I create my own PowerPoint (PDF format) lessons per each textbook chapter of Minna no Nihongo, summarising grammar points in an easy to understand format with examples given. I have also summarised the entirety of MNN1 into a 28-page print friendly booklet which will be given to all new students. I have invigilated the JLPT N5 and N3, so can provide personal insight into the Japanese language proficiency test.
We use Anki, the aforementioned flashcard software, for learning vocab (chapter by chapter) and kanji. With the kanji decks I have made, you are able to study ahead if you want to. I typically don’t set “homework” unless asked - your homework is keeping on top of your flash cards. One of the biggest misconceptions I find about learning anything, is that people think you have to sit there for ages and study in silence. Vocab checks and independent study are important, so i can set understanding-check exercises, but studying efficiently and effectively is much more important than the number of hours you study for.
I am an MA Japanese graduate of SOAS, University of London, offering online Japanese tutoring to new or intermediate learners of the language. I graduated with Merit, earning High Distinction in all language components of my degree.
I make my own lesson materials so my learners will not have to buy any additional materials, although all learners will be provided with a list of helpful textbooks.
I passed JLPT N3 after studying Japanese for just under a year, and later attained a distinction grade in my final J400 (advanced Japanese, approximately N2 equivalent) module at SOAS, and as a learner of Japanese I am able to empathise with beginners, while also pushing them to do their very best. I am currently pursuing native-level Japanese classes, engaging in detailed discussions using specialist language, and am pursuing N1 certification (the highest attainable Japanese Language Proficiency Test certification), and am confident explaining Japanese grammar and politeness variations to new learners.
One of my biggest frustrations with learning providers is a complete under estimation of beginners’ ability to learn. I have several students who had been “learning” Japanese for months of years, but still couldn’t read hiragana or katakana, let alone kanji!
I like to get my students reading hiragana and katakana script within one to two weeks, and aim for 25 new kanji characters every fortnight. Japanese is a very structural language, and most of the difficulty of learning script can be overcome with smart study tools. I use Anki, a free spaced repetition flashcard software, to help students learn kanji in a time efficient way, and can provide you with flash cards all the way from elementary japanese up to the more advanced JLPT N2 level.
Perfect! James is brilliant, methodical and patient. Highly recommended!
We are several lessons in and progress is steady. Timea is always ready for the lesson to start at our agreed time and is quick to pick up on grammar points.
Things that are going well:
Grammar uptake
Reading (I really think this is in part due to your use of Anki, the improvement in character recognition was really significant after using it!)
Things to study up on would be:
Tenses (ます、ました、ません、ませんでした)
Vocab - memorising a handful of words per each lesson so you can come up with your own sentences more easily :)
Speaking Japanese during the lesson: even if it’s a mix of English and Japanese, it will help you remember things, especially if you make mistakes and have them corrected.
ありがとう
ジェイムズ
Very friendly and approachable guy. Will definitely help you reach your goal of youre willing to put the effort in.
James provides plenty and great study materials for all different ways of studying, visual,audio etc.
He's patient and willing to walk though and Japanese that you're struggling with. Would recommend to anyone who is serious about learning a new language or Japanese. An awesome tutor!
James is a very patient and fun tutor, and very easy to communicate with and is willing to meet you where you are with Japanese to help get you to where you want to be. He's serious, but is good at reassuring you and helping you feel comfortable during the class.
Thorough yet easy to understand - taught me some of the grammar points that I found harder to grasp in much simpler terms.
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