Training - Blog Posts
training time !
quick animation analysis and turn studies from movies and videogames
https://www.youtube.com/embed/N1WntgFPhxU?feature=oembed
(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1WntgFPhxU)
🇺🇸 Mr. Name was not too pleased with how I started off my most recent sketchbook. 🇧🇷 O Sr. Nome não se agradou muito com o início do meu novo sketchbook. #MrName #SrNome #sketchbook #sketch #personagemoriginal #originalcharacter #OC #training #drawingtraining #meta #realisticdrawingquestionmark https://www.instagram.com/p/B6dp2FbJe0g/?igshid=1wt77enrtfmqj
Spontaniously flexing in the sunset
I knew that THE LIGHTS of the city were TOO HEAVY for me.
via Gridllr.com — browse Likes to your heart's content!
Pedro working hard at the gym
#selfie #with #friends #after #training #memories #fitness #freerunning #parkour #skipping #skippingrope #parkouregypt #pke #instasport #instafun #instahappy #photooftheday #webstagram #likeforlike #followforfollow #followback #instahabal #instalike #instaartoftheday 😁💪
#goodbye #webster #forget #forgotten #lost #training #jumping #rope #jumprope #skipping #skippingrope #crossfit #cross #sports #sport #fit #freerunning #fitness #fitnessfreak #freestyle #follow #workout #instajump #instasport #instashot #instahappy #intersport #energetics #instafun #muscles #green #fit 😔😢😥😪
#Humanflag #training #freerunning #fitness #workout #fit #abs #muscles #strong #fitnessfreak #fitnessmodel #gym #motivation #fitbody #diet #follow #bodybuilding #monster #beastmode #photooftheday #fitbody #power #crossfit #health #redbull #instasport #instashot #instahappy
#jumping#with #young #kid #jumprope #instajump #instasport #instahappy #intersport #webstagram #workout #instafun #training #talent #green #fit #freerunning #fitness #fitnessfreak #freestyle #follow #muscles #motivation #instashot #nocrop
Happy 2025
Hi, everyone! It's already a month and a half into 2025 and I am just updating now! 2024 was such a busy year and that spilled over into this year as well, but that is just an excuse. Like with studying a language or skill, it is important to stay focused and dedicated to what is important.
We are still in business and we are working to help LGC's clients with growing their language skills or addressing needs in establishing business links into Japan.
I have never talked about where we are based or what areas we serve. As far as face-to-face lessons go, we are based in Hamamatsu in Shizuoka so are able to service businesses in the outlying area. Naturally, online is always an option anyway.
We are always at the ready to work with you, so never be shy to contact us and let us know what you need!
What is a realistic target?
TOEIC. Japanese companies continue to use it as a measuring stick for English progress. I previously posted about the problems with TOEIC and how it falls short as a true measuring stick for English growth but without it, how does a company measure their staff's growth? If you have any ideas please feel free to put in the comments below!
What this means is that we will often be asked to support a company lesson that uses TOEIC to measure the training program's effectiveness in communication training. Though I will tell them that TOEIC is not an effective measuring stick, I still have to strategize around this hurdle. You see, a communication-based lesson focuses on different (and arguably more practical) skills than a TOEIC lesson. TOEIC is about building vocabulary through a strong reliance on listening or reading. We teach little traps students need to be aware of, or ways to improve the efficiency with which you complete the test (most students are unable to complete the entire test).
The sticky point is that a company will set a target or a bar for the students to achieve. I've seen a 70 point increase target, which I felt was reasonable in a year, but the next year I have seen that grow to 100 points. Sometimes setting the bar too high is de-motivating, in contrast if a student feels their target is more attainable, they might make a stronger effort. In my recent experience working in a company, I saw a 40-70 point growth as a positive result and rarely saw students see a 100 point increase. I have always tried to make English enjoyable and in some ways, self motivating, so I know that we can set a stricter training regimen, but I think the truly realistic bar is 70. If a company sets a 100 point jump over a year, they need to be open minded and possibly set up a secondary interview-based test to measure areas like response time, accuracy, comprehension, the ability to ask for repetition or the students' ability to make long answers.
This is my take on the situation, if anyone reads this and has another opinion, please let me know!
Time to bring humanity back to the classroom
COVID 19 has had a profound effect. It really goes without saying. But I am not talking about the heart-shattering loss of life or the cabin fever inducing 3 years we spent locked in our homes. I am talking about the way business is conducted and how foreign language training has evolved here in Japan. With an increased acceptance of video meeting software such as Zoom, Teams or Meet, the classroom shifted into the virtual world as well.
Companies were forced to move the office to people's homes while the pandemic raged and after companies grew to accept that style, many have stuck to Work From Home. Nikkei Asia estimates that nearly 40% of workers are still doing a hybrid style of work (link), saving transportation and even electricity costs for businesses. This shift to video meetings also impacts on the number of business trips as communication can be achieved for a fraction of the cost. This research positively talks about how 64% of companies still find business travel important, but that means that 36% don't.
Of course, what I am leading up to here is that this has impacted the general attitude towards studying foreign languages, particularly English. More private students or companies are turning to more reasonably costing online English training meaning there has been a step back from the beneficial environment of face-to-face English lessons. Aside from the obvious lack of technical issues that sometimes crop up, there are many benefits to a more intimate training environment. A teacher can have quicker reaction times to questions or problems and has a better capability of reading learners' body language. There is a better sense of connection between all members when you are in a live environment, with more live tools at the teacher's disposal. Last, but not least, there are less chances of succumbing to distractions such as pets, children or that temptation to turn the TV on. This website also talks about motivation and focus as a couple of benefits of being in a classroom as some other potential benefits.
Companies offering English training need to embrace a commitment to quality lessons with practical contents set up in a way that is enjoyable for the students. And most importantly, we need to bring the humanity back to the English study environment and get back in the same room. The teacher needs to work closely with the students to help them realize their goals and use all the tools and signs at their disposal. This is at the heart of what Lowrey Global Consultants strives to do.
