The best methods of teaching foreign languages were discussed at NSUEM

 – NSUEM implements a new educational program with MGIMO University aimed at training specialists who will accompany businesses in Asian markets – reminded Vladimir Romashin. – One of the requirements of the program is that applicants should be proficient in English when entering university and master Chinese during the course of study. This will allow them to communicate with professionals from Asian countries. 

The conference started with the representatives of the «GrapeSeed» school who spoke about methods of teaching for the youngest pupils of kindergarten level and who invited conference participants to briefly return to childhood and to acquire foreign language through games and pictures. 

– I think it is great that we can find common ground with teachers of all levels. I really like working with our Russian partners because they are determined to provide the best programs for children, – comments John Harrigan, quality consultant and teacher of the GrapeSeed English language teaching program. – When we train teachers or talk to school principals we see the same thing - because of their serious attitude, we are seeing very good results. Teachers and students are very serious in their studies as well. I see more discipline during the lessons than in other countries.

Educational practices, which are already being implemented at NSUEM, were presented by professors of the department of foreign languages. For example, head of the department, Tatyana Gromoglasova, spoke about how does content language integrated learning (CLIL) works at our university, and associate professor Tatiana Shipilova presented the experience of the bilingual project. According to Tatyana Gromoglasova, the bilingual teaching method contributes not only to in-depth study of the language, but also to a deeper understanding of the subject. The technology for the implementation and application of the methodology has been well developed and proven to be effective for many years and it can also be used successfully in general education. 

– As you know, any language is a reflection of the changes taking place in a society, – says the head of the department. Since the language changes together with its user, the method of teaching should change as well as. Therefore, any progressive educational organisation monitors trends in the use of certain technologies in teaching a foreign language. Today we consider a foreign language not only as a tool of communication, but also as an instrument for intellectual development of a person, as an opportunity to form students’ “soft” skills. We want our students to learn how to work in a team in foreign language classes, to be creative in solving problems and to fulfil themselves in project activities. 

According to Yulia Melnikova, founder and director of the language school «The Gold School», despite the uniqueness and versatility of any teaching method, the final decision in choosing a teaching method remains with the student. – The most effective practice is when you methodically and regularly devote time every day to a foreign language, – commented Yulia Melnikova. – The hardest thing for many people is discipline and motivation. In order to study English language, the first thing you need to understand is why you are doing it. And from the goal comes the discipline – how often and with what intensity you do it. 

Following the results of the conference, the Head of the NSUEM international cooperation department, Tatiana Ermolina, spoke about the significance of learning a language starting from the early age. 

 – Such events are important and necessary, – comments the head of the department. – they help us to exchange experiences and best practices, as well as to help our future students starting from the school age to prepare for the work formats and level of analytics that not only the university, but also future employers expect from them.