Tutoring hours are both scheduled for the semester and open (first come, first served). You will have scheduled private tutoring sessions at least once a week, and more will be offered during the semester as needed.
We are currently using Zoom, and some tutors prefer Skype for the live sessions. If students want group sessions, we will try to arrange those too.
Since we give private tutoring sessions, our students find that the Nihongo Web course is very convenient. We do it this way to accommodate students all over the world in various time zones. By offering tutoring slots both morning and evening, students can almost always find a time that works for their busy work or school schedule. You will usually have the same assigned tutor for the semester, but you also may talk with others during the open time slots, or if you need to change your tutoring time, or a tutor needs a substitute due to illness etc. We try not to reschedule too often since the tutoring schedule is tight. You should be able to find at least one time and day a week you can consistently attend.
How We Evaluate Your Speaking and Listening Skills
The same tutor you practice with during the semester will also evaluate your speaking and listening ability through chapter Oral Quizzes. These are an important part of the course, and are figured into your final grade. You do not need to have a proctor present during these quizzes as long as we can see you through your web camera. Here are some of the topics you will be able to discuss in Japanese once you successfully finish each semester:
- Japanese 101 students will be able to greet and introduce, give some personal information, talk about schedules and activities, ask for and give directions, describe people and places, give locations, and make requests and invitations
- Japanese 102 students will be able to discuss likes and dislikes, hobbies, express wants and desires, talk about food, shopping and prices, family, weather, holidays and events
- Japanese 201 students will be able to discuss health and visiting a doctor/pharmacy, making travel plans, preparing for the future, asking for favors, and getting around in the city
- Japanese 202 students will be able to discuss giving/receiving gifts, cooking and recipes, responding to rumors, Japanese culture and customs, and making complaints and apologies