Suggestopedia method

Ø  definition

Suggestopedia is a teaching method which is based on a modern understanding of how the human brain works and how we learn most effectively.

Ø  Key Elements

Some of the key elements of Suggestopedia include a rich sensory learning environment (pictures, colour, music, etc.), a positive expectation of success and the use of a varied range of methods: dramatic texts, music, active participation in songs and games, etc.

Suggestopedia adopts a carefully structured approach, using four main stages as follows:

a.       Presentation.

b.      First Concert - "Active Concert".

c.       Second Concert - "Passive Review.

d.      Practice.

Ø  Purpose

Theintended purpose of Suggestopedia was to enhance learning by tapping into the power of suggestion. Lozanov claims in that “suggestopedia is a system for liberation”; liberation from the “preliminary negative concept regarding the difficulties in the process of learning” that is established throughout their life in the society.

Ø  Types of Learning and Teaching Activities

The types of activities that are more original to suggestopedia are the listening activities, which concern the text and text vocabulary of each unit. These activities are typically part of the “pre-session phase”, which takes place on the first day of a new unit.

The students first look at and discuss a new text with the teacher. In the second reading, students relax comfortably in reclining chairs and listen to the teacher read the text in a certain way. During the third reading the material is acted out by the instructor in a dramatic manner over a background of the special musical form described previously.

Ø  Teacher’s Roles

1.       Show absolute confidence in the method.

2.       Display fastidious conduct in manners and dress.

3.       Organize properly, and strictly observe the initial stages of the teaching process-this includes choice and play of music, as well as punctuality.

4.       Maintain a solemn attitude towards the session.

5.       Give tests and respond tactfully to poor papers (if any).

6.       Stress global rather than analytical attitudes towards material.

7.       Maintain a modest enthusiasm.

Ø  Advantages of Suggestopedia

There are some benefits in utilizing suggestopedia:

1.       A comprehensible input based on dessugestion and suggestion principle

By using this suggestopedia method, students can lower their affective filter. Suggestopedia classes, in addition, are held in ordinary rooms with comfortable chairs, a practice that may also help them relaxed. Teacher can do numerous other things to lower the affective filter.

2.       Authority concept

Students remember best and are most influenced by information coming from an authoritative source, teachers.

3.       Double-planedness theory

It refers to the learning from two aspects. They are the conscious aspect and the subconscious one. Students can acquire the aim of teaching instruction from both direct instruction and environment in which the teaching takes place.

4.       Peripheral learning

Suggestopedia encourages the students to apply language more independently, takes more personal responsibility for their own learning and get more confidence. 

Ø  Disadvantages of Suggestopedia

Suggestopedia also has limitation since there is no single teaching method that is categorized as the best based on some consideration such as: the curriculum, students motivation, financial limitation, number of students, etc.

1.       Environment limitation

2.       The use of hypnosis

3.       Infantilization learning

Ø  CONCLUSION

Teacher will find different situation and different types of students in learning. Therefore, teacher should be creative and smart in choosing and using different types of methods in teaching different skill of language. Teacher can use suggestopedia as teaching method in their teaching. Using suggestopedia is very interesting but challenging to do. It can be seen from some considerations. In one side it has some benefits, but on the other side it also has some weaknesses.