"Train the Trainers"

Short-term joint staff training event "Train the Trainers"

METHODOLOGICAL TRAINING IN SUGGESTOPEDIA
(INTRODUCTION TO THE METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK)

The training in suggestopedia took place in Sofia, Bulgaria from 5 Dec 2016 to 9 Dec 2016. There were three representatives from each partner institution (total nine trainees).

On behalf of Medialys (France) these were Nady Makangu, Fella Slimani and France Capelli. On behalf of Centro Formazione Centrale (Italy) these were Casandra Cristea, Egidio Silvan and Radames Biondo. On behalf of KEKAL (Cyprus) these were Michalis Zanos, Marios Ioannou and Constantina Scalou.

The trainees took part in the following sessions:

1. Guided observations of suggestopedic courses
   The trainers` visits were assisted by a questionnaire to focus their attention on specific characteristics of the course which were later discussed in the training sessions.
2. Theory and experimental practice of suggestopedia
   All sessions reflected the milestones of the methodological framework of the IGETADAPT project.
3. The suggestopedic teaching and learning cycle
   The classical teaching cycle of each suggestopedic course was presented. Each cycle includes four main stages: introduction, concert sessions, elaboration of material, performance (predominantly productive practice). Each of the stages was analysed and referred to the class observations.
4. How to introduce the new global lesson (chapter from the textbook)
   The first session went deeper into the phase of introduction by providing examples of different activities, which decode the new material and prepare the students for the concert sessions.
5. Discussing and practising suggestopedic concert sessions
6. Discussing suggestopedic techniques for reproductive practice
   The session focused in detail on the different techniques used by suggestopedic teachers to practice the new language material at receptive and reproductive level.
7. Discussing suggestopedic techniques for productive practice
   Both sessions applied a task-based approach and the trainers were involved in interactive tasks to experience the methods and techniques for learning a foreign language in an affective and accelerated way.
8. The alternative paradigm of teaching and learning in suggestopedia (methods and teaching materials)
   The advantages of suggestopedia at the level of enhanced learning of vocabulary were outlined, rapid advancement in reading, communication, socialization, lack of stress and fatigue, etc.
9. Integrating content, language and art in suggestopedia-presenting parts of the WORK AND LIFE BALANCE textbook
   The last session concentrated on a new development in suggestopedia, namely, how to develop books and courses, which focus on a subject area and integrate the learning of content and language through forms of art (the traditional story book and concert sessions).
10. Practical learning experience based on the textbook WORK AND LIFE BALANCE
11. Materials / course design

The last sessions on Thursday and Friday were devoted to developing own sample materials or course outline. The trainers worked in three groups according to their nationality and were assisted in their work by the team of suggestopedic tutors.

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