Our Teaching Philosophy
At Akita Inaka School, our program is designed with one clear objective: helping students develop real-world Japanese communication skills.
Our classes focus primarily on practical speaking and everyday conversation. For this reason, we do not follow traditional textbooks, nor are our courses designed as preparation for the JLPT. While JLPT study has its place, our priority is building the confidence and ability to communicate naturally in real-life situations.
Class sizes average around five students, though this may vary depending on overall enrollment and speaking proficiency levels.
Students are placed into one of three class levels based on their spoken communication ability rather than standardized test scores. Speaking proficiency and JLPT performance often differ significantly, and it is not uncommon for students with advanced JLPT scores to still be at a beginner level in conversation.
To ensure the most effective learning experience, students are free to move between levels and join the class environment where they feel most comfortable and challenged.
Rather than following a fixed curriculum, each class is shaped around the students’ speaking ability, learning pace, and personal goals. Since every student absorbs language differently and encounters unique challenges, our teachers adapt lessons accordingly. This flexible approach allows for more meaningful and practical progress than traditional book-based instruction.
Progress in our program depends greatly on each student’s effort and willingness to engage with the local community.
Students who actively participate in conversations with local residents, apply what they learn outside the classroom, and fully embrace daily interaction opportunities often make remarkable progress within just two to three weeks—sometimes achieving more practical improvement than they would in six to twelve months at a conventional language school.
On the other hand, simply attending classes without active participation outside the classroom is unlikely to lead to significant improvement.
Our classes are designed to equip students with the skills, confidence, and preparation needed for real-life communication. What students do with those opportunities beyond the classroom ultimately determines the outcome of their experience.
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Note: This applies to only the regular seasonal courses, and private/family courses/school groups are fully customisable for teaching & activities.