At this point, I'd say whatever results you're getting are not really statistically significant because of the way the characters are arranged. The first 200 characters are not the easiest characters in the book, and they're not the hardest either. This is different from the increasing complexity and grade level path that most textbooks use. So, quite a few of those early kanji could easily be the hardest kanji you'll ever learn. I wouldn't really worry very much if you're consistently getting ~60% in your reviews while continuing to add new kanji.

My advice, as it has always been, is to keep pressing on little by little. Adding new kanji every day keeps things fresh and fun. Cut back if your fail percentage is becoming too high, but it can be really easy to become jaded and depressed if you just stick to the first 200 kanji without getting them perfect.

The truth is that you could probably study those for a very very long time without getting them perfect, just like there are some kanji you get straight away. It's a lot better to realize that perfection is not a reasonable option, and that eventually you will get all of them. You can't let it be a roadblock.

As long as you're constructing solid stories, and spending a decent amount of time doing it, you're going to be fine. Don't worry so much. Keep on keeping on it.

Last edited by erlog (2008 September 01, 5:15 am)