Frequently Asked Questions — English as a SPOKEN Language
How is NeuroNet different from other English programs?
Most English programs teach spelling, grammar, writing, and new vocabulary. However, for someone who has not developed the brain's auditory-motor system for English, learning will be slow, comprehension will be slow, pronunciation will be slow, and memory of learned material will be poor. If you do not develop the auditory-motor system and automate pronunciation, you will struggle with English for life.
NeuroNet forces you to work up to the speed of processing English at a rate of 6 syllables per second. Research tells us that if you can't manage speech at this rate, you have not automated the basic auditory-motor demands required to speak fluently. As a result, your ability to learn will be compromised.
Who can benefit from NeuroNet
Anyone who wants to speak English fluently can benefit from NeuroNet. Children and adults can all benefit from NeuroNet. If you have studied English for a long time, but you still struggle with Spoken English, NeuroNet is right for you.
Do I really need NeuroNet?
Based on a NeuroNet language assessment, we can determine whether or not basic linguistic skills are sufficiently automatic for you to 1) be an effective English learner and 2) use and apply the English you know at a speed which is acceptable to native speakers. If you speak too slowly, you forget what you are trying to say and your listener gets bored. And if your own speech is not automatic, it interferes with your ability to comprehend what you hear. Both of these are signs of a weak auditory-motor system in the brain. Taking more traditional English classes will not solve this problem.
Why do the benefits of NeuroNet extend beyond English language?
People who complete NeuroNet report improvements in music, sports, and in academic subjects unrelated to English. This is because NeuroNet exercises force different areas of your brain which are critical for learning to work together more efficiently. NeuroNet is based on 30 years of clinical practice and neuroscience research.
What is included in a NeuroNet program?
- A NeuroNet language assessment
- A written report summarizing the language assessment
- A ten week NeuroNet program
- A completion report measuring progress over the ten week period
You will meet with a NeuroNet certified trainer once a week for one hour. The trainer will give you a set of exercises which you must complete at home independently. Everyday you will complete the exercises, which take about 30 minutes, and write down your scores. Based on your progress, the trainer will adjust your program, making it slightly harder. Our goal is to gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises so that you learn to manage speech at the rate of 6 syllables per second. Once speed goals are met, we will increase the level of cognitive difficulty of exercises.
How long does it take to complete NeuroNet?
Progress varies based on the individual student. We expect all students to make significant progress in ten weeks. We expect most students to be able to complete the program in 30 weeks. Older students may be able to complete the program in as few as 10 weeks while younger learners may need longer.
What do the exercises look like?
NeuroNet exercises require the coordination of balance, movement, vision, speech, and listening. As such, the best way to describe NeuroNet exercises is as a kind of "language aerobics" in which you must perform movement and speech patterns simultaneously. The exercises, which are not academic in nature, lead to significant academic gains for students who complete the program. NeuroNet achieves academic gains because it is designed to improve neurological organization in areas of the brain which are critical for learning.
How much does it cost?
| Language Assessment | Program Fees | # of Contact Hours | Completion Report | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Group (Max. 6 students) | ¥500 | ¥3000 | 10 | free |
| Individual Program | ¥500 | ¥5500 | 10 | free |
| Corporate Small Group | ¥500 | ¥4000 | 10 | free |