When it comes to teaching Russian, I rely mainly on communicative and direct methods. Here is a brief description of what they are:
1. The essence of the direct method is to avoid the intermediary language and speak mainly (preferably only) the target language. This method can be implemented starting from A2. If you're a complete beginner, the communicative approach (described next) will be a better fit. Before us will be a piece of authentic target language material that has vivid visual image...
When it comes to teaching Russian, I rely mainly on communicative and direct methods. Here is a brief description of what they are:
1. The essence of the direct method is to avoid the intermediary language and speak mainly (preferably only) the target language. This method can be implemented starting from A2. If you're a complete beginner, the communicative approach (described next) will be a better fit. Before us will be a piece of authentic target language material that has vivid visual images –– our task will be to convey as accurately as possible what we see. In addition, we will introduce several real-life situations in which we will have to use the language skills we have learned to achieve results. This is where listening skills come into play.
2. The communicative method (Content-based Instruction) is based on the analysis of linguistic material, be it a fragment of a film, TV series, YouTube video, small text or advertisement. After familiarising ourselves with the material, we note all its linguistic characteristics, build a word map and discuss what is presented. In this way, thinking develops in images that are put into words immediately in a foreign language –– you don’t have to constantly translate in your head what you want to say. Vocabulary grows through immediate practice of new words, rather than memorising lists and tables.
Both methods aim to develop speaking and listening skills. As for reading and writing, it is better to use other approaches when there is a necessity to develop them.
You can read more about different language learning methods here:
Thornbury, S. (2017) Scott Thornbury's 30 Language Teaching Methods. Cambridge University Press
Lyster, R. (2007) Learning and Teaching Languages Through Content: A Counterbalanced Approach. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
To conclude, allow me to share a few thoughts about culture, philosophy and features of everyday life:
I must say that this most important part of language learning is often overlooked by many teachers who focus more on grammar and vocabulary. Language, by and large, is an inherent part of culture and tradition. For that reason, all good language manuals have a Culture section, which often is of a similar volume to the grammatical and lexical sections.
See you in class!
