Take the fifth step to Ace the JLPT - Stay fresh

Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level - Step Five

How do you stay fresh, during study and on test day? In the fourth step in the series Ace the Japanese Language Proficiency Test we look at how important it is to maintain good health and fitness in the lead up to the JLPT.


Dutch Biker by Stuck in Customs, on Flickr

The brain is an organ that relies almost entirely on blood sugar and oxygen for normal functioning. When regulating the body's energy needs it will cover its own comparably high energy requirements with high priority. Because it doesn't store its own energy it relies on the circulatory system to get it there, on demand. If that blood sugar isn't forthcoming, it will induce physical fatigue to ensure it maintains adequate levels of oxygen and blood sugar.

The only way to ensure that the levels of both of these things don't drop during study, or worse still, during the exam, is to maintain good health and fitness.

Get some exercise.

Go on, get outside! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Dull in the sense that the intellect is no longer a keen blade, ready to cut through 100's of kanji repetitions. Steer clear of sugary foods that are prone to inducing energy spikes and sleep inducing insulin rebounds.

Sleep is good too. Not too much not too little. If you can manage free running sleep, even better. You know the old adage, "early to bed early to rise..."? Well there is some truth to that. Sleep when you are tired and wake when you are ready; no alarm clocks, no coffee, no alcohol. How bad do you want it?

When you turn up on test day you want to be fully rested, and able to get through the marathon of testing without succumbing to fatigue. If you are confident that your performance, both physically and intellectually, is up to the task then you'll be much more capable of an Ace on test day.

I go into more detail about test taking strategies in the online video seminar 5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level on eduFire. Subscribers to the Rainbowhill Language Lab newsletter get great study tips throughout the year. If you need some good tips on preparing for the JLPT, please read on.

• Take the first step to Ace the JLPT - Know yourself
• Take the second step to Ace the JLPT - Know the terrain
• Take the third step to Ace the JLPT - Train your weaknesses
• Take the fourth step to Ace the JLPT - Race your strengths
• Take the fifth step to Ace the JLPT - Stay fresh

5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level is a Free Online Seminar at eduFire

Take the fourth step to Ace the JLPT - Race your strengths

Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level - Step Four

Race your strengths - the fourth step in the series Ace the Japanese Language Proficiency Test goes hand in hand with the third - train your weaknesses. Today we'll learn why it is just as important to acknowledge your strengths as it is your weaknesses. I'll show you how to excel where you can and not beat yourself up over the things you can't do very well.


Zabriskie rocking by Frank Steele, on Flickr

A good time-triallist will hold back and stay relaxed during sections of the course where they know they'll lose time. When sections come that suit them best they'll be able to let loose and make ground. This helps them conserve energy and make the most of their innate abilities.

This may sound like the antithesis of everything you've learnt about sport, but like a zen koan the strength and weakness must be considered as a whole if you are to come to the right understanding.

If you have an extensive vocabulary, one that never leaves you short of a word, It's very tempting to put more energy here in training. If you love ramping up repetitions on your favourite flash card site to prove something to yourself, don't. Let it go.

Save your best for test day.

Use the things that give you confidence to get started when you don't feel like studying, but don't do any more than that. You can't get any more than 100% in the sections that you're good at. Big efforts here don't mean much, it's the law of diminishing returns at work.

Resting on your laurels will free up precious time for the things you really need to work on. I guess you never expected to hear me say "don't study" did you? It's all about being honest with yourself, and not focussing too much on the things that are easy for you.

When you have put your demons to rest, and you've left some in reserve you can then focus on staying fresh.

I go into more detail about test taking strategies in the online video seminar 5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level on eduFire. Subscribers to the Rainbowhill Language Lab newsletter get great study tips throughout the year. If you need some good tips on preparing for the JLPT, please read on.

• Take the first step to Ace the JLPT - Know yourself
• Take the second step to Ace the JLPT - Know the terrain
• Take the third step to Ace the JLPT - Train your weaknesses
• Take the fourth step to Ace the JLPT - Race your strengths
• Take the fifth step to Ace the JLPT - Stay fresh

5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level is a Free Online Seminar at eduFire

Take the third step to Ace the JLPT - Train your weaknesses

Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level - Step Three

In this third step to Ace the Japanese Language Proficiency Test we take a good hard look in the mirror. Hopefully you've had a look at the past tests, and know which parts are difficult. If you're anything like me there are things you'll feel like tackling right away. But before you do, think about the real purpose of the practice tests. Are you using them to confirm what you already know? Do you sneakily flip from question booklet to answer sheet when you come across a difficult question? If you want to improve your performance on test day it's going to take a little more discipline. It is time to face your demons.


Catford Hill Climb by bareknuckleyellow, on Flickr

It's time to break out of your comfort zone, to extend the cycling analogy, train your weaknesses and race your strengths. When you are weak on hills, then you train on hills. When it comes to race day, if you are good in the sprint this is where you must focus your energy, having successfully made it over the hills.

Do the hard yards.

Having good diagnostic tools are essential to this approach. Practice tests are going pin-point your weaknesses if you take them seriously enough. But the that's the easy part, now you have to get on intimate terms with them.

The past tests allow you to really drill down into those areas where you lose the most marks. Use this knowledge of your weaknesses to find gains. After each practice test, review the ones you got wrong. Write them up, study them again, and think about changing gear or trying a new study technique.

Difficult things are easy to put off doing in favour of doing more enjoyable things, it's only human nature. Resist this temptation. Spend most of your time in the areas that give you the most trouble. Small gains here will open up larger gains in other areas. Call it leverage, or the 80/20 principle, whatever, but put it to work for you so you can tap into your hidden potential.

You have limited time, you don't want to spend too much of it covering stuff you know well. Find out what works for your friends when they have to breakthrough a learning plateau. But more importantly, find out what works for you in overcoming your demons.

When you know what really works for you, race your strengths.

Update: Early in December 2009 the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) released further detail about the New Japanese Language Proficiency Test for 2010.

I go into more detail about test taking strategies in the online video seminar 5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level on eduFire. Subscribers to the Rainbowhill Language Lab newsletter get great study tips throughout the year. If you need some good tips on preparing for the JLPT, please read on.

• Take the first step to Ace the JLPT - Know yourself
• Take the second step to Ace the JLPT - Know the terrain
• Take the third step to Ace the JLPT - Train your weaknesses
• Take the fourth step to Ace the JLPT - Race your strengths
• Take the fifth step to Ace the JLPT - Stay fresh

5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level is a Free Online Seminar at eduFire

Take the second step to Ace the JLPT - Know the terrain

Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level - Step Two

In this second post of the speed blogging series Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level, humour me as I extend the cycling metaphor a little further. On any day on tour, you study the map, you assess the prevailing conditions and prepare accordingly. You want to use up every last ounce of energy before you hit the line at the end of day, while still making sure that you've set aside enough for the nasty category 3 climb just before the end. Today we'll study the terrain and discuss what to expect on test day.


Cycle tour of French Alps - Mountain Road Descent by velodenz, on Flickr

There should be no surprises to you as far as the format and the content of the test is concerned when you finally get to the testing centre. You should already know the test is broken into three sections: Writing-Vocabulary; Listening; Reading-Grammar. With points allocated to them respectively: 100; 100; 200, for a total of 400 points.

Did you know however that there are 4 different types of questions in the Writing-Vocabulary section? Or that the two different styles of question in the Listening section are answered differently on the answer sheet? Don't let this be a surprise to you.

Study the test, not just the Japanese.

The New JLPT Official Guidebook with Executive Summary and Sample Tests for N1/N2/N3 and N4/N5 have answer sheets, use them. Get to know the terrain intimately, and under test conditions. Use a stopwatch and time yourself when doing past tests. There is a rhythm you need to get into, especially in the third part of the test where there is barely enough time to finish let alone review. Understand how you strike this rhythm.

You'll be able to anticipate questions on the final exam, if you've done similar questions in practice week in, week out. If these five steps to ace the JLPT are your elaborate and systematic plan of action, then how you answer each question is just a well practised manoeuvre you put in place during the test. Anticipation is key, if you don't want to be drawing blanks on test Sunday.

Do a practice test, find out where you lack, because in the next post we focus on your weak points.

Update: Early in December 2009 the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) released further detail about the New Japanese Language Proficiency Test for 2010.

I go into more detail about test taking strategies in the online video seminar 5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level on eduFire. Subscribers to the Rainbowhill Language Lab newsletter get great study tips throughout the year. If you need some good tips on preparing for the JLPT, please read on.

• Take the first step to Ace the JLPT - Know yourself
• Take the second step to Ace the JLPT - Know the terrain
• Take the third step to Ace the JLPT - Train your weaknesses
• Take the fourth step to Ace the JLPT - Race your strengths
• Take the fifth step to Ace the JLPT - Stay fresh

5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level is a Free Online Seminar at eduFire

Take the first step to Ace the JLPT - Know yourself

Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level - Step One

There are plenty of good resources to help you study for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test but none more important than doing past tests. I want to share with you what has worked for me in a speed blogging series to help you Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level. The first step is to know yourself, but before we get started I'm going to share with you a story from my cycling days at University.


Philadelphia Bike Race - flying off Lemon Hill by joiseyshowaa, on Flickr

I was part of the University of Queensland Cycling Club and was pretty competitive at state and national level. Every weekend I used to get together with the guys for "simulated race training", which meant belting around the lower part of the campus near the river, past the duck pond, over a small hill, and then sweeping back down a steep curve on to a long flat alongside the river. We had to share space with cars, joggers pedestrians and sometimes ducks, but I diverge. We weren't allowed to have "actual race training" let alone "actual racing" because that would involve a whole lot of red tape and officiation that we weren't particularly fond of. But I knew then, that racing was the best training for racing.

I learnt that just as specificity is central to training in athletes, it is also essential when preparing for a test. You may have a favourite language learning website, flash language learning game or spaced repetition system, but without doing tests in the lead up to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test you'll really have no idea of what you are capable of.

Do past tests.

So where do you find past tests? White Rabbit Press have a wide selection of past JLPT tests, from 3 year sets of the 2004-2006 Japanese Language Proficiency Tests, Level 4, Level 3, Level 2 and Level 1. To the 2009 Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1 and 2. All of them come with a complete answer booklet, CD's and script. I have six volumes of these neatly bound publications which are also filled with useful statistics about the JLPT.

The JLPT has changed for 2010, even so, past tests provide the best method of gauging your ability. If you are not sure if you should be taking the new N3 level test, which falls somewhere between the old Level 3 and Level 2, new sample tests have just been published. The New JLPT Official Guidebook with Executive Summary and Sample Tests for N1/N2/N3 and N4/N5 include a CD and script for the listening section, plus answers.

The official guidebooks are written entirely in Japanese so the folks at White Rabbit Press have gone the extra step in printing out the English version of the executive summary for anyone that purchases through them.

• New JLPT Guidebook - Executive Summary & Sample Test for N1, N2, and N3 (w/CD)
• New JLPT Guidebook - Executive Summary & Sample Test for N4 and N5 (w/CD)

The sample tests are the same as the ones that are available on the official JLPT site, but the audio on the CDs can't be found anywhere else.

Go get them! In the next post we look at the test content in greater detail.

Update: Early in December 2009 the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) released further detail about the New Japanese Language Proficiency Test for 2010.

I go into more detail about test taking strategies in the online video seminar 5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level on eduFire. Subscribers to the Rainbowhill Language Lab newsletter get great study tips throughout the year. If you need some good tips on preparing for the JLPT, please read on.

• Take the first step to Ace the JLPT - Know yourself
• Take the second step to Ace the JLPT - Know the terrain
• Take the third step to Ace the JLPT - Train your weaknesses
• Take the fourth step to Ace the JLPT - Race your strengths
• Take the fifth step to Ace the JLPT - Stay fresh

5 Steps To Ace The Japanese Language Proficiency Test At Any Level is a Free Online Seminar at eduFire

SuperPass Winner: One Month of Unlimited Lessons on eduFire!

Congratulations go out to @aggettzz, who was elated when he found out he was the winner of the "Tweet your way to a month of SuperPass on eduFire" competition.



Thanks to @eduFire for the great platform and Koichi (@tofugu) for hyping it on his site tofugu.com. Head on over there now to see other ways you can win a month of SuperPass.

You can find out more about SuperPass here, but put simply - learn anything you want from the comfort of your own home, from expert teachers, at a time that is convenient for you.

Tweet your way to a month of SuperPass on eduFire

A Smorgasbord for your brain with SuperPass

When I first blogged about SuperPass in June this year, I just knew it was going to be a good thing. Now there are hundreds of classes, thousands of teachers and ten of thousands of people using this unlimited learning engine. It has really taken off.

I think I've written enough on this blog about how good I think eduFire is, for so many different reasons. Why don't you see for yourself? You really can't go wrong with a weeks trial of SuperPass for just $1.

I've been able to give away free sessions on eduFire before, but this is the first time I've been able to give away a whole month of SuperPass for my readers here and my followers on twitter.

Before I let you know how you can enter I should really tell you little more about SuperPass.



With a SuperPass subscription you can get access to unlimited live online teachers, at times that are convenient for you. It's like a smorgasbord for your brain. In class you can interact with your classmates and teachers through chat, voice and video. There are powerpoint presentations, whiteboards, note-sharing polling and lots more to keep things interesting. You don't really even have to have a webcam or microphone, a lot of people just turn up to class to watch.

If you sign up now for Superpass you get unlimited lessons on eduFire for the one low price of $29 per month. That’s not just for my classes but for all classes on eduFire, you can learn whatever you want! That's just $1 a day! You can even take a $1 trial for your first 7 days, which you can cancel any time so there’s no risk.

Is there anything that you've really wanted to learn but never been able to find a class in your area? Maybe the times haven't suited you? Here is you chance now to win a month long subscription to SuperPass on eduFire, simply by telling me and your friends what you'd like to learn.

To win a month subscription to SuperPass on eduFire this is all you have to do.

1. Browse some SuperPass classes, in any subject, or any language, whatever you'd like to learn.
2. Find one that you'd really like to do. It shouldn't be too hard, there are heaps to choose from.
3. Then, tweet to your followers with a link back to this competition and with the hashtag #rllsp

I want to learn about Maslow's Self-Actualizer on edufire #rllsp you can win a pass too... http://bit.ly/sLTUh

or

1. If you have a blog, but aren't on Twitter you can write about the contest following the guidelines above.
2. Make sure you leave a trackback to this post.

Terms and conditions.

1. The contest will run from Tuesday September the 8th, 8.00 am Pacific Standard Time until 8.00 am PST on Tuesday September the 15th.
2. Contestants must be over the age of 18. If you are under 18 (and over the age of 13) you must have the legal consent of your parent or guardian to participate in this competition.
3. Only one (1) prize of a month's subscription to SuperPass will be awarded.
4. One entry per day per person for the term of the contest.
5. The contest winner will be drawn randomly via random.org
6. If the winner is on Twitter they will be notified by direct message on Wednesday September the 16th. Be sure to follow @rainbowhill so you can claim your prize.
7. If the winner results from a blog post then that person will be contacted via that blog's published contact details.
8. Either way, if no reply is received within 2 hours of notification a new winner will be chosen

eduFire is an open platform for teaching and learning. SuperPass is a way to get access to the best teachers and classes at the one low monthly price.

Bottom Grabbing on Twitter: How to play the Japanese word game Shiritori

When I starting dating in Japan I used to play this game quite a bit. It was a fabulous vocabulary builder and just perfect for long drives to the beach. You can play it with any number of people, and often it can stretch in to hours, days even. This game of shiritori on eduFire has been running over 10 months now, and this game on tofugu.com has generated over 150 comments!

We played in my Fast Track to Fluency in Japanese on eduFire and got a great kick out of it, so I decided to see if anyone on twitter would take up the challenge with the hashtag #shiritori.



Pretty soon we had a small game going that was easy enough to follow with the hashtag #shiritori.



Jeff (@Beta_guy) starts with the word くるま (kuruma | car) and we're off and running!



ShiiraShiira (@ShiiraShiira) jumps in with a pine tree! Look out!



monchalee (@monchalee) takes the stage with a tsunami!



ShiiraShiira is all ears, you can play this game with romaji just as well.



I have a small worm farm at the moment so they are never far from my heart, or my leftovers. The link is to Ajax IME, a web-based Japanese input method, very handy if your machine isn't set up for Japanese input.



ShiiraShiira puts AjaxIME to good use and comes up pantsu...



We have to finish the game there, because ズボン(ずぼん | zubon | pants) ends in an ん (n). There are some basic rules for shiritori on wikipedia, which I have adapted for use on twitter. Almost anyone can play this game, no matter what their level of Japanese is so let's play!

Basic Rules for Shiritori on Twitter

• Play in turns, easy to do if you follow the hashtag #shiritori.
• Use an @ reply, only to indicate who you are responding to, let the hashtag take care of the rest.
  
• Use nouns only; verbs and adjectives are out.
  
• Don't use ん (n) as the last character in a word or the game finishes, there are no words starting with ん (n).
• Don't repeat words.
• Use phrases connected with の only if they are worthy of being called words, like 男の子(おとこのこ | otokonoko | boy) but not 今週の土曜日(こんしゅうのどようび | konshuunodoyoubi | this Saturday)

Optional Rules

• Ignore dakuten and handakuten, the tenten or circle you see to the right of some words.
  
• Ignore long vowels or use as a vowel.
• Don't use pronouns or place names. Anything that would be capitalised is out.
• Permit words spelled with the same kana but different kanji. For example using both 雲(くも| kumo | cloud) and クモ(くも | kumo | spider) is acceptable.

Advanced Rules

• Limit words to a certain genre.
• Use the last two kana in every word, neither kana may be ん (n).
• The length of a word must be three or more mora.
• Only words beginning and ending in dakuten or handakuten may be used.

Come and join the fun on twitter by following the hashtag #shiritori. If you think you'd like more fun learning Japanese, why don't you try my Fast Track to Fluency in Japanese on eduFire?

Japanese Town Hall

A few weeks ago, during a chat on Skype, J.A. and I came up with the idea to run a forum for students and tutors to get together to share ideas about what works and what doesn't work on eduFire.

• Japanese Town Hall I
  
• Japanese Town Hall II
  

We figured that students have a wide variety of learning preferences and tutors also have their own way of doing things. We wanted to get them together, because students and tutors need each other to make vibrant learning communities.

The sessions were non technical and open to anyone who is or has ever thought of studying Japanese online. We found that even though we had intended the class for the Japanese speaking community, people teaching and learning a variety of languages came to share what they knew about online learning.

Discussion

Right from the moment the first Japanese Town Hall opened people were coming forward with ideas on how to make eduFire an exceptional learning environment. Some of these idea may never see the light of day, but it was good to see people throwing them around all the same.

How about some of these ideas for size?

rating systems for tutors and students
a flag for disruptive students
tutor evaluations by more experienced tutors
options for tutors to co-teach paid lessons
a mentor system for tutors

These things are mostly a features wish-list, but I wanted to make sure the conversation was squarely focussed on getting tutors and students to work together as a team to improve the quality of the eduFire experience.

Early on in both sessions I made sure people realised that they were a part of something special, and something that governments, school boards and education departments were scrambling to recreate. Edufireans need to believe that they are part of a revolution. Where students vote with their patronage of good tutors, and tutors and students work together to promote positive outcomes for all.

As is the case with many online communities authenticity is a big issue, with students wishing to make use of available information to evaluate tutors before they sign up for classes. How students do this, and methods that tutors use to establish credibility both on and off eduFire are seen as crucial.

The veracity of testimonials and class feedback were also brought into question, as some participants felt as though people are unlikely to make disparaging comments about tutors on a site where they spent a lot of time. I reassured (probably not the best word) everyone that I too have had to deal with negativity and disruptive students in the past.

Lauren A. made the point that no one on eduFire "has to" learn, that most people are there because they want to learn something. This has effect of creating overwhelmingly positive class environments. To answer a few of the questions about motivation for studying Japanese, we floated a few polls that J.A. had lovingly crafted in the weeks leading up to the discussion.

Polls

J.A. and I got together on gtalk later to make some sense of the polls, you'll see our "expert" analysis below each pie chart

I'm learning Japanese because...

Not surprisingly, few people who responded to this poll (20) are studying Japanese because they “have to”.

I’m learning Japanese because I…

1. have to (1 response)
2. want be more self-sufficient during my stay (8)
3. want to read manga (5)
4. want to have fun and/or keep my brain young (6)
5. am a japanophile (8)
6. have other reasons (7)

Brett: let's take a look at some of these charts shall we? http://rainbowhill.tumblr.com/post/153571902/im-learning-japanese-because J. A.: alrighty then going there...now! Brett: In this one, respondents could choose more than one option, and the top two reasons given were self sufficiency and love of all things Japanese J. A.: is that bit in the blog already? Brett: I don't think so, but it's worth saying anyway ;) J. A.: def. worth saying...was thinking that should be in the blog Brett: lols, don't worry, I'll edit the chat so it makes more sense... What I found interesting was that only one person out of 20 respondents said they had to learn Japanese. J. A.: so we had 20 people total for both town halls... J. A.: minus the ones who came to both, yes? Brett: There were more people, but sometimes they chose not to respond, as you'll see in other graphs Brett: that's right, I didn't count duplicates, I assumed their answer would be much the same. Brett: What I wondered was how eduFire differs from other school settings where people "have to" be there. I've taught in a few situations like that. J. A.: me, too...hence...i now only teach people who want to learn...haahha Brett: It really changes the dynamic of the classroom and effects how much work you can get done. J. A.: for me, it effects how much of a positive reciprocal energy exchange is occuring Brett: There is also something about the mild anonymity that a chat room gives you, especially when no one compels you to come forward and speak. J. A.: for me...as i am always doing my best to put out positive energy, i choose to be in situations where that positive energy is reciprocated Brett: Would you think it's fair to say that eduFire is a low pressure, supportive, nurturing environment? J. A.: i'd say that it depends on the host/instructor Brett: I guess that's true, I've never taken a lesson with an instructor I haven't "got to know" outside of the classroom, through forums or social networking etc. J. A.: and...as i do my best to honor people's privacy..."the buck stops here".. shall we go to the next entry??? or is that what ur typing about now?

The thing I need to practice most is...

When 18 participants were asked what language skill needed most practice, they overwhelmingly responded speaking. On this graph speaking dwarfs the neglected productive skill of writing. What kind of balance do learners needs between productive and receptive skills? What is perfect practice, and does it really make perfect?

Brett: So yes privacy is important . OK http://rainbowhill.tumblr.com/post/153580298/the-thing-i-need-to-practice-most-is This was no surprise to me, that people want to practice more speaking. Brett: But it is also in very stark contrast to the actual amount of speaking they do in class. Brett: Listening and speaking were massive here, and writing was much maligned, as a productive skill it's often over looked. One of the things I dig most about apps like nihongoup and iknow is that I get a chance to practice typing Japanese at speed. J. A.: i am one of those that keeps a high level of privacy...so if u want a tutor who tells...check out another tutor. lol. i used to say it was to maintain this peaceful real vs. surreal life of fame...and that's still a bonus. but the real reason is more altruistic vs. highly personal one. Brett: Maybe people come to eduFire because they want someone to talk to, and someone that will listen to them. Brett: And maintaining privacy is one important aspect of that. J. A.: maybe... i'm guessing we'll find out... maybe we'll do a poll on that one day Brett: hahaha J. A.: so, back to the charts,...

I'm planning to go to japan in...

One of these respondants is already in Japan! The 16 others see planning a trip there as a long term goal. I wonder how closely these goals are aligned with those of learning the language?

Brett: *bc http://rainbowhill.tumblr.com/post/153589002/im-planning-to-go-to-japan-in I don't know how it is with other subject matter, but I believe people serious about learning a language appreciate that it is a long term thing. Also that it normally involves some time exploring culture through travel or some other means. J. A.: u know...that spread(on the pie chart) looks pretty nice to me...the listening, reading, and writing are pretty even(-looking)...and they all seem to have contributed to better speaking skills based on my own experiences...as i think off the top of my head, i.e. that thought could change after some...(u see it coming ppl)...after some more thought or shall i say you, brett...and the imaginary people we'd like to read this conversation Brett: Hmm, it is good that the other parts of the pie haven't completely shrunk away J. A.: hahaha Brett: they are out there, eagerly awaiting our expert analysis :P J. A.: yes...analysis Brett: What this chart about when people plan to take a trip says to me is that learning the language isn't a last minute thing you do on the way to the airport J. A.: いきますよ。。。into 'expert by virtue of...my yet-to-be-shared live experiences'...mode Brett: Often it's tied into other goals as well that have to do with things other than just travel. These goals are always highly personal, and have meaning for them in ways that aren't always apparent. J. A.: that's good that we have learners not waiting till they arrive at the airport Brett: you reckon I should set up shop there to give them a few pointers before they leave? J. A.: yes! ur next business venture is awaiting u at the airport! Brett: I'm sure there are plenty, but that's the thing we never see them at eduFire. Maybe that'll change if and when everything goes mobile. J. A.: what's ur selling point going to be...? Brett: At the airport? Brett: I think it's important to recognise as a tutor that you need to adapt to the reasons that people want to learn, even though their motivation may not be immediately obvious. This can only be done through getting to know them over the long term. J. A.: i'd say long & short term... Brett: OK, what sort of short term goals? J. A.: meaning 'getting to know certain things right away' in coaching, they do what is called 'discovery sessions' Brett: Now this is interesting, tell me more. J. A.: in l_life_ coaching, that is so i adapted that technique to tutoring i call them 'exploration sessions' Brett: how do they work? J. A.: ...maybe because i like to explore...in various senses of the word, i.e. i'm adventurous so they work like this... the 'form'...it has questions like... actually, i share the subject headings vs. actual questions...it's easier & faster that way Brett: I've been reading about the work smart.fm are doing with Adaptive Path and it sounds like a similar concept J. A.: subject heading 1: Current and Desired Ability Levels Brett: At the moment smart.fm is organised around lists, and not around goals. Missions or goals are easier for people to form groups around. J. A.: yes, i did see that...i was very impressed and watching the video made me want get students and myself to sign up right away Brett: Take for example, ordering food in a restaurant vs. 25 basic expressions was there a video? J. A.: this is for u readers... ah, the video...is on the homepage near the bottom Brett: Perhaps, those smaller missions or functions like ordering a meal can be accomplished in one highly focussed session, which is supplemented by other material outside the classroom. I'll have to go have a look in a moment. J. A.: right...that's what the choice 'special topics' is about Brett: Oh, I see, I wondered how people might see that, and what special topics meant to them. J. A.: i.e. not just 'shooting the breeze' ;)

As a student I'm looking for...

No surprise, the people love free! The next best thing is superpass classes at next to nothing and of course, all of the above. I think we need to rephrase the question.

Brett: http://rainbowhill.tumblr.com/post/153602408/as-a-student-im-looking-for Yes, that was a joke (special topics) really that relates back to my eikaiwa days. J. A.: B-) cuz i'm "cool like dat"...intuitive like that is that so...interesting... Brett: Often you'd see new instructors come out of a room, beaming and saying what a great lesson they'd had and the students storming out to cancel lessons. All because the tutor spent most of their time talking. J. A.: mmm...again, interesting... Brett: There is a real art to encouraging people to talk to each other, and actively participate. It's conversation after all, no matter what language. Brett: So your exploration sessions are free? J. A.: Oh, not anymore...but i'm thinking to start offering a couple group exploration session on edufire whether they'll be free or not...i don't know yet Brett: Were you present for Ron's session on using "As seen on TV" techniques to market classes? J. A.: as i want to start promoting donation to charities through edufire classes...they maybe ala carte and/or superpass we'll see...i'm open to suggestions Brett: He had some really good ideas, I hope he releases the slides. J. A.: Nope... D: ooo...i hope he releases the slides, too... Brett: He was talking about understanding peoples problems and being able to provide them with a solution in a way that encourages them to act now to fix it. J. A.: did he really?,,,,that totally what i do! I'm doing something right! Brett: He some good numbers in the class, and he really addressed everyone's need, they all wanted numbers in there classes. So in a way he was demonstrating. Showing, not telling. What about this graph? J. A.: what you said...that he said...is what the exploration sessions are about & how my mind works Brett: http://rainbowhill.tumblr.com/post/153602408/as-a-student-im-looking-for J. A.: we are SO over time...this has been fun... Brett: this surprised me a little, in that there were no 1:1 or a la carte represented, although the option was there. Brett: Yes it has been good, I hope the people enjoy it! J. A.: oh...NO ONE chose a la carte and 1:1? Brett: no one J. A.: er? Brett: Maybe because we were in a free class? J. A.: meaning the tv sitcom Brett: Lauren also pointed out that people with superpass tend not to take 1:1 sessions and vice versa. J. A.: @ maybe cuz we were in a free class aaaah...really Brett: I'm not sure, we had a small sample size and they were all there in a free class, so that would have skewed things. J. A.: i have a 1:1 student who takes group classes...he actually requested it...albeit indirectly...or maybe he just meant the activity would be more fun with more people...i'll have to... ask Brett: Going back to the data J. A.: yes... so u wrote "i think we need to re-phrase the question"...any ideas already come to mind as to re-wording it? Brett: out of 6 respondants not one said they were after 1:1 or a la carte session Brett: I'd like to see questions with a scale of 1-5 to grade things like importance, or satisfaction etc. eg. how important is getting the maximum value for money? Brett: how important is getting 1:1 tuition. etc. J. A.: that's what i wanted to dooooo...but have yet to figure out a way to do it. Brett: One thing that has come out of this for me is that I need to ask my students these kinds of questions more often. I think you can do the poll where only one option is selectable. Brett: 1. not important at all -- 5. very important

As a tutor my main focus is...

Tutors love a good chin wag as much as the next person, and sometimes it’s a struggle to keep the tutor talk time down. Special topics, hmm… I wonder if this is just another way to say shooting the breeze? Perhaps we need to balance this this poll by asking students what they’d like tutors to focus on?

Brett: Oh yeah, this one shows tutors reporting on their own behaviour in class. Where it should be balanced with what students percieve about their tutors as well. http://rainbowhill.tumblr.com/post/153613385/as-a-tutor-my-main-focus-is J. A.: alright, last one... Brett: So the other question might be "what does your tutor focus on in class". broken down again from 1-5 J. A.: it's like a race, this is Brett: how much time does your tutor spend on grammar? 1. none - 5 the whole lesson J. A.: yes...that could be a good question for next time...shall we have a next time...do we want a next time? Brett: sure we should do a next time, mostly for ideas and the good vibe it generates. Even before the blog post comes out ;) J. A.: i do agree about a 'balancing graph' one that actually asks what the heck we tutors are doing in class Brett: there has to be some kind of accountability honest feedback is a really valuable thing, because it puts you on the straight and narrow. J. A.: i used to, and want to get back to writing down 'course of events' after my online classes...and go back to doing part of the lessons like i did my very first one's...little grammar point...then, putting into action in round-robin type mini-skits people seemed to have liked those Brett: I've had similar responses when I blog about the stuff that comes up in class, I think you have to be responsive to students. J. A.: they felt 'fullfulled'...like they had accomplished something...and since they each part was only 1 or 2 words...even the most shy decided to participate *fullfilled Brett: That's it, even if they only play a small part, it's something they "own" J. A.: exactly Brett: feedback validates the experience you almost always got to find a way to work that into the lesson/ J. A.: i openly and non-apologetically request that people who dislike something, or the whole method to send me a message w/ they're suggestion then see if i change it..._then_ leave feedback...because that's how i treat people in class and truly believe the class deserves a 2nd chance Brett: yes that's the only way you can stay responsive to their needs, you gotta listen J. A.: that would be interesting hahahahaha alright, mr. editor Brett: thanks for hanging out. J. A.: i'm looking forward to the product my sincere pleasure

Thank you

The Japanese Town Hall I and II were a great success and I would like to thank everyone that turned up, J.A. for co-hosting and contributions, and eduFire for providing a fantastic platform for getting together people who love learning.

Some of the ideas we discussed I'll certainly be incorporating into future class and workshops. I was particularly interested in the possibilities that arise when working with other tutors. If you are interested in co-teaching or other forms of collaborating please get in touch.

There were also plenty of ideas that came up in the session chats that haven't made it into this post. If you were there, and would like a copy of the chat transcripts, let me know through eduFire and I'll get a copy to you.

What ideas do you have for making it more fun to learn a language online?

Guest posting at Caught*Red-handed on the Origin of Hiragana

I'm honoured this morning to be guest posting on the history of written Japanese at Ryan Taylor's blog Caught*Red-handed. His series on Japanese Aesthetics has recently come to a close, and he is now looking for guest bloggers to bring some new perspectives for his readers.

Head over there now, get involved, and comment on my guest post!

Smart.fm introduces open lists

On Thursday smart.fm introduced open lists, a small feature with huge potential. This almost unnoticeable feature brings the power of crowd-sourcing to smart.fm. In the past list creators have had to rely on notes from list users in the comments to highlight alternative translations, points to improve upon or words to add. Now creators can open lists to everyone, so they can be modified, improved and expanded.


The feature appears alongside the visibility options on the the list edit page. Both options have been moved to the top of the page and now show who can see and edit the list.

The feature is easy enough to use but it does come with a downside that contributors have the same administration rights as you do in maintaining the list. For that reason you'll need to make sure that you only make content public that you are willing to have changed. Also, a warning that once you open your list, there is no turning back.

When you open a list, your avatar will appear in a contributors box, ranked by the number of contributions. Anybody seeing the list for the first time will see the same edit listbuilder and sort list icons.

A lot of the discussion that centres around lists, has to do with changes or alternative translations so it makes sense to open them up so changes can be made by everyone.

There are a few small interface issues that need to be worked out, including how you can see which of your own lists are open. Something else I'd like to see is a way of finding lists that are open so I can contribute to them.

It sounds as though there are lots of good things to come from the smart.fm team in their effort to make things more social. To get into the spirit of things I am opening up three of my most popular lists so you can contribute to them, go crazy!

Expressive Japanese Adverbs
Adverbs you can use to express yourself colourfully in Japanese. Originally for my students in Fast Track to Fluency in Japanese on eduFire, now it's yours to add your own flair!


Essential Japanese Groceries
Food and other things you might need to buy to survive a few weeks in Japan. Made originally for students of Japanese for Beginners on eduFire. If you want to expand on this list, feel free!


Useful Everyday Japanese Expressions
Habit forming phrases for everyday use. Originally intended for my class, Japanese for Absolute Beginners on eduFire. Now an open list so you can make it more useful than ever!


If you're using these lists already, I want to see your avatar in the contributors box, especially if you've commented about changes that need to be made. If you're not using smart.fm, get on it right away!

Weekly Links 28 June 2009

All moved into to new digs this week. A bit more of a commute to work, but more space and a small garden. Now I can start the worm farm I've always dreamed of.

• A Few Simple Ideas for New Language Learners
  An approach to language learning that needs further attention if you are self directed and motivated. These pages are 10 years old now, but still have a lot to offer. I'm glad I went looking for them again, I thought they'd been pulled.
  
  
• Standby Blog Topics in Japan
  If you've ever wanted to know what most people blog about in Japan, Ken from What Japan Thinks has translated some demographic data from goo Research. I don't feel so bad about talking about worms now.
  
  
• IF... The Adventures of a Gaijin in Tokyo
  This YouTube adaptation of manga by Tadashi Nomura of Tezuka Productions is featured in Giles Murray's 13 Secrets for Speaking Fluent Japanese.
  
  
• Michael Jackson on a Japanese Commercial
  Can't end the week without at least a small tribute to MJ. In this CM for a scooter Wacko Jacko shares his message of love.
  

Weekly Links 21 June 2009

This weeks links are a little out of left field. It has been a big week.

• Why Japanese are negative regarding love | 世論 What Japan Thinks
  It makes me a little sad to hear that Japanese people report they have no self confidence. Maybe it's because they're never taught what it means. There are benefits to this attitude that are less apparent when seen through the lens of a Western mindset.
  
  
• ‘1Q84′, the new bestseller by Haruki Murakami
  I'm really looking forward to getting a copy of this book. I'm currently reading ‘Kafka on the Shore′, about a boy who runs away from home but is haunted by dreams and the death of his father in peculiar circumstances.
  
  
• Learning a language is like having a pet
  A fun analogy to run with (or to pun with) from Thomas at babelhut. You can also follow Thomas and Peter on Twitter.
  
  
• Tadpoles falling on Miyagi: witness
  Is some strange coincidence that I just so happen to be reading a book where fish fall out of the sky? What does it all mean?
  

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Blue Sky Learning

When I was growing up I used to ask myself what I could learn if I had all the time in the world. If I was going to live for ever I would need something to do, and I knew that learning was something inexhaustible that didn't cost a lot of money. Those two factors were really important, because as a kid our family didn't have a lot of money, but growing up in Australia we had plenty of time.


[photo by the undergraduate]

I'd lie on my back in the sand and stare up into the deep blue sky above and go through a long list of things that I could possibly learn; judo, flying, Swahili, cake making, oil painting, motor car racing... The list went on and on and on, until the sand got too hot and I had to run down to the water and cool off.

Somewhere along the line most people lose this sense of wonder, and their sense of ownership, in learning. They tell themselves, "oh, I'll never be good at maths" or "I'm too slow for basketball", and they give up trying. Sometimes, even worse still, they let other people tell them what is possible. When that happens it's all too easy to blame your circumstances, the school you went to, the neighbourhood you grew up in or the chances you were given in life. So you do, and you just give up trying, because classes are too hard, the gym's too far from home, work finishes too late, and the teachers a jerk.

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That's why, when I joined eduFire as a tutor last year I knew I was part of something much bigger, part of the education revolution. Part of a team that is committed to the principles of #hackedu. So today I am proud to present you with a chance to be a part of this revolution in learning.

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Rainbowhill's Classes on eduFire

Rainbowhill's Japanese for Absolute Beginners $5/class (free with SuperPass)
Rainbowhill's Japanese Language Lab for Absolute Beginners $5/class (free with SuperPass)
Rainbowhill's Fast Track to Fluency in Japanese $5/class (free with SuperPass)
Rainbowhill's Fast Track to Japanese Fluency Lab $5/class (free with SuperPass)
Rainbowhill's Japanese for Beginners $5/class (free with SuperPass)
Rainbowhill's Japanese Language Lab for Beginners $5/class (free with SuperPass)


SuperPass only launched on Friday and already there are well over a hundred SuperPass classes, with more being created everyday.

You could have all these classes for $29

Japanese Classes

• Veteran Japanese Beginners Class – $5/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Nihongo Power Up Class: Quick Question Pattern – $10/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Gakuranman’s Japanese Masterclass 4 – $7/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Beginning Japanese Grammar: Lab – $5/class (free with SuperPass)
  
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• Everyday JLPT4 (有料) – $5/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Kanji, Kanji, Kanji!! – $5/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Japanese – Level 10 Kanji (Easiest) – $5/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Japanese – Level 9 Kanji – $5/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• One Step Closer to Speaking Fluent Japanese – $5/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Tofugu’s Japanese for Beginner’s 1 – $10/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Simplifying Japanese Particles – Tofugu x Gakuranman – $10/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Sound fluent in Japanese with Katakana – Tofugu x Gakuranman – $10/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• JLPT level 4 (有料) – $5/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• 日本語道場　Intermediate Japanese with Wren – $12/class (free with SuperPass)
  
• Japanese Literature - Haruki Murakami – $7/class (free with SuperPass)

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