Педагогические науки/5.Современные методы преподавания

Kuimova M.V.

National research Tomsk polytechnic university

Tomsk, Russia

Techniques in foreign language teaching

Nowadays researches firmly believe that a language loses life when it is taught only through lexical and grammatical forms. They claim that priority should be given to the practical use of a foreign language at a communicative level because the ultimate goal of communication is to be understood.

A certain solution to the improvement of a foreign language learning efficiency is the use of intensive techniques. For example:

1) use of various technical means. It helps to compensate the lack of language environment. However, this method is a bit mechanical and doesn’t answer students’ individual interests.

The main function of technical means is intensification of learning process. In addition, technical means help to organize independent students’ work.

Technical means are:

· tape recorder;

· slide projector;

· video recorder;

· video and audio materials;

· computer;

· smart board, etc.

2) hypnosis (When we learn a foreign language, we need to repeat new information several times so that it goes to the subconscious mind. If lecturers apply hypnosis, it allows mastering a great amount of new information in a short time. Although this method is considered as being something dangerous. Hypnosis should be used in a professional manner. Only in this case it becomes an excellent tool to help in learning);

3) role plays and dramatization. This method:

· helps to improve one’s communicative skills while cultivating grammatical accuracy;

· gives opportunities to place oneself in the world of a target language;

· helps to know another culture;

· fosters initiative;

· masters the ways of thinking in another language;

· develops independence, creative abilities and personal growth;

· encourages relationships among students by providing them with opportunities to work together.

A certain disadvantage to this method might be the necessity to spend more time outside the class as students have to prepare both individually and in groups for their presentations.

The majority of researchers highlight the suitability of international methodology trends, such as communicative language teaching (CLT) and intercultural communicative competence (ICC).

Lecturers also emphasize communicative language use in situations that are meaningful to the speaker, as well as less code-oriented, or grammar-focused, approaches to language learning.

Intensive listening is considered as a part of homework. While in class we focus on what was said, the intensive listening activity at home aims to focus students’ attention on how it was said. The goal is to engage them in bottom up listening work.

Moreover, while teaching we should keep in mind the basic principles:

· systematization;

· novelty;

· purposefulness;

· scientific character;

· favourable psychological atmosphere.

Undoubtedly, any teaching method should be carefully chosen according to the learner’s abilities, needs and interests.