10.

Suggestopedia ( Approach )
INTRODUCTION
The name of Suggestopedia is from the words “suggestion” and “pedagogy.” It was developed
by Georgi Lozanov. The most characteristics of Suggestopedia are the decoration, furniture,
arrangement of the classroom, the use of music ( Baroque or Pre-classical ), authoritative
behavior of teacher. Music is important element with both intonation and rhythm. The teacher
teaches the material in “a playful manner” instead of analyzing the lexis and grammar of the text
in a directive manner. Lozanov claimed that by using this method one can teach languages
approximately three to five times as quickly as conventional methods. Gaston defines 3 functions
of music in therapy : to facilitate the establishment of personal relation; to bring about increased
self-esteem through increased self-satisfaction in musical performance; to use the unique
potential of rhythm to bring order.

THEORY OF LANGUAGE

Lozanov refers to the importance of expressing language material in “whole meaningful texts”.
He notes that suggestopedic course directs “the students not to vocabulary memorization and
acquiring habits of speech, but to acts of communication”. He recommends home study of
recordings of “whole meaningful texts”. Texts should be lighthearted stories with emotional
content. Lozanov’s recommendation of such stories seems to be motivational, does not represent
commitment to the view that language is preeminently learned for and used in its emotive
function. In class, the focus of a lesson is a dialogue supported by music.

THEORY OF LEARNING

Lozanov claims that distinguishes of his method from hypnosis and other forms of mind control
is that these other forms lack ‘a desuggestive-suggestive sense’. Desuggestion seems to involve
unloading the memory banks or reserves of unwanted or blocking memories. Suggestion
involves loading the memory banks with desired and facilitating memories.

There are some theoretical components :

1. Authority – people remember best and are most influenced by information coming from
an authoritative source. According to Richards and Rodgers, the method itself is
supposed to gain authority by the use of “scientific-sounding language, highly positive
experimental data and true-believer teachers”. The teacher becomes a figure of authority
by displaying self-confidence, acting ability and a highly positive attitude. He is also
backed up by the 'success stories' told about Suggestopedia.
2. Infantilization - Suggestopedia aims to establish a “teacher-student relation like that of
parent to child”. The student is supposed to engage in role-plays, games, songs, and
 gymnastic exercises. Part of the infantilization process is also that the student chooses a
new name for himself/herself.

3. Double-planedness - 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.
Suggestopedia regards the learners' environment as an important factor for learning.
Classrooms are therefore supposed to have certain characteristics. A classroom's
decoration is to be "pleasant and cheerful" while the lighting should be "soft and
unobtrusive". The chairs are cushioned and specially constructed for this kind of
classroom. The seats are placed in an open circle with the teacher's chair being placed at
the head of the class.
4. Intonation, Rhythm, and Concert Pseudo-Passiveness - The teacher varies the intonation
and the rhythm of his/her voice when reading to the students. This is done in order to
“avoid boredom” and “dramatize, emotionalize, and give meaning to linguistic material”.
Music is used in the background while the students listen to dialogues being read out to
them. The music is supposed to evoke in the students a “concert pseudo-passiveness” as
Lozanov calls it. Special breathing techniques, taken from yoga and supporting the effect
of the music, are also employed.