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Standard Format Class Size
The standard format has a maximum class size of 15. This is 5 students less than the recommended maximum size required for classes with student visas - who study in classes/programs that are regulated by the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education (APJLE - more information in the Accreditation section of the center homepage). The average class size is usually around 12 during the peak periods such as summer, falling to around 8 at other times of the year.
The reason why Yamasa's maximum class size is 15 instead of the 20 recommended by the APJLE is because instead of rote-learning Kanji and grammar, we concentrate on the acquisition of communicative skills - being able to converse, comprehend, question and suggest. These skills cannot be learned passively. They require interaction between faculty and students. It is for this reason that we restrict the class size to a maximum of 15 (we break the class into 2 classes if there are 16 students or more at the same level). It is also why we insist that the desks in each classroom be arranged in a U shape - so that you can talk to other students. By contrast most classrooms in Japan have students sitting in rows.
| Notes regarding Class sizes: I visited more than 30 universities and institutes looking for a program before I found Yamasa. At that time Yamasa's maximum class size was also 20. Class sizes are often held up to be an indicator of quality, but you need to read the fine print. Many commercial schools or underfunded universities only maintain their maximum class size when all of the students in that class have student visas - and as a short course student you won't have the protection of APJLE regulations. At many schools and especially during the summer, class sizes regularly exceed 30. This is particularly the case with the commercial language schools in Tokyo/Osaka, who rarely own their buildings and need to pay high rents for their premises. All students should also know that the APJLE has a regulation stating the minimum square meterage required per student - a good school will ensure that all students (regardless of visa status) receive that amount of space, or more. You will also find that in some cases where the maximum size for classes is quoted as less than 20 (for example 18 or even 14), it is often because the classrooms are actually partitioned office space and are not large enough to fit 20 students in with the APJLE regulations. If you decide to study in Tokyo or Osaka, then it is usually worth physically visiting the school or asking a friend or relative to audit the school for you just to be safe. Declan Murphy, Director, International Office. |
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Questions regarding this file...
If any of the information in this file is unclear, or if you need more detailed information, please click here and read the study/applications section of the FAQ before contacting us. Best regards, Declan Murphy.
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