Language Study
There is no one way to study language that is good for every one; every person has a different learning style and strategy. Try out various ways and find the best method and system for you as soon as possible. The following are some suggestions.
- Good preparation and review are very important. Always read the explanation of the textbook and the Lecture Notes in order to be familiar with the dialogues, important grammatical items, and new vocabulary before going to the class or LAB.
- Try to use what is learned in the class and elsewhere in your own way. Repeating the utterances presented in the textbook alone is not sufficient. Think of situations where you can say what you want to say and how the other party may respond to you.
- In recitation and drills always be aware of what you are
saying with what purpose. Automatic recitation in LAB
without knowing what you are saying is good only for
pronunciation practice. Please try to put your feelings into
what you are expressing - empathy.
- Please learn vocabulary, phrases, structures and characters
in synergistic ways,
so that you can make a quantum leap (1+1=5, 6, ...) in
language learning.
- Do not try to review everything at once. You will not have time to go back to review all the lessons covered. A steady accumulation of the knowledge and use of the language is the only way to proceed in language study. You cannot cram everything overnight for the test either.
- Make use of weekends for review. When you review, focus on the items difficult to understand, and make sure you understand all the important items involved in the lesson every week. It is helpful to change your review method to avoid boredom.
- Study with your friends in your class and if you should miss a class, make sure you get all the information from them. Oral performance will benefit greatly from practicing with your friends or other Japanese students on campus.
- Viewing Japanese TV programs and video tapes is helpful for listening comprehension and understanding of sociocultural aspects of Japan.
- You can take advantage of TEL (technology enhanced learning). Please become familiarized with the use of computers, software, E-mail, Chat, video-conferencing, web research and presentations, on-line tests, etc.
