learning japanese

[Ah_keong]

Ya lor, Very realistic, Bunka is only interested in current level of language ability, not what happened in the past, more like some sort of key performance indicator, my [ personal ] guess of the school's approach is like, no point learn so and so, and get so and so certs, but can the student in question really able to perform in real time [ not on paper, not writing, not reading ] speaking at the level that the cert is indicating ?

Like if e.g. someone had a diploma in some discipline 10 years ago [ ok make it 2 years instead ], and scored distinctions all the way, thing is, does this person still held that knowledge he had 10 years ago, and can still score the same results if the same exam were to appear before him [ ignoring changes in trends / changes in technology ] ?

That is probably why, even those who were not attending classes for more than 4mths have to retake the evaluation test again to be sure competency is still there. Which is something I like, at least when you attend a class, you have confidence in your classmates of their proficiency is at a minimum level, sensei has confidence & morale in teaching us that we can complete work, and interact at a given level, and no one is denied a proper lesson because someone else is slowing the class due to lack of ability.

After all, we paid hard earned money to attend...

hmm, i agreed with the 3rd paragraph though...
BUNKA is good!

 

[Ah_keong]

but for BJT classes, the students they are taking are limited and have to wait for dunno how long. >.<

yah loh, some of my friends also complaining...

 

[Ah_keong]

Remember the 1st time we chatted on the phone? LOL

wahahahaha..

that 1 consider interview? then i fail super terribly...

 

[barrin]

Not mostly in Japanese, more like half, but nothing a JLPT3 holder like you cannot handle.

That's why I say you start at a lower level [ best at least 2 levels lower ], so that you would not be distracted by the homework, class lessons, as you probably already know them. Then you only have to focus on the listening and speaking, give it a few months of lessons [ or longer ], your speaking & listening level, should be able to be on par with your reading and writing by then.

After that, you can consider going to PA1...

Prices for group classes are here
bunkalang.com/courses_details.shtml

$235.40 for 4hour block for individual lessons, you can allocate it in any way you like, 2hours each lesson once a week, once a week 1 hour, whatever, very flexible, so long the sensei has the available time slot to fit in [ open to discussion between you and sensei ].

Other prices are available at the Bunka counter itself [ printed and stuck onto the counter ].


P.S. Try the evaluation test for those to progress to Int2, see if you can score very high [ like 85+ % ], if you can do it, then you can try signing up for that level, if not, you should just attend from Int1 onwards to take it as a revision for yourself, since not enough time to prep for this year's level2 anyway, might as well take it easy and built your capabilities strongly for next year.

There's a oral [ speaking cum listening ] test at the end of every level, if that interest you...

azumangadaioh: Thank you for your advice.
I am reading the thread and am in similar situation. I am going to take jlpt3 this year and quite confident i can pass. Thinking of going to Bunka for Int3 since i already have jlpt4. You highlighted the fact that the capabilities of your classmates matters which i think is very true.

I am also considering option two which is to wait for jlpt3 results to come out and i go for PA1 straight. May i know if PA1 is taught in Japanese only? I will term myself as a very hardworking student and can catch on easily. What do you think?

 

[dimitri_can]

wahahahaha..

that 1 consider interview? then i fail super terribly...

I think u did well in your interview.

 

[azumangadaioh]

azumangadaioh: Thank you for your advice.
I am reading the thread and am in similar situation. I am going to take jlpt3 this year and quite confident i can pass. Thinking of going to Bunka for Int3 since i already have jlpt4. You highlighted the fact that the capabilities of your classmates matters which i think is very true.

I am also considering option two which is to wait for jlpt3 results to come out and i go for PA1 straight. May i know if PA1 is taught in Japanese only? I will term myself as a very hardworking student and can catch on easily. What do you think?

By the time you receive your jlpt3 results, it will be at least March already, 8mths away if you include this month. 8mths is enough for you to start Int1 today and finish int4 in time for you to start PA1 by the time [ or even before ] your jlpt results arrive.

Not only that, there is a waiting period [ sometimes 2 months for certain days of the week ] for available places for PA1, for people to drop out, or to get promoted, I don't think you want to *suck thumb* during that period after you get results.

PA1 will be mostly in Japanese, English is used only to clear up doubts, not much given notes, mostly conversation [ targetted speaking & listening practise ] , designed mainly to for those who finish the Int levels to bring up their oral & listening level to the same level as their reading & writing ability. Some non-bunka students that came from other schools who go to PA1 by using jlpt may get frustrated as a lot of grammar are taught at the Int levels [ and more at PA2 & PA3 ], and expect notes to be given out. Instead, we are more like expected to be able to write down our own notes, for those things that we don't yet know.

Most people may also not know that conjugation of verbs for ない form / ます form / dictionary form / conditional form / volitional form / て form are taught to Ele1 classes, those at Ele2 learn ません / ませんでした / かった / なかった [ and others ], using dictionary form as a basis, so we only have to learn 1 dictionary form, and derive [ yes, derive, like using a formula ] the rest ourselves. So the learning style may be a lot different from what you learnt previously.

Here are the options available:

EITHER:

1- Without using your jlpt4
Int1 = Aug + Sep
Int2 = Oct + Nov
Int3 = Dec + Jan
Int4 = Feb + Mar
Apr = start PA1 [ by then it doesn't matter if you pass jlpt3 or not / starting PA1 in April is already in the pocket ]
Pros: synchronize your learning so that your abilities are maintained until you start PA1
Cons: Spend a little more money

OR

2- Using your jlpt4
Int3 = Aug + Sep
Int4 = Oct + Nov
Dec = PA1
Pros: save more $ / go to PA1 faster
Cons: [ unfactored risks ]
a) even if you have jlpt4, it is still possible that you may get frustrated when either some lessons you need [ you may not even realize it ] may be at Int1 / Int2 levels, or notes you get not quite the same as when you previously studied [ you might think it's not enough ].
b) learning compatibility: or find that the classes go so fast you wished you started from lower level [ disappointment & waste money ]

OR

3- Without using jlpt4 [ take the evaluation test to see where you stand ]
Like I mentioned in earlier posts, best to get a comfortable 80-85+% for the test and join the next level [ and relax there ], than rather pass at 60% and struggle later on.

Pros: The [ free ] evaluation test is meant to pinpoint technical parts of grammar and may be different from test you taken previously. There are very little MCQ sections in the test [ at every level's test ], so have to rely on your ability without guessing. So you will have a actual and accurate understanding about where you stand [ remember to ask the sensei who marked your paper to explain to you what are the things you need to work on ].

Cons:
a) you may get a rude shock [ like my friend did and got a reality check ] when you get the results [ depending on what level you take the test ]
b) spend a little more money

OR

4- Attempt jlpt3 and see if you pass, and decide later on after you get results

Pros: you passed and that's good, and join PA1 later
Cons:
a) risk that you did not pass / only have jlpt4 by then / waste time joining classes [ next year ] when you could already have finished doing this year / loads of disappointment
b) you passed but got frustrated at the stuff being taught [ incompatibility in teaching style and student's learning style ] and had to drop out and start [ maybe from a lower level ? ] or join another school [ spend even more money ] and wished you decided on Option1 in the beginning...


Laid out everything for you to see, hope my scenario planning [ spent 1hour+ on this ] for you is detailed [ and complete / did I miss out anything ?]


P.S. Request to take the Oral test [ for the same level as the written test you will be taking and scored ] and see where you stand [ reception staff will say you don't have to, but insist that you want to gauge yourself ].

 

[barrin]

By the time you receive your jlpt3 results, it will be at least March already, 8mths away if you include this month. 8mths is enough for you to start Int1 today and finish int4 in time for you to start PA1 by the time [ or even before ] your jlpt results arrive.

Not only that, there is a waiting period [ sometimes 2 months for certain days of the week ] for available places for PA1, for people to drop out, or to get promoted, I don't think you want to *suck thumb* during that period after you get results.

PA1 will be mostly in Japanese, English is used only to clear up doubts, not much given notes, mostly conversation [ targetted speaking & listening practise ] , designed mainly to for those who finish the Int levels to bring up their oral & listening level to the same level as their reading & writing ability. Some non-bunka students that came from other schools who go to PA1 by using jlpt may get frustrated as a lot of grammar are taught at the Int levels [ and more at PA2 & PA3 ], and expect notes to be given out. Instead, we are more like expected to be able to write down our own notes, for those things that we don't yet know.

Most people may also not know that conjugation of verbs for ない form / ます form / dictionary form / conditional form / volitional form / て form are taught to Ele1 classes, those at Ele2 learn ません / ませんでした / かった / なかった [ and others ], using dictionary form as a basis, so we only have to learn 1 dictionary form, and derive [ yes, derive, like using a formula ] the rest ourselves. So the learning style may be a lot different from what you learnt previously.

Here are the options available:

EITHER:

1- Without using your jlpt4
Int1 = Aug + Sep
Int2 = Oct + Nov
Int3 = Dec + Jan
Int4 = Feb + Mar
Apr = start PA1 [ by then it doesn't matter if you pass jlpt3 or not / starting PA1 in April is already in the pocket ]
Pros: synchronize your learning so that your abilities are maintained until you start PA1
Cons: Spend a little more money

OR

2- Using your jlpt4
Int3 = Aug + Sep
Int4 = Oct + Nov
Dec = PA1
Pros: save more $ / go to PA1 faster
Cons: [ unfactored risks ]
a) even if you have jlpt4, it is still possible that you may get frustrated when either some lessons you need [ you may not even realize it ] may be at Int1 / Int2 levels, or notes you get not quite the same as when you previously studied [ you might think it's not enough ].
b) learning compatibility: or find that the classes go so fast you wished you started from lower level [ disappointment & waste money ]

OR

3- Without using jlpt4 [ take the evaluation test to see where you stand ]
Like I mentioned in earlier posts, best to get a comfortable 80-85+% for the test and join the next level [ and relax there ], than rather pass at 60% and struggle later on.

Pros: The [ free ] evaluation test is meant to pinpoint technical parts of grammar and may be different from test you taken previously. There are very little MCQ sections in the test [ at every level's test ], so have to rely on your ability without guessing. So you will have a actual and accurate understanding about where you stand [ remember to ask the sensei who marked your paper to explain to you what are the things you need to work on ].

Cons:
a) you may get a rude shock [ like my friend did and got a reality check ] when you get the results [ depending on what level you take the test ]
b) spend a little more money

OR

4- Attempt jlpt3 and see if you pass, and decide later on after you get results

Pros: you passed and that's good, and join PA1 later
Cons:
a) risk that you did not pass / only have jlpt4 by then / waste time joining classes [ next year ] when you could already have finished doing this year / loads of disappointment
b) you passed but got frustrated at the stuff being taught [ incompatibility in teaching style and student's learning style ] and had to drop out and start [ maybe from a lower level ? ] or join another school [ spend even more money ] and wished you decided on Option1 in the beginning...


Laid out everything for you to see, hope my scenario planning [ spent 1hour+ on this ] for you is detailed [ and complete / did I miss out anything ?]


P.S. Request to take the Oral test [ for the same level as the written test you will be taking and scored ] and see where you stand [ reception staff will say you don't have to, but insist that you want to gauge yourself ].

Fuah! superb explanation and analysis. Thank you very much. Really, thank you for taking time to help out a stranger like that. Thanks.

 

[Ah_keong]

By the time you receive your jlpt3 results, it will be at least March already, 8mths away if you include this month. 8mths is enough for you to start Int1 today and finish int4 in time for you to start PA1 by the time [ or even before ] your jlpt results arrive.

Not only that, there is a waiting period [ sometimes 2 months for certain days of the week ] for available places for PA1, for people to drop out, or to get promoted, I don't think you want to *suck thumb* during that period after you get results.

PA1 will be mostly in Japanese, English is used only to clear up doubts, not much given notes, mostly conversation [ targetted speaking & listening practise ] , designed mainly to for those who finish the Int levels to bring up their oral & listening level to the same level as their reading & writing ability. Some non-bunka students that came from other schools who go to PA1 by using jlpt may get frustrated as a lot of grammar are taught at the Int levels [ and more at PA2 & PA3 ], and expect notes to be given out. Instead, we are more like expected to be able to write down our own notes, for those things that we don't yet know.

Most people may also not know that conjugation of verbs for ない form / ます form / dictionary form / conditional form / volitional form / て form are taught to Ele1 classes, those at Ele2 learn ません / ませんでした / かった / なかった [ and others ], using dictionary form as a basis, so we only have to learn 1 dictionary form, and derive [ yes, derive, like using a formula ] the rest ourselves. So the learning style may be a lot different from what you learnt previously.

Here are the options available:

EITHER:

1- Without using your jlpt4
Int1 = Aug + Sep
Int2 = Oct + Nov
Int3 = Dec + Jan
Int4 = Feb + Mar
Apr = start PA1 [ by then it doesn't matter if you pass jlpt3 or not / starting PA1 in April is already in the pocket ]
Pros: synchronize your learning so that your abilities are maintained until you start PA1
Cons: Spend a little more money

OR

2- Using your jlpt4
Int3 = Aug + Sep
Int4 = Oct + Nov
Dec = PA1
Pros: save more $ / go to PA1 faster
Cons: [ unfactored risks ]
a) even if you have jlpt4, it is still possible that you may get frustrated when either some lessons you need [ you may not even realize it ] may be at Int1 / Int2 levels, or notes you get not quite the same as when you previously studied [ you might think it's not enough ].
b) learning compatibility: or find that the classes go so fast you wished you started from lower level [ disappointment & waste money ]

OR

3- Without using jlpt4 [ take the evaluation test to see where you stand ]
Like I mentioned in earlier posts, best to get a comfortable 80-85+% for the test and join the next level [ and relax there ], than rather pass at 60% and struggle later on.

Pros: The [ free ] evaluation test is meant to pinpoint technical parts of grammar and may be different from test you taken previously. There are very little MCQ sections in the test [ at every level's test ], so have to rely on your ability without guessing. So you will have a actual and accurate understanding about where you stand [ remember to ask the sensei who marked your paper to explain to you what are the things you need to work on ].

Cons:
a) you may get a rude shock [ like my friend did and got a reality check ] when you get the results [ depending on what level you take the test ]
b) spend a little more money

OR

4- Attempt jlpt3 and see if you pass, and decide later on after you get results

Pros: you passed and that's good, and join PA1 later
Cons:
a) risk that you did not pass / only have jlpt4 by then / waste time joining classes [ next year ] when you could already have finished doing this year / loads of disappointment
b) you passed but got frustrated at the stuff being taught [ incompatibility in teaching style and student's learning style ] and had to drop out and start [ maybe from a lower level ? ] or join another school [ spend even more money ] and wished you decided on Option1 in the beginning...


Laid out everything for you to see, hope my scenario planning [ spent 1hour+ on this ] for you is detailed [ and complete / did I miss out anything ?]


P.S. Request to take the Oral test [ for the same level as the written test you will be taking and scored ] and see where you stand [ reception staff will say you don't have to, but insist that you want to gauge yourself ].

solid explanation... power!!

 

[Ah_keong]

I think u did well in your interview.

no lah, my penpal consider my japanese sucky...
maybe i have to chat with senseis more and treat them eat tao huay...

 

[yourbighead]

By the time you receive your jlpt3 results, it will be at least March already, 8mths away if you include this month. 8mths is enough for you to start Int1 today and finish int4 in time for you to start PA1 by the time [ or even before ] your jlpt results arrive.

Not only that, there is a waiting period [ sometimes 2 months for certain days of the week ] for available places for PA1, for people to drop out, or to get promoted, I don't think you want to *suck thumb* during that period after you get results.

PA1 will be mostly in Japanese, English is used only to clear up doubts, not much given notes, mostly conversation [ targetted speaking & listening practise ] , designed mainly to for those who finish the Int levels to bring up their oral & listening level to the same level as their reading & writing ability. Some non-bunka students that came from other schools who go to PA1 by using jlpt may get frustrated as a lot of grammar are taught at the Int levels [ and more at PA2 & PA3 ], and expect notes to be given out. Instead, we are more like expected to be able to write down our own notes, for those things that we don't yet know.

Most people may also not know that conjugation of verbs for ない form / ます form / dictionary form / conditional form / volitional form / て form are taught to Ele1 classes, those at Ele2 learn ません / ませんでした / かった / なかった [ and others ], using dictionary form as a basis, so we only have to learn 1 dictionary form, and derive [ yes, derive, like using a formula ] the rest ourselves. So the learning style may be a lot different from what you learnt previously.

Here are the options available:

EITHER:

1- Without using your jlpt4
Int1 = Aug + Sep
Int2 = Oct + Nov
Int3 = Dec + Jan
Int4 = Feb + Mar
Apr = start PA1 [ by then it doesn't matter if you pass jlpt3 or not / starting PA1 in April is already in the pocket ]
Pros: synchronize your learning so that your abilities are maintained until you start PA1
Cons: Spend a little more money

OR

2- Using your jlpt4
Int3 = Aug + Sep
Int4 = Oct + Nov
Dec = PA1
Pros: save more $ / go to PA1 faster
Cons: [ unfactored risks ]
a) even if you have jlpt4, it is still possible that you may get frustrated when either some lessons you need [ you may not even realize it ] may be at Int1 / Int2 levels, or notes you get not quite the same as when you previously studied [ you might think it's not enough ].
b) learning compatibility: or find that the classes go so fast you wished you started from lower level [ disappointment & waste money ]

OR

3- Without using jlpt4 [ take the evaluation test to see where you stand ]
Like I mentioned in earlier posts, best to get a comfortable 80-85+% for the test and join the next level [ and relax there ], than rather pass at 60% and struggle later on.

Pros: The [ free ] evaluation test is meant to pinpoint technical parts of grammar and may be different from test you taken previously. There are very little MCQ sections in the test [ at every level's test ], so have to rely on your ability without guessing. So you will have a actual and accurate understanding about where you stand [ remember to ask the sensei who marked your paper to explain to you what are the things you need to work on ].

Cons:
a) you may get a rude shock [ like my friend did and got a reality check ] when you get the results [ depending on what level you take the test ]
b) spend a little more money

OR

4- Attempt jlpt3 and see if you pass, and decide later on after you get results

Pros: you passed and that's good, and join PA1 later
Cons:
a) risk that you did not pass / only have jlpt4 by then / waste time joining classes [ next year ] when you could already have finished doing this year / loads of disappointment
b) you passed but got frustrated at the stuff being taught [ incompatibility in teaching style and student's learning style ] and had to drop out and start [ maybe from a lower level ? ] or join another school [ spend even more money ] and wished you decided on Option1 in the beginning...


Laid out everything for you to see, hope my scenario planning [ spent 1hour+ on this ] for you is detailed [ and complete / did I miss out anything ?]


P.S. Request to take the Oral test [ for the same level as the written test you will be taking and scored ] and see where you stand [ reception staff will say you don't have to, but insist that you want to gauge yourself ].

In the end, I chose PA1.
And I felt a tinge of regret after readin this reply of yours. hahahs.
After readin "mostly conduct in Japanese"? I was like oh god, hope I wont regret my choice.

I really took alot of time makin a decision today at the counter, the staffs told me PA1 will be mostly on conversation, so I thought hmmm, it will be a good chance for me to train up?

The other reason that made me chose PA 1 was due to the school fees, 200plus for 2 months at int level, whereas PA1 is just another $10 more and the course lasts for 4 months. I thought it will be a better offer for a poor student like me, where everything is paid on my own. =(

I didn't thought of takin any classes at the start, wanna study JLPT 2 on my own like how I did on 3. Which I think I can actually do it since everything is written based. I have quite a number of friends who studied on their own.
And I also thought to myself that under a more stressful class, I will be more motivated and hardworkin to learn.

I really hope I didnt make the wrong choice man. hahas.

 

[barrin]

In the end, I chose PA1.
And I felt a tinge of regret after readin this reply of yours. hahahs.
After readin "mostly conduct in Japanese"? I was like oh god, hope I wont regret my choice.

I really took alot of time makin a decision today at the counter, the staffs told me PA1 will be mostly on conversation, so I thought hmmm, it will be a good chance for me to train up?

The other reason that made me chose PA 1 was due to the school fees, 200plus for 2 months at int level, whereas PA1 is just another $10 more and the course lasts for 4 months. I thought it will be a better offer for a poor student like me, where everything is paid on my own. =(

I didn't thought of takin any classes at the start, wanna study JLPT 2 on my own like how I did on 3. Which I think I can actually do it since everything is written based. I have quite a number of friends who studied on their own.
And I also thought to myself that under a more stressful class, I will be more motivated and hardworkin to learn.

I really hope I dont make the wrong choice man. hahas.

Hey keep me informed about your situation ok Hope you can cope well.

 

[dimitri_can]

no lah, my penpal consider my japanese sucky...
maybe i have to chat with senseis more and treat them eat tao huay...

lol.
Then
i have to treat my teacher to lobster le, lol

 

[dimitri_can]

by d way, i'll be studying for jlpt in town starting this coming sat from sat 3pm-7pm. Anyone free to join, please contact me, i can bring along my library of japanese books for anyone who wishes to take a look.

Below are some of my new collection.



My old collection:

 

[kjaskk]

Wow.

I passed my JLPT3 in 1985.
I think it is right decision to retake JLPT3 exam this year.

I still can remember the grammer but my listerning and speaking are bad.


Really need to brush up my studies.

 

[yourbighead]

Hey keep me informed about your situation ok Hope you can cope well.

hahas. I will keep you informed. Thanks for the wishing!
But you have got to wait till end of next month, provided I get a seat, as Im still on the waiting list.

 

[dimitri_can]

hahas. I will keep you informed. Thanks for the wishing!
But you have got to wait till end of next month, provided I get a seat, as Im still on the waiting list.

Good luck from me too.

Regardless of what school you study, most importantly is you yourself are able to grasp the knowledge and apply it, don't you think so?

 

[babygwing]

yup...

thanks for the wishes! but i haven been studying...

You're welcome. Well, if Ah_keong-san has been paying attention in class, it should all turn out fine bah. I may be wrong though since I've never taken Intermediate class before. =x

 

[babygwing]

i see, i thought u taking JLPT 1 this year...

come join me!, i taking JLPT 3 this year... registering 2mr!

Nope, no JLPT 1 for someone like me. Lolx...

Ah_keong-san plannning to be among the first people to register for JLPT huh? ^^ I think I'll try JLPT 4 this year bah...

 

[babygwing]

yah, come join me if u want!

i am studying in JCS B class, babygwing is C or CA class?

Lol... I dun think I can start studying for JLPT so early though. Got to study for an exam in mid-October first. Thanks for the invitation though! ^^

Murr... I'm only in A class at the moment. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Eep... *waves white flag* ._.''

 

[ahmahippo]

gd luck to those taking JLPT this yr...