Methods and Techniques We Use in Teaching English at our School

The method which is used by the head of the school Professor E.Kashina was developed by her in the process of writing the doctorate dissertation and was given the name “communicative- theatrical method”. It is based on the C.Stanislavski “system”. Teaching a foreign language demands creative approach on the part of the teacher, inspiration, vivid imagination, intense emotions. These can be achieved and intensified by certain theatre techniques created by C.Stanislavski: “magic ifs”, “given circumstances”, “sincerity of emotions”, “the right life of imagination”, “improvisation”, “physical action” and others. All these techniques motivate the students and motivation is some kind of internal drive that encourages them to pursue goals of various kind. To arouse a desire to create is difficult; to kill that desire is extremely easy. So the main task for us is to help our students be creative, to experiment with the language. Stanislavski writes that “we are supposed to create under inspiration… Our art teaches us first of all to create consciously and rightly, because that will best prepare the way for the blossoming of the subconscious, which is inspiration”.

Communicative method – is aimed at developing speaking habits in creative communicative activities. The teacher creates a special relaxing atmosphere at the lesson that stimulates students to speak in different situations, dramatize short dialogues and participate in different musical sketches.

Total Physical Response – the method was developed by James Asher, psychology professor at San Jose University, California. A link is made between physical actions and learning. This is associated with what happens in L1 acquisition, and in general learning. Motor activity strengthens recall.

Suggestopedia – the human brain could process great quantities of material if simply given the right conditions for learning, among which are a state of relaxation and giving over of control to the teacher. People are capable of learning much more than they give themselves credit for. Music is central for this method