The way we are taught is more similar to the Japanese method of teaching than the Western method. Here we are crammed full of grammar, vocab, etc; more than we could possibly retain. I think the theory is that a higher percentage will stick, but I think a side effect is that I now know so much grammar that I have a hard time knowing how to say things. My solid foundation of Japanese is about 3-6 months behind what we are studying.
I have a feeling that's why there are a million conversation schools here. Japanese people learn probably as much English grammar as I did, but don't use it, and have little confidence in their English, for the most part. It's almost a racquet, the eikaiwa thing here. If they spent more time in conversation, would they need this many conversations schools? Compare this to Mexicans living in America, who learn little grammar, and have a smaller vocab, but seem to have an easier time. Granted there are more similarities between Spanish and English.
I don't really know what is a better way. When we are babies, we are crammed full of our mother tongue. When things slow down I can review, I guess, although my friends, who have been in similar scenarios, all say, "Yeah, I thought that too.."
On one hand, I am nervous about the next semester. On the other, I know this will all be over in 3 months, so I want to enjoy it.