AEON's Online School Introduces 9-Skill Training for Enhanced English Exam Preparation

AEON's Innovative Approach to English Exam Preparation

In a significant move to enhance English language learning, AEON, a prominent English conversation school based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has announced the introduction of 9-Skill Training for its online courses. This training will be implemented in the Eiken and TOEIC L&R Test Preparation courses starting in October 2025. The goal is to equip students with better skills to overcome common obstacles they face when preparing for these critical exams.

The Challenge of Traditional Study Methods

Traditional exam preparation often relies heavily on solving problem sets or memorizing techniques. However, many students experience stagnation in their scores, often hitting a ceiling at levels such as TOEIC scores between 700 and 800 or Eiken levels 2 to pre-1. This is largely due to the reliance on techniques without addressing foundational language skills. Even familiar vocabulary can become elusive if students struggle with pronunciation and fluency or cannot anticipate the structure of written passages, resulting in diminished effectiveness.

Increasing Difficulty in Language Exams

As exam formats evolve, the complexity of questions has increased, focusing more on real-world application than mere rote memorization of facts. Skills like fast reading comprehension, complex writing abilities, and natural listening processing are being tested more rigorously. To address this shift, enhancing the capacity to process English naturally is essential. Recognizing this vital need, AEON has decided to enrich its curriculum by integrating 9-Skill Training into its exam prep courses, aiming to nurture the fundamental skills necessary for achieving higher scores and levels.

Understanding the 9 Skills Framework

AEON has meticulously identified nine distinct skills essential for mastering the English language. The 9-Skill Training targets five of these key skills—grammar, pronunciation, structure, fluency, and skillfulness. Each session lasts approximately 25 minutes, conducted online, allowing students to focus intensively on improving these foundational skills. This training not only empowers students to conquer exam techniques but also enriches their overall English proficiency.

Synergistic Learning Experience

By enhancing their capability with the 9-Skills and integrating intensive practice facilitated by AEON’s professional instructors, learners will experience a synergistic effect. This approach combines foundational language processing with effective test-taking strategies, creating a direct path to achieving their academic and professional targets. The focus is not just on exam success but on cultivating true English language prowess that is applicable in business and everyday life.

Implementation Timeline and Course Details

The 9-Skill Training will be available for new enrollments after September 30, 2026, without change in course fees. AEON emphasizes that about 80% of its Japanese instructors hold TOEIC scores above 900 or have achieved Eiken 1st level proficiency. The institute is set to strengthen this by aiming for a 100% qualification rate across the board by 2024.

Course Pricing Overview

Here’s a brief look at the course offerings and their respective costs:
1. Eiken (R) Test Preparation Course:
- Preparatory Fee: Covered content includes exercises, vocabulary tests, and the newly introduced 9-Skill Training.
- Monthly tuition for Grade Pre-2 Level: ¥13,200;
- Textbook fee: ¥3,575.

2. Eiken Final Preparation Course:
- Focuses on first-stage practice and includes the 9-Skill Training.
- Tuition for Grade 2: ¥19,800 (text: ¥1,595).

3. TOEIC (R) L&R Test Preparation Course:
- Utilizes original materials focusing on effective strategies and incorporates the 9-Skill Training.
- Tuition for a 3-month course: ¥47,190 (text: ¥15,620).

With engaging group sessions and options for online training, AEON provides varying formats of the 9-Skill Training, including live sessions and on-demand videos, accommodating diverse learning styles and schedules.

About AEON

Founded in 1973, AEON has dedicated itself to enriching lives through language education, aiming to eliminate the barriers of communication across the globe. Partnering with KDDI since 2018, AEON has been pioneering innovative EdTech by blending traditional education methods with cutting-edge communication technologies. Through online, in-person, and AI-supported avenues, AEON customizes the learning experience to maximize the impacts for each student, ensuring everyone can achieve their English language goals successfully.

To learn more about AEON's courses and instructors, visit their official website or follow their social media channels for the latest updates: