tefl

SUGGESTOPEDIA

BACKGROUND

The proponent of this method is Georgi Lazanov. Learners may have been using only 5 to 10 percent of their mental capacity, and that the brain could process and retain much more material if given “optimal” condition of learning. Lazanov (1987:27) claims that “memorization in learning by suggestopedic method sees to be increased 25 times over that in learning by conventional methods”. Music played a pivotal role in this method. The classroom usually has bright décor and uses dim lights, soft music, cushioned armchairs, and walls decorated with scenes from where the target language is spoken. Lazanov chose a ritual placebo system.


 

UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES

The learning theory which underlines Suggestopedia is as follows:

1. Learning involves the unconscious as well as the conscious function of learner

2. People can learn much faster than they usually do under certain condition. In suggestopedia, suggestion session within classroom presentation is intended for that purpose.

3. Learning is often hindered by absent of physic relaxation. In the classroom, for instance, the student’s energy and attention will be used to defend himself from whatever is causing the ‘psychic tension’. There are two ways to reduce the tension: (1) The design of the materials; the materials consists of printed text in parallel native language and target language versions and the teacher can give direct translation when needed. (2) The behavior of the teacher; the student uses alternative identity in the classroom.

CLASSROOM TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES

1. Pre-Session Phase

It is preparatory stage in which students helped to relax and move into a positive frame of mind, with the feeling that the learning is going to be easy and fun. The students choose a new name and new occupation. The teacher greets each student using his names and asks a few questions about his new occupation.

2. Explicative Reading

This involves the active presentation of the material to be learnt, for example, a dramatic reading a piece of text, accompanied by classical music. Here, the teacher also comments on the meaning of words, pronunciation, grammar, or whatever he anticipates may cause the student difficulty.

3. Intonational Reading

For second time the teacher reads the text without comment. This time the students are invented to relax, close their eyes, and just listen. All the tone, the rhythm, and intonation are coordinated with the musical background. Here, there are no interaction with the teacher.

4. The Séance Session

This is the one by which suggestopedia is well known, since this is the heart of the method. There is no homework to do, only they are expected to read the lesson cursoliry once before going to bed and once again before getting up in the morning. (Larsenfreeman, 1987: 73-77)