The suggestopedia method, or desuggestopedia, was based on the thought that the human brain could process large amounts of information in the right learning conditions, such as relaxation and putting the control in the hands of the teacher (Brown & Lee, 2015). Suggestopedia has been said to be an affective-humanistic approach, which greatly respects the student's feelings (Larsen-Freeman, 2000).
Key Characteristics of Suggestopedia:
-Having a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for concentration is key, including music and comfortable chairs.
-Relaxing music, such as Baroque with 60 beats per minute, leads to better retention of learning, due to an increase in alpha brain waves and a decrease in blood pressure and pulse rate (Brown & Lee, 2015).
-Use of fine arts as a means to provide positive atmosphere for learning (Larsen-Freeman, 2000).
-Errors are gently corrected.
A look into a classroom using Suggestopedia...
-The room is bright and colourful, while the walls may have several posters with travel pictures or vocabulary information (Larsen-Freeman, 2000).
-Lessons may include vocabulary learning, readings, dialogue, role-plays, and drama.
-Throughout the lesson the teacher aims to relax the students and reassure them that learning will come naturally.
-Student will have handout of passage, one column having the target language while the other has the translation in the first language. The teacher, using both first and target language, as well as pantomime, outline the passage.
-Teacher may put on relaxing music then read passage to the rhythm of the song.
-Students are encouraged to highlight and take notes while listening.
-Next, the teacher reads the passage at a normal rate and encourages students not to take notes, but just to listen.
Key Characteristics of Suggestopedia:
-Having a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for concentration is key, including music and comfortable chairs.
-Relaxing music, such as Baroque with 60 beats per minute, leads to better retention of learning, due to an increase in alpha brain waves and a decrease in blood pressure and pulse rate (Brown & Lee, 2015).
-Use of fine arts as a means to provide positive atmosphere for learning (Larsen-Freeman, 2000).
-Errors are gently corrected.
A look into a classroom using Suggestopedia...
-The room is bright and colourful, while the walls may have several posters with travel pictures or vocabulary information (Larsen-Freeman, 2000).
-Lessons may include vocabulary learning, readings, dialogue, role-plays, and drama.
-Throughout the lesson the teacher aims to relax the students and reassure them that learning will come naturally.
-Student will have handout of passage, one column having the target language while the other has the translation in the first language. The teacher, using both first and target language, as well as pantomime, outline the passage.
-Teacher may put on relaxing music then read passage to the rhythm of the song.
-Students are encouraged to highlight and take notes while listening.
-Next, the teacher reads the passage at a normal rate and encourages students not to take notes, but just to listen.