SUGGESTOPEDIA

Bulgarian Educator and Psychologist

Georgi Lozanov

Origin “Suggestion” and “Pedagogy”

- a set of learning recommendations derived from suggestology. It was originally developed in the 1970’sDrew from Soviet psychological research and

yoga. - Draws the importance of relaxation of mind for

maximum retention of material - “all students can be taught a given subject

matter at the same level of skill’ Jack c. Richards

In the classroom Extended dialogues, often several pages in

length, accompanied by vocabulary lists and observations on grammatical points. Typically these dialogues would be read aloud to the students to the accompaniment of music.

The most formal of these readings, known as the “concert reading” . This could be a pleasurable event, with the learners free to focus on the music, the text or both. The rhythm and intonation of the reading would be exaggerated in order to fit with the rhythm of music.

Less formal reading would employ a lighter, less striking piece of music, such as a piece of Baroque music and less prominent role.

During both types of reading the learners would sit in a comfortable seats and stimulating environment in terms of décor and lightning.

After reading the with the accompaniment of music the teacher would then make use of the dialogues for more conventional language work

The most important characteristics of this method

are:DecorationFurnitureArrangement of the

classroomAuthoritative behavior

of the teacherThe use of soft

Baroque music (this makes the method unique)

Three functions of music in therapy :(Gaston, 1968)

To facilitate establishment and maintenance of personal relations

To bring about increased self-esteem through increased self-satisfaction in musicial performance

To use the unique potential of rhythm to energize and bring order (the reason for the use of music in Suggestopedia)

Approach

Bancroft states that there are six principle theoretical components of Suggestopedia:

Authority Infantilization Double-planednessIntonation, rhythm, and concert pseudo-passiveness

Authority give control and authority to

the teacher completely

What makes a teacher authoritive?

self-confidencePersonal distance Acting abilityPossitive attitude

Infantilizationteacher – student

relationship vs.

parent – child relationship

Double-plannedness Learner learns not only from - direct instructionbut also - bright decor of the classroom, musicial background, shape of the calssroom, personality of the teacher.

Intonation, Rhythm, Concert Pseudo-

PassivenessIntonation plus Rhythm coordinated with musicial background

A relaxed attitude with the help of musicial background : Concert Pseudo-Passiveness

Design Objectives

To deliver advanced conversational competence quickly

To master prodigious lists of vocabulary

Learning Activities

Question and answer

Role play

Listening exercises

Roles of Learners

Pseudo-passiveness stateActing childishlyNot to figure outNot to manipulateNot to study material

Roles Of Teachers According to Lozanov, teachers should give attention to

oAbsolute confidenceoHis/her manners and dressoOrganizing the lesson (music choice, punctuality)oResponding tactfullyoModest enthusiasm

Role of Materials Direct Supported Materials: Texts Tape Indirect Supported

Materials: Classroom fixtures Music Text books Learning environment

Criticisms Disadvantages Hardness of finding colorful environment Negative effects of direct translation Concentration problems

Advantages Through Suggestopedia we learn to trust the

power of mind. We learn the deliberately included states of

relaxation The benefit from the use of music to get

student sit back and relax.

Conclusion

Learning is facilitated by environment and music.

Teacher is the authority.Psychological barriers are removed.

In texts target language and its native language are given.