Sachiko Takabatake Howard - University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Professor: Sachiko Takabatake Howard

Department: East Asian Lang. & Literature

College: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE1062
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

When I just had Takabatake for recitations, I was definitely scared of her and didn't like her much as a teacher. But after having her for lectures, I appreciate her much more. She's hilarious and the most knowledgeable and skillful lecturer out of all the Japanese teachers IMO. You can tell she cares a lot about her students. She grades easy too.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: JAP002
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

If you take Japanese at PItt, you'll most definitely have Takabatake-sensei at some point. She was great for Japanese 1 since she was always super animated and graded really well. Once you're in Japanese 2 and higher, SHE TURNS. Same teaching style but she grades significantly harder. Lots of stress. Gan-batte,

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: 1STYEARJPNSE
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I have to admit I did not like this professor at the first time, but after some classes I had taken with her, I think she is a good professor indeed. Her faces are always serious and you might not find the class joyful at first. However, she is actually a very interesting professor. Just prepare for the classes and study hard and it will be fine.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0001
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Takabatake-sensei is definitely one of the more challenging ACT class teachers, but she is also the most animated and funny. She really seemed to care about the class and seemed to enjoyed teaching. She can be pretty tough, but she makes sure you know your material. Come prepared and you'll do fine.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: 1STYRJAPANESE
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

She can be pretty terrifying at times, but incredible nonetheless. Perfect blend of fun and challenging. 10/10

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0001
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

She only teach our recitation(act class). Compared to other sensei, she is definitely more impatient and a little "rude"(because of her age?) if we don't do well. But except for this, she is very energetic, teaches very seriously and is not the best but a fair choice if you have her. Actually, I would say all the sensei here are pretty good.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE1062
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

She is really passionate and engaging in class. She can be a little intimidating when you make mistakes but if you can laugh at and learn from your mistakes (take criticism with a grain of salt - her job is to help you learn/fix mistakes, not coddle you), then you'll do fine. She taught FACT over the summer, but she is an amazing ACT teacher too.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0001
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

She's an angel. She's not a super easy grader but her teaching style is really interesting and, honestly, the most helpful. She's like a sassy grandma, I love her.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0004
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I've had this woman since first semester year 1. She is a horrible teacher. So rude, so condescending. She plays favorites, so all of these positive ratings reflect that. We have never gotten along. Generally she rates me lower than all of the other teachers, although every once and a while she'll give me a very high score. It's all arbitrary.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: 1STYEARJPNSE
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

love Takabatake sensei. she may be a bit hard on you because she is very passionate. if you make a mistake she will help you and she loves to laugh a lot. takabatake sensei cant speak English so try your best with asking questions and when you can't ask her hard questions then go to your lecture teacher. they are more than willing to help you.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE00010002
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She can be very intimidating and strict at times, but I get a lot out her act classes than some of the other sensei (although I'm pretty impressed with all of them). She's very good at keeping the attention of the class and her sense of humor is great. Just study and keep your calm, and you'll be fine.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: JPSE1040
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She's very intimidating and taciturn. The class is strict and I find it an uncomfortable atmosphere. Be prepared for a great deal of challenge and BE PREPARED for class. We have a lot of tests and quizzes but it's better than chapter tests. No FINAL! Just a Final Paper

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE1050
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

The gap in work required between levels 3 and 4 is insane. She expects 5 paragraph essays every day and meticulously grades each sentence. She even counts off for sentences that aren't actually wrong but that she simply doesn't like. I cannot express how awful this class is, and she is absolutely no help. Very disappointing. Don't take this class.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0003
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Great teacher and advisor. Had her for Years 1 and 2, but still talk to her even though mostly just for advising appointments. Teaches all levels and is a great teacher. Seems strict and tough at first, but she's one of the best. Hang in there and she'll grow on you. Quite funny at times. :D

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0001
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

OMIGH, BEST ACT SENSEE EVER. This woman is so excellent. Though at times curt, she's hilarious, fun, and challenging. (And amazing and animated and super-mega-totally-excellent.) She really helps you learn things by challenging your abilities. Don't worry, though -- as long as you work hard, you'll be okay.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0004
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She's wonderful and hilarious. Very difficult to understand if you're lazy, but otherwise wonderful and helps you actually LEARN. A bit ditzy and can get sidetracked, but that's really part of the charm! Plus, if you watch her VERY animated movements, you can tell if what you're doing is right. :D

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0004
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I love her, she's my favorite! Somewhat intimidating at first but really, I have learned more from her than anyone at Pitt and I truly believe she is committed to teaching her students. She's amazing! Anyone who doesn't think so, is obviously not studying and doing their part. Takabatake, if you read these, we love you!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: JPN0004
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Difficult if you don't know the material, but a very good act class teacher. Makes you learn the language faster and makes it easier to use the language.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: JAP02
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Takabatake-sensei is definitely one of the hardest teachers I ever had. She can be very curt, but if you make an effort and take the time to talk with and get to know her she is an excellent teacher. I learned alot from her and am thankful for her strictness.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: JPNSE0004
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

While I agree she is not as good as Mills for learning year 1 she is wonderful as a recitation teacher! Once you learn how to ask questions IN JAPANESE about Japanese she is very willing to help. And her style of teaching by regular conversations is much more effective than strictly following CCs and drills, and much easier to study for to boot.