One of the methods I found quite interesting
was TPR, total physical response, developed by Dr. James Asher. I had never
heard of it before and I think it could be a successful method if used in the
right manner. It is a good way for students to get a feel for the
vocabulary and not feel pressure to speak. Sometimes shy kids will feel
intimidated within the first week of school because they are forced to
participate. TPR is a way for students to listen to the language for some time
before using it. It is very beneficial for kinesthetic learners but visual
learners might have trouble grasping certain concepts if they aren't written
out. It is a method that one should consider incorporating but it isn't a
theory I would follow completely.
Another theory that
caught my attention was suggestopedia. Developed by Bulgarian psychotherapist
Lozanov, this theory trusts that students believe the method works and focuses
on the environment in which they learn. What caught my eye is how the focus is
meant to be on the student's learning in the sense that the teacher should not
be directive during class. They should be on the students level and participate
with them instead of simply run the class. I think that's an important part of
the classroom today and an important point for us future teachers to remember.
