Date:         Tue, 22 Sep 1998 13:01:04 -0700
Reply-To:     Robin Turner <robin@BILKENT.EDU.TR>
Sender:       Lojban list <LOJBAN@CUVMB.BITNET>
From:         Robin Turner <robin@BILKENT.EDU.TR>
Subject:      Re: Online learning (kinda)
To:           Multiple recipients of list LOJBAN <LOJBAN@CUVMB.BITNET>
Message-ID: <906458599.11697.0@listserv.cuny.edu>
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la pablos. cu cusku di'e

> What's that "suggestopoedia approach"?
>

Suggestopoedia was a pedagogic method developed by Lozanov in Bulgaria
in the 1970's.  It is based on two observations:

1.  Learning is improved by suggestion that learning will take place
easily and rapidly (hence the name);
2.  Passive learning (e.g. memorisation of vocabulary) takes place best
in a relaxed state, specifically when the brain is producing a lot of
alpha waves.

The hallmark of suggestopoedia is the playing of slow baroque music
during the "passive" sessions, which lowers the heart-rate and blood
pressure and increases alpha wave activity.

Suggestopoedia mde a big stir in the early 80's but, like most of the
other alternative methodologies of the time (Community Language
Learning, the Silent Way, Total Physical Response etc.) it fizzled out
later on.  However, a British offshoot, "Accelerated Learning" is
becoming quite popular - this takes the basic Suggestopoedia techniques
and adds other methods like mind-mapping.

I think if you ignore the more exaggerated claims and the flim-flam
about split brains and the like, many of these alternative techniques
can be useful in language learning.

co'o mi'e robin.