RussianNYC LLC
Teaching Method and Fundamental Facts
about Second Language Acqusition (SLA)
In this section, I'd like to cite relevant linguistic research findings on how people acquire second languages, and address why my teaching method can seem different when compared to the typical language classroom experience.
I understand language to be “an implicit and abstract mental representation that humans use to interpret and express meaning” (Keating 2016, p. 2). As Keating states, “the mental representations that end
up in people’s minds are of a different nature than the rules of thumb commonly found in textbooks and prescriptive grammars” (p. 2), a distinction that is key in second language instruction (see VanPatten, 2017). Implicit in Keating’s definition is the idea that language lies outside of our conscious awareness, and how it operates in our brains cannot be easily described. Native speakers have an intuition about whether a sentence is possible or not in a language, but often cannot explain why. Pedagogical rules that teachers have devised and which are presented in language textbooks “aren't psychologically real” (VanPatten, 2017, p. 20). These rigit
teaching method
In this section, I'd like to lay out the definition of a language, describe the process of second language acquisition and factors that contribute to it, addressing why my teaching method can seem different when compared to the typical grammar-focused language classroom experience.
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I understand language to be “an implicit and abstract mental representation that humans use to interpret and express meaning” (Keating, 2016). As Keating states, “the mental representations that end
up in people’s minds are of a different nature than the rules of thumb commonly found in textbooks and prescriptive grammars”, a distinction that is key in second language instruction (see VanPatten, 2017). Implicit in Keating’s definition is the idea that language lies outside of our conscious awareness, and how it operates in our brains cannot be easily described. Native speakers have an intuition about whether a sentence is possible or not in a language, but often cannot explain why. Pedagogical rules that teachers have devised and which are presented in language textbooks “aren't psychologically real” (vanPatten, 2017). they do not account for all
INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN
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One-on-one
CLASSES
At one-on-one classes, we can work on meeting your specific goals and needs whether you want to work on improving your grammar, communication skills, or vocabulary in a particular area (business, tourism, literature, etc).
Details:
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$70/ a class
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Each class lasts 60 minutes + personalized homework
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All levels are welcome!
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Most classes are online (via Zoom). In person classes are held in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
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Start date: anytime.
SMALL GROUP
CLASSES
*CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE*
Group classes are a great way to learn about Russian culture and enhance your language skills while enjoying an informal, fun atmosphere. ​
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Details:​
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Each class is 60 minutes long.
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Cooperative atmosphere in small groups with a maximum of four students.
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All group classes are online (via Zoom) at the moment.
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All levels are welcome!
If you are booking your first class, click the "book" button, email to olga.ojiganova@gmail.com
Thank you!