Matt vs. Japan and Ken Cannon's Japanese Course: A Customer's Perspective

In the world of online Japanese language learning, few names have garnered as much attention as Matt vs. Japan and Ken Cannon. Their collaborative efforts in creating Japanese language courses have been a topic of discussion among language learners for some time. Recently, a customer of their course reached out to share their experience, providing valuable insights into the structure, delivery, and overall value of the program.

The Course Structure

According to the customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, the course was initially pitched as a comprehensive 60-day program divided into 11 units. The program, named "Project Uproot," was primarily focused on teaching pitch accent, a crucial aspect of Japanese pronunciation that many learners struggle with.

Matt's Contribution

The customer reported that Matt's portion of the course was well-executed. He created high-quality, pre-recorded lessons on pitch accent. These lessons were praised for their content and delivery, suggesting that Matt held up his end of the bargain in terms of course material.

Ken's Role

Ken's responsibilities included hosting live sessions with Matt and recording "chorusing" audio with a native speaker referred to as "U-sensei." However, the customer noted that Ken struggled to fulfill his obligations consistently.

Delivery Issues

One of the most significant issues highlighted by the customer was the frequent delays in course delivery. What was meant to be a 60-day course reportedly took almost a year to near completion. Live sessions were often postponed for weeks, and the recording of chorusing sessions faced considerable delays.

The customer mentioned that when explanations for delays were provided, they were often attributed to illness or other unforeseen circumstances. This pattern of delays and excuses appears to have been a recurring issue, as the customer noted that Ken had faced similar problems with course delivery in the past.

Additional Course Access

As a form of compensation or added value, course participants were given access to "Protocol 80," another course created by Ken. The customer was under the impression that this course was no longer being sold separately, but noted that it seemed to be available for purchase again.

The "Fluency Incubator"

Following the completion of Project Uproot, a follow-up course called "Fluency Incubator" was introduced. This program was structured as a monthly subscription, with an annual fee of $1,400. The pitch for this course was enticing - direct work with Matt and Ken to achieve fluency in Japanese.

Fluency Incubator Structure

The Fluency Incubator consisted of bi-weekly live sessions. During these sessions, Matt would typically present a lecture discussing his theories on language acquisition. Over time, he would gradually reveal their method, which they called the "Intact Method."

The Intact Method

The core philosophy of the Intact Method, as described by the customer, is that reading is detrimental to language learning. Instead, the method emphasizes learning pitch first and then immersing oneself in the language using "comprehension boosters." One such technique involves watching shows with English subtitles first, then rewatching without subtitles. The goal is to learn primarily through audio input, avoiding reading as much as possible.

This approach stands in stark contrast to conventional wisdom and Matt's previous teachings, which emphasized the importance of reading for vocabulary acquisition. The customer noted this shift in philosophy, which may raise questions about the consistency and reliability of the course's underlying principles.

Live Session Format

During the live sessions, after Matt's lecture, Ken would sometimes speak briefly. Then, participants would be brought into the call to discuss their immersion experiences and any challenges they faced. The customer clarified that while only a few people might be visible on screen at any given time, there were typically 10 to 15 participants in each session.

Lack of Support and Structure

One of the most significant criticisms raised by the customer was the lack of comprehensive support between sessions. Despite the high cost of the program ($1,400 annually), there appeared to be minimal guidance or structured learning activities between the bi-weekly calls.

The customer expressed frustration at the vague nature of the learning process, noting that there were rarely any specific assignments or challenges given between sessions. This lack of structure and support left many participants feeling unsure about their progress and the value they were receiving from the course.

Scheduling and Delivery Issues

Similar to the issues faced during Project Uproot, the Fluency Incubator also suffered from frequent scheduling problems. The customer reported that over the course of 15 months (which should have included approximately 32 lessons), only 14 sessions had actually taken place. At the time of writing, it had been five months since the last session.

Financial Investment and Returns

The customer calculated that they had invested $2,800 in the course over 15 months. However, they expressed deep disappointment, stating that they felt they had "nothing to show for it." This sentiment highlights a significant disparity between the cost of the program and the perceived value delivered.

Lack of Community and Resources

Despite the pitch that being part of a course would provide a supportive learning community, the customer noted that there was no group chat, forum, or other means for participants to interact and support each other outside of the bi-weekly calls. This lack of community resources further contributed to the sense of isolation and lack of progress reported by the customer.

Reflections on the Experience

While the customer expressed appreciation for the theories presented in the course, they acknowledged that the lack of support and structure made it challenging to implement the learning method effectively. The infrequency of classes and the general sense that the course was "basically dead" left the customer feeling frustrated and questioning the value of their investment.

Recent Developments

The customer mentioned that Ken had recently sent emails apologizing for the "radio silence" and promising to make amends. This included a challenge with daily live sessions. However, the customer expressed skepticism about these promises, noting that similar commitments had been made and broken in the past.

Implications for Potential Students

This customer's experience raises several red flags for potential students considering similar online language courses:

1. Consistency of delivery: Frequent delays and cancellations can significantly impact the learning experience and the value of the course.

2. Support structure: High-cost courses should provide comprehensive support and resources beyond just live sessions.

3. Community engagement: The lack of a community platform for students to interact and support each other can limit the benefits of group learning.

4. Transparency: Clear communication about course structure, expectations, and any changes is crucial for maintaining trust with students.

5. Value for money: Students should carefully consider whether the cost of a course aligns with the resources, support, and results provided.

Conclusion

While it's important to note that this is just one customer's experience, it provides valuable insights into the structure and delivery of Matt vs. Japan and Ken Cannon's Japanese language course. Potential students should carefully consider these factors when evaluating any online language learning program, especially those with significant financial investments.

It's crucial for course creators to prioritize consistent delivery, comprehensive support, and clear communication to ensure that students receive the value they expect from their investment. As the online language learning market continues to grow, transparency and reliability will be key factors in distinguishing reputable programs from those that may not deliver on their promises.

For students, this experience underscores the importance of thorough research and due diligence before committing to any language learning program. It may be beneficial to seek out reviews from multiple sources, ask detailed questions about course structure and support, and consider starting with shorter-term commitments before investing in long-term, high-cost programs.

Ultimately, the most effective language learning method is one that not only provides quality content but also offers consistent support, clear structure, and demonstrable results. Whether through traditional classroom settings, online courses, or self-study methods, the key to success lies in finding an approach that aligns with your learning style, goals, and expectations.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mPUKpr1V78