What Is the Demo Lesson?
Not every ALT organization asks for a demo lesson, but if they do, it will be one of the most important parts of final selection.
So what does a demo lesson look like?
- A short (usually 5–6 minute) video
- Submitted as finished video for online interviews, recorded live at in-person intervies
- Not a full class and not a teaching philosophy presentation
Think of the demo lesson as a teaser trailer, not the full movie. It will give the ALT organization (and the Boards of Education in Japan) a snapshot of how you:
- Speak
- Move
- Interact
- Explain simple concepts to children
Why ALT Organizations Want a Demo Lesson
ALT organizations are not looking for perfect pedagogy. They use demo lessons to answer a few very practical questions:
- Can this person speak clearly and slowly enough for ESL students?
- Do they look comfortable in front of a class?
- Can they engage children without freezing or overacting?
- Do they seem pleasant, approachable, and professional?
ALT dispatch companies will also show your video to schools and Boards of Education to secure placements. The quality of the video will be a major factor in if you can secure a placement that matches your preferences.
Common Demo Lesson Mistakes to Avoid
Trying to Do Too Much
Overloading the lesson with content, vocabulary, or activities is the fastest way to fail. Simple and clear beats ambitious every time.
Speaking Too Fast
Nerves make people rush. Rushing makes you unintelligible to ESL learners. If you can’t slow down, recruiters won’t trust you in a classroom.
Low Energy or Flat Delivery
You don’t need to be a clown, but you do need to look like you can hold a child’s attention. Low energy is one of the most common reasons candidates are rejected.
No “Interaction”
Even if you’re recording alone, you need to teach to an imaginary class. Asking questions, pausing for responses, and praising answers helps the interviewer “see” you as a teacher.
Overproducing the Lesson
High-tech tools, flashy visuals, or complicated setups often work against you. Japanese public schools are low-tech, and recruiters want to see that you can function in that environment.
Ignoring Appearance and Environment
If you don’t look like someone who could stand in a Japanese classroom tomorrow, the lesson won’t matter. Dress conservatively, use a neutral background, and remove distractions.
Not Following Instructions
This is the most important rule of all.
If the organization’s demo lesson instructions conflict with anything you read online—including this article—follow their instructions exactly. Failure to do so is often an automatic rejection.
What to Read Next
Dress and Etiquette for Interviews and Demo Lessons
How appearance and presentation affect hiring decisions.
Tricky Interview Questions (and Terrible Answers)
How interviews test flexibility and judgment.
What Recruiters Are Looking For
How demo lessons are actually evaluated.
If you want more details on what makes or breaks a demo lesson, check out So You Want to Be an ALT.
ALT Roadmap 