Co‑Studying Club (online) — Focus made friendly

Bring your own goals — study alongside a supportive tutor and small group, and actually get things done.

£28 / 90 minutes ・ 2–4 people ・ Online

Next session: Saturdays, 7/14/21, March 2026, 5:00–6:30 pm — some dates are filling up. Reserve your spot

Who it’s for

1. Independent learners who want a calm, regular slot to make real progress.
2. Anyone tackling textbooks, kanji, homework, writing or JLPT prep.
3. Learners who prefer light guidance and a friendly nudge rather than a full class.
4. Anyone who wants experienced feedback on their work (MA, 25+ yrs, author of 17 books).

What you’ll do (a simple, effective rhythm)

1. Mini insight (5 mins): a bite-size idea from smart self-study (planning, focus, noticing what works).
2. Quick goal-setting (3 mins): choose one realistic outcome for today.
3. (Optional) resource tip (2 mins): a suggestion tailored to your goal.
4. Study sprint 1 (25 mins): 25/5 focus blocks (25 on, 5 off).
5. Breather & tutor check-ins (5 mins): questions, examples, quick pointers.
6. Study sprint 2 (25 mins): keep the momentum going.
7. Breather & tutor check-ins (5 mins).
8. Progress capture (10 mins): wins, blockers, your next tiny step, and craft a short positive self‑talk/affirmation for the week ahead.
9. (Optional) mini share/study buddy (10 mins): celebrate progress.

Bring your own materials: textbook/workbook/graded reader/laptop/flashcards/earphones (if you’ll use audio). Spare prompts and exercise books are available for in-person attendees.

Our approach — research‑backed, learner‑centred

Rooted in Hitomi’s university teaching of Self-Directed Learning (smart self‑study) and informed by research in planning, focus, noticing what works, how the brain learns, and mindset. In practice, that means:

1. Plan → Do → Review: we make planning tiny and visible, so action feels easy.
2. Quick questions that help you notice what works: so you choose strategies that actually work for you.
3. Simple study scaffolding: practical tools to help you plan, focus and review — like 25/5 timers, no-distraction cues, and one-page checklists.
4. Positive self‑talk: we’ll help you craft a short positive self‑talk line that’s believable and useful (e.g., “Five calm minutes is still progress.”).
5. Kind accountability: supportive, not stressful — the goal is steady momentum.

Led by Hitomi — native Tokyo Japanese tutor (MA in Applied Linguistics; 25+ years’ experience; author of 17 textbooks; former senior lecturer). Questions welcome at any time during check‑ins.

What you’ll come away with

By the end of a session, you’ll be able to say — with evidence — outcomes such as:

1. I can set one realistic study goal and complete it within 90 minutes.
2. I can choose a strategy (e.g., spaced review / example‑first / shadowing) and explain why it helped.
3. I can write a one‑sentence affirmation that keeps me moving next week.
4. I can list my next tiny step and block time for it.

These are examples of can‑dos; each session focuses on a subset, not the entire list at once.

Practical bits

1. Pricing: £28 per 90‑minute session
2. Group size: small group, 2–4 participants
3. Location: Online
4. Included: a calm space, timer prompts, and assistance from a professional.

What to bring

Your study materials (textbook/notebook/laptop/pens). Earphones if you plan to listen to audio. A stable internet connection is essential.

How to join

Send a message via the contact form — we’ll reply with dates, times, and how to reserve your spot.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own materials?

1. Yes — bring what you want to work on (textbook, reader, notes, laptop). We can also share some online study tools if you’re short on resources.

Is it a silent study hall or a taught class?

1. It’s a guided study session: mostly quiet focus, with short tutor check‑ins and optional mini share.

Can I ask grammar/vocabulary questions?

1. Absolutely — pop your sticky note up during a sprint, and the tutor will drop by during check‑ins.

Booking & cancellations

1. Booking & payment: up to 2 days before the session. See Terms & Conditions for Japanese Chat Club
2. Cancellations: up to 24 hours before — full refund. Less than 24 hours — Sorry, no refund is available.
3. To book or cancel, please use the contact form.