Also taking the time to understand WHY I kept getting two words/kanji/grammar mixed up. Focusing on quality study over quantity.

That taught me I had to learn how my brain works, and how I learn best.

Instead of mindless drilling, I learnt I remember information better through variety and muti-sensory input.

So flashcards, but also reading and listening--coming across words and kanji and grammar in different contexts.

You'd be surprised by the number of Westerners who don't know their counting system is Arabic.

This exactly. It relies mostly on easy quizzes which trigger passive memory rather than training someone in how a language works, so people who use it feel like they're learning without actually learning. And all bets are off on quality since they fired their native staff and replaced them with AI.

If you're a beginner or low-intermediate learner of Japanese you can get 初級から学ぶ 日本語コロケーション (Japanese Collocations Associative Learning for Beginners) which is very similar, teaching you vocabulary through association with similar words and phrases.

Each page covers vocabulary made up of specific kanji and some related vocabulary. Then it lists phrases that use these words, showing what verbs and particles they're used with.

The next page then has practice exercises.

You need to practice the vocab and phrases outside the book.

For sure!!! Honestly, that's what I ended up doing too. A teacher helped me with some skills specifically for that test.

Yes. 😂

I started with a private teacher, then at a language school, then at university (not full time, my major was anthropology), then did a year study abroad, then studied by myself, then another language school, then by myself and with online teachers. It was a mix of everything.

I know what you mean. It really is demoralizing and I honestly get jealous of people who passed the JLPT quickly. But everyone learns at their own pace and in their own way. Keeping going is important even if you stop and start.

Dyslexia and poor short term memory made test taking an absolute b****. Even though my Japanese comprehension and capability was fine, I really struggled to pass the N1. And even when I did it was by the skin of my teeth.

I've been thinking about re-taking it next year 😂

There is?! I had no idea!

Hahahaha, yeah 😂

As someone who has bought a LOT of books they never used, I highly recommend you keep a tab on it and get it when you're ready. Otherwise it'll forever sit on your shelf making you feel guilty you can't read it.

But if you think it'll help motivate you then please, ignore me.

おめでとうございます！

Highly recommend trying Renshuu if you're looking to get back into studying Japanese. It's free and designed specifically for learning Japanese, so is more effective at teaching you than duo. (I am not affiliated with them, btw.)
www.renshuu.org

All grammar patterns come with examples and short, but clear, explanations. The book also explains different use cases for grammar, as well as the subtle differences between some similar patterns.

This is not a book for studying front to back, but is a great partner for a JLPT grammar drill book.