Blackwell Reference Online

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Elaborated by Lozanov, this language teaching method rests upon twelve psychological and pedagogical (but not linguistic) premises whose thrust is that if learning blocks and psychic tension are de-suggested, learning can be accelerated. Long tracts of material organized into acts are provided. Baroque music and comfortable surroundings are used to induce relaxation. Familiarization with each act includes a whispered concert reading to music. Vast claims have been made for the method, e.g. that 1000 target-language words per day can be retained. Detractors (e.g. Scovel) assert that suggestopaedia is a ‘pseudo-science’ and any success it has is explained by its ‘placebo’ effect. (See also humanistic approaches .) ( 1978 ). Suggestology and Outlines of Suggestopedy . New York : Gordon and Breach . ( 1979 ). Review of Suggestology and Outlines of Suggestopedy. TESOL Quarterly , 13 , 255 – 66 . ... log in or subscribe to read full text