Introduction
Sakuraa Nihongo Resource Centre (SNRC) is a renowned Japanese language training provider, catering to a wide range of corporate clients. While SNRC’s Japanese language training programs are highly regarded, corporates face the persistent challenge of attendance rates, hindering both the sponsoring organizations and SNRC’s efforts to deliver effective language training. Drawing on our extensive experience of over two decades, this concept paper explores the root causes of low attendance and proposes solutions to enhance student engagement and participation.
Challenges Faced by Corporates
- Scheduling Conflicts: Corporate employees often juggle multiple responsibilities, making it difficult to attend Japanese language classes consistently. Meetings, project reviews, and other training programs often coincide with scheduled Japanese lessons, leading to attendance gaps.
- Lack of Support from Management: Management’s lack of recognition for language learning can discourage employees from attending classes. Without management’s endorsement, employees may prioritize other tasks over language training.
- Attendance Tracking: The absence of a robust attendance tracking system can hinder accountability. Without clear monitoring, employees may find it easier to skip classes without repercussions.
- Ineffective Training Timing: Late afternoon training sessions are often counterproductive due to employee fatigue and competing priorities.
- Inadequate Employee Motivation: Employees may lack motivation to attend classes if they fail to perceive the direct benefits of language learning in their professional context.
Remedial Measures
- Managerial Support: Managers should actively encourage employee participation by adjusting meeting schedules and recognizing Japanese language learning efforts.
- Attendance Tracking and Verification: Implement a system to track attendance and verify employee-reported reasons for absences. This will promote accountability and discourage unwarranted absences.
- Optimize Training Timing: Consider scheduling classes early in the day (say 8 AM to 11 AM) when employees are more alert and less preoccupied with other tasks.
- Emphasize Learning Benefits: Highlight the tangible benefits of Japanese language proficiency, such as improved communication with Japanese clients, enhanced career prospects, and increased global exposure.
- Employee-Driven Nominations: Encourage employees to self-nominate for language training based on their interest and perceived need. This fosters a sense of ownership and commitment.
- Appraisal Considerations: Incorporate Japanese language proficiency into performance appraisals, demonstrating the importance of Japanese language skills.
- Departmental and HR Motivation: Encourage departments and HR to actively promote language learning and provide incentives for participation.
- Rewards and Recognition: Implement a system of rewards and recognition to acknowledge and celebrate successful completion of language training programs.
- Onsite Opportunities in Japan: Offer opportunities for employees to utilize their Japanese language skills in Japan through business trips, training or project engagements.
- Regular Vendor Reports: Regularly review vendor reports on employee attendance and participation to identify areas for improvement.
- Intensive Training Format: Consider offering intensive training programs that cover a significant portion of the Japanese language curriculum in a shorter timeframe, reducing the burden of long-term commitment.
- Minimum Session Duration: Ensure that each language training session lasts at least three hours, providing sufficient time for in-depth learning and engagement.
- Multiple Sessions per Week: Schedule multiple language training sessions per week to maintain consistency and reinforce learning.
- Empowerment: Sufficiently Empower the Japanese language trainer/ institution in the eyes of the participants. This is very crucial to successful outcomes.
SNRC’s Initiatives to Enhance Attendance and Participation
- Constant Concept Revision: Regularly revisit key concepts to ensure that students grasp the material and stay engaged.
- Handholding: Special support to students requiring extra care. Shadowing – following / repeating Native accents & pronunciation as appropriate to the level.
- Class Notes and Review Materials: Provide comprehensive class notes and review materials to students, enabling them to prepare for upcoming sessions and address any doubts.
- Review and Recap Sessions: Conduct periodic review and recap sessions to reinforce learning and identify areas that require further attention.
- WhatsApp Group Notifications: Utilize WhatsApp groups to notify students about upcoming recap sessions and important announcements.
- 24/7 Support System: Offer round-the-clock support through WhatsApp and direct communication channels to address student queries promptly.
Conclusion
By addressing the challenges faced by corporates and implementing the proposed remedial measures, corporates can significantly enhance Japanese language training attendance and participation, fostering a more engaged and productive learning environment. SNRC’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality language training, coupled with these strategic initiatives, will ensure that corporate employees reap the full benefits of Japanese language proficiency, contributing to their personal and professional growth.