Eng 
日本語 
In today’s climate – we know it can be hard to find the best option to learn Japanese online. Different people have different learning styles, and what works best for one person may not be the best way to study for someone else.
For example, online group Japanese lessons may be a better fit for someone who is a more social or competitive learner. On the other hand, if you have specific learning goals – private online Japanese lessons might be more up your alley.
In this blog article, we will go through different variables you may want to consider when trying to find the best option to learn Japanese online. We also briefly talk about Coto Academy’s online Japanese lessons as an option.
Contents:
Online Group Japanese Classes
Group and Social Motivation
A more social learning environment comes with social motivation. If you are the type of person who is motivated by other people – or even slightly competitive, then group lessons can be a great way to propel your Japanese learning forward quicker.
For language learning especially, a group setting can be crucial in finding motivation – and encouraging one another to improve. This positive environment can really help you learn Japanese at a more efficient level. You will also build up confidence by interacting with more people, which also helps language growth.
If you find a group setting more motivating – group online Japanese lessons are a great option for you. You can learn alongside your friends and cohorts and motivate each other to do better.
Interact With Multiple Learning Styles
In a group setting, you will pick up new learning styles and methods from your classmates. As iron sharpens iron, your fellow Japanese classmates’ different ideas will help sharpen your Japanese study!
Everyone has different habits and tricks for memorizing vocabulary and absorbing language. By learning together in a group environment, you will pick up these methods from your classmates. And you may end up helping them too!
Cost Effective
Are you concerned about cost effective online Japanese lessons? Group lessons are often more affordable than their private, one-on-one counterparts. As group lessons are the more affordable option, if price is a priority, group Japanese classes may be better for you.
Some Other Things to Consider:
Difference in learning. You may not be on the same page with your Japanese learning goals as other students in your class. If this is the case, you may want to consider switching to private lessons or finding a class with common interests. For example, at Coto Academy, we offer online classes for specific goals such as grammar, JLPT study, or speaking practice.
Missing content. If you have a busy schedule and have to cancel a Japanese class, you will have to catch up on the content on your own. This is one advantage that private online Japanese lessons have over group classes.
Online Private Japanese Lessons
Personalized Goals and Learning Speed
Are you struggling to improve your Japanese in the areas you want? As mentioned above, it can be tricky sometimes in a group setting if everyone has vastly different goals. This does not mean all group Japanese classes, but if you have very specific goals for learning Japanese, consider switching to one-on-one private Japanese lessons.
Additionally, online group Japanese lessons may move too quickly or too slowly. The pacing of the lessons may not be a good match for your learning speed. If this is the case for you, consider private online lessons over group classes.
In private online Japanese lessons, you have full control over both the content, and how quickly you move through it. This can be more efficient since some concepts may come naturally to you, while others might take more time. This is a key strength of online private Japanese lessons.
Fewer Distractions
Are you more productive learning in an environment with less distractions? If this is the case, consider private online Japanese lessons over group classes. Sometimes when there are more than just a few people, it’s possible to zone out while your mind wanders.
It’s also easy to get excited talking with your classmates. There are many benefits to learning with friends. But if you are easily distracted by conversation, it may be best to prioritize finding online one-on-one Japanese lessons.
Better with Busy Schedules
Are you struggling with inconviently timed online Japanese lessons? If your schedule is too busy to match with everyone elses, consider switching to online private Japanese lessons.
With private, one-on-one online Japanese lessons, you have scheduling flexibility. This is especially helpful if you work a job with unpredictable hours.
Online private Japanese lessons can be better for people with busy schedules. Schedule and availability is an important factor to consider when deciding what online Japanese lessons to take.
Some Other Things to Consider:
Some potential problems with private 1 on 1 lessons:
Higher cost. If you are concerned you are over-paying for private online Japanese lessons, perhaps you may need to look into a more affordable option.
The teacher and you may not match. In this case, it can be helpful to make sure that you are at a school that allows you to change teachers. At Coto Japanese Academy, we allow students to request new (or old!) Japanese teachers to best match their learning needs.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Online Japanese Lessons
Clearly Communicate Your Japanese Learning Goals
Your online Japanese teacher’s number one priority – whether group lessons or private lessons – is getting you the education you deserve. However, these goals need to be communicated clearly in order for them to help you the most.
Make it clear early on what your Japanese learning goals are. This way, your Japanese teacher knows right away how to help you learn and where to help you improve.
If your Japanese teacher is not responding to your requests, it might be a good idea to request a different teacher – or in extreme cases, change your online Japanese school. At Coto Japanese Academy, we offer our students the option to change teachers if they are not a good fit for the student.
Create a Clean Study Space at Home and Keep it Organized
Your learning may be affected by how clean your study space is, which is why we recommend setting up a designated study space and keeping it organized. This solves a few problems.
For one, it helps you focus. Environment is key for learning and productivity. If you build that environment in your home, you can get the most out of your online Japanese learning experience.
By just taking the time to set up a learning space for your classes, you are giving yourself a leg up to learn more efficiently.
Further, by keeping your space organized, you distance yourself from distractions. This brings us to the next tip.
Eliminate Distractions
This seems like an obvious move, but it can be very easy to let things slip by and lose focus.
By making a conscious effort to get rid of distractions before your lesson, staying focused on your online Japanese classes becomes much easier. This in-turn helps you absorb more information – and make the most of your Japanese learning.
Actively Participate in Your Classes
This is important! If you are taking one-on-one Japanese classes, it may be a bit easier. However it can still be easy to zone out even in private online lessons. That’s why it’s important to make sure you actively join in to your online Japanese class sessions.
This goes hand-in-hand with the tips listed above – by doing all of those things it will help make active participation easier! With a clean study space, you will have no problem actively participating in your online Japanese classes.
Looking to Start Online Japanese Lessons?
Coto Japanese Academy offers both group online Japaneses lessons and private online Japanese lessons. Contact us today to get a free level check and consultation interview!
