days a week of classes, 5 days for studying, writing papers) |
| Time spent traveling to school | Less than an hour both ways | 2 hours each day |
| Time spent in school | 25 hours per week | 15 hours per a week |
| Time spent eating lunch | 30 minutes during either a lunch break or a spare | I ate in class or after class usually 15 minutes or less |
| Time spent walking to class | 10 minutes a day | 30 minutes a day |
| Time spent reading | 1 hour a week | 15 hours a week |
| Time spent working on projects/ essays for class | 20-25 hours a week | 15 hours a week |
| Time spent researching | n/a | 15 hours per an assignment |
| Time spent studying for mid term exams | 0.5-3 hours per exam | 3-5 hours per exam |
| Time spent studying for finals | 0.5-3 hours per exam x ?? exams | 48 hours for all 5 exams |
| Time spent doing my hobby | 10-20 hours per week | 3-6 hours per a week |
| Time spent sleeping | 6-8 hours a day | 6-8 hours a day |
| | | |
3. What kind of experiences did you have when you went to University? What clubs were you involved in? What classes did you take?
Answer
Most people in Japan have a similar University experience to here however they have more courses and go to school 5 days a week. Also there are clubs in University like skiing, music,
In the USA most college students leave home to study and live in the residence of the University. In Canada most students live at home while they are studying, unless they come from a small town. Of course, these students must either live in University residence like Lister Hall or find an apartment nearby.
4. Is this situation the same in Japan?
Answer
In Japan some students live at home if the University is close to where they live others live in residence if the university they go to is far from their home.
Canadians are becoming more and more health conscious. We try to eat nourishing food. We also eat special dishes on special occasions
5. What kind of food do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and supper?
Answer
For Breakfast Japanese people traditionally have misou soup, rice and vegetables, now this is changing as some only have a banana for breakfast. For Lunch the school usually provides a lunch through a cater and the students serve their classmates lunch. For Supper many Japanese are now starting to eat out as they do not have time to cook or go home and eat.
5. What kind of food do you eat on special occasions? What holidays or festivals do you celebrate?
Answer
Japanese people celebrate many festivals a few that are in Hokkaido include the Sapporo ice festival in February and the Hokodate fire works festival in the summer.
Life is becoming more and more hectic. We are told that we must find balance in our lives. This means having hobbies, going out with friends and working out.
7. What do you do when you are not working?
Life in the 21st century is driven by technology. Young people use twitter, facebook, and other social media on a regular basis. Using computers is a necessity. So are cell phones.
8. How is technology used in your daily life in Japan?
For more information see Student Life in Alberta and Japan links in HTEP post on http://abssgr8.blogspot.com and/or email pacinet@gmail.com
Alberta/Japan Municipal Twining
As of December 2010
Canadian municipal / Province / Japanese municipal / Prefecture / Twinning date
- Jasper / AB / Hakone / Kanagawa / July 4, 1972
- Banff / AB / Unzen / Nagasaki / May 19, 1976
- Taber / AB / Higashiomi / Shiga / March 27, 1981
- Rocky Mountain House / AB / Kamikawa / Hokkaido / June 21, 1984
- Stony Plain / AB / Shikaoi / Hokkaido / August 26, 1985
- Camrose / AB / Kamifurano / Hokkaido / September 5, 1985
- Lacombe / AB / Rikubetsu / Hokkaido / July 5, 1986
- Slave Lake / AB / Kamishihoro / Hokkaido / February 1988
- Canmore / AB / Higashikawa / Hokkaido / July 12, 1989
- Stettler / AB / Okoppe / Hokkaido / June 26, 1990
- Wetaskiwin / AB / Ashoro / Hokkaido / September 15, 1990
- Barrhead / AB / Kitami / Hokkaido / July 4, 1991
- Hanna / AB / Wake / Okayama / March 21, 1993
- Hinton / AB / Wanouchi / Gifu / August 21, 1998
- Gibbons / AB / Daigo / Ibaraki / September 2, 1998
- Devon / AB / Motosu / Gifu / April 4, 2003
- Lethbridge / AB / Haebaru / Okinawa / June 30, 2003
- Didsbury / AB / Miki / Kagawa / April 28, 2009
- List Courtesy of Dr. Olenka Bilash, Professor, Department of Secondary Education, University of Alberta
Also see Other/Hokkaido Municipal Twining
and Canada/Japan Municipal Twining
Also see Other/Hokkaido Municipal Twining
and Canada/Japan Municipal Twining
Other/ Hokkaido Municipal Twining
As of December 2010
Canadian municipal / Province / Japanese municipal / Prefecture / Twinning date
AB: Alberta, BC: British Columbia, MB: Manitoba, ON: Ontario, QC: Québec, PE: Prince Edward Island, YT: Yukon
- Burnaby / BC / Kushiro Hokkaido / September 9, 1965
- Lindsay / ON / Nayoro / Hokkaido / August 1, 1969
- Penticton / BC / Ikeda / Hokkaido / May 19, 1977
- Sparwood / BC / Kamisunagawa / Hokkaido / September 23, 1980
- Quesnel / BC / Shiraoi / Hokkaido / July 13, 1981
- Halifax / NS / Hakodate / Hokkaido / November 25, 1982
- Campbell River / BC / Ishikari / Hokkaido / October 24, 1983
- Port Alberni / BC / Abashiri / Hokkaido / February 9, 1986
- Castlegar / BC / Enbetsu / Hokkaido / June 21, 1989
- Lake Cowichan / BC / Date / Hokkaido / October 8, 1989
- Charlottetown / PE / Ashibetsu / Hokkaido / July 1, 1993
- Ashcroft / BC / Bifuka / Hokkaido / July 23, 1994
- Port Hardy / BC / Numata / Hokkaido / September 3, 1994
- Summerland / BC / Toyokoro / Hokkaido / June 11, 1996
- Abbotsford / BC / Fukagawa / Hokkaido / September 14, 1998
- Kenora / ON / Shimokawa / Hokkaido / February 16, 2001
- List Courtesy of Dr. Olenka Bilash, Professor, Department of Secondary Education, University of Alberta
Also see Alberta/Japan Municipal Twining
Also see Alberta/Japan Municipal Twining
Canada/Japan Municipal Twining
As of December 2010
Canadian municipal / Province / Japanese municipal / Prefecture / Twinning date
AB: Alberta, BC: British Columbia, MB: Manitoba, ON: Ontario, QC: Québec, PE: Prince Edward Island, YT: Yukon
- New Westminster / BC / Moriguchi / Osaka / April 10, 1963
- Vancouver / BC / Yokohama / Kanagawa / July 1, 1965
- Hamilton (Dundas) / ON / Kaga / Ishikawa / March 21, 1968
- Prince Rupert / BC / Owase / Mie / September 26, 1968
- North Vancouver / BC / Chiba / Chiba / January 1, 1970
- Winnipeg / MB / Setagaya / Tokyo / October 5, 1970
- Richmond / BC / Wakayama / Wakayama / March 31, 1973
- Hamilton / ON / Fukuyama / Hiroshima / October 4, 1976
- Kelowna / BC / Kasugai / Aichi / February 5, 1981
- Mississauga / ON / Kariya / Aichi / July 7, 1981
- Timmins / ON / Naoshima / Kagawa / August 28, 1981
- Collingwood / ON / Katano / Osaka / November 3, 1981
- Oakville / ON / Neyagawa / Osaka / April 6, 1984
- Whitehorse / YT / Ushiku / Ibaraki / April 19, 1985
- Victoria / BC / Morioka / Iwate / May 23, 1985
- Vernon / BC / Tome / Miyagi / August 22, 1986
- Nelson / BC / Izu / Shizuoka / May 1, 1987
- Windsor / ON / Fujisawa / Kanagawa / December 2, 1987
- Oliver / BC / Bandai / Fukushima / April 23, 1988
- Surrey / BC / Koto / Tokyo / April 20, 1989
- Burlington / ON / Itabashi / Tokyo / May 12, 1989
- Salmon Arm / BC / Inashiki / Ibaraki / April 11, 1990
- Kamloops / BC / Uji / Kyoto / July 1, 1990
- Trail / BC / Sagamihara / Kanagawa / April 15, 1991
- Toronto (Scarborough) / ON / Sagamihara / Kanagawa / May 31,1991
- Vaughan / ON / Sanjo / Niigata / October 18, 1993
- Hope / BC / Izu / Shizuoka / August 1, 1995
- Minnedosa / MB / Ishii / Tokushima / August 1996
- Nanaimo / BC / Saitama / Saitama / September 25, 1996
- Mission / BC / Oyama / Shizuoka / October 7, 1996
- St-Valentin / QC / Misaku / Okayama / October 24, 1997
- Montreal / QC / Hiroshima / Hiroshima / May 20, 1998
- Whistler / BC / Karuizawa / Nagano / March 3, 1999
- Colwood / BC / Shika / Ishikawa / May 11,1999
- Crowsnest Pass / AB / Anpachi / Gifu / April 25, 2000
- Perth / ON / Asago / Hyogo / July 5, 2000
- Squamish / BC / Shimizu / Shizuoka / November 3, 2003
- Kimberley / BC / Annaka / Gunma / December 16, 2005
- Thunder Bay / ON / Gifu / Gifu / May 2007
- Sidney / BC / Niimi / Okayama / June 30, 2008
- List Courtesy of Dr. Olenka Bilash, Professor, Department of Secondary Education, University of Alberta
Also see Alberta/Japan Municipal Twining
Also see Alberta/Japan Municipal Twining
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