Nikolay Nikolov: Stanislavski’s System in the ESL Classroom

Presentation focus

T.I.M.E. (Teenodrama Interactive Method in English) – a method of applying professional acting techniques instruction (based on Stanislavski’s System) in the target language (English), enabling ESL teenage learners to enhance their oral communication skills, as well as become more motivated in the foreign language acquisition process, along with developing other related metalinguistic and/or paralinguistic skills – is the outcome of a PhD study, conducted with teenage ESL learners at levels B2 – C1 (CEFR).

Why have you chosen this topic for your presentation?

The dramatization of, and on, educational texts and theatrical performances is a popular method of developing the communicative competence of foreign language learners of different age groups. However, its implementation is frequently connected with the mechanical memorization of the script with dubious learning outcomes.

In contrast, T.I.M.E., through Stanislavski's System, makes teenage ESL learners' target foreign language interaction authentic and vivid.

What do you want participants to take away from your presentation?

The focus of the workshop will be a brief description of the method of enhancing ESL learners’ interactive speaking skills through the instruction of professional acting techniques (based on Stanislavski’s System) and demonstration (with audience volunteers) of some of the speech and acting practice exercises applied throughout the T.I.M.E. research professional-drama phase.

Participants will be shown the magic and experience the effects of real drama in the ESL classroom.

Bio

Nikolay Nikolov holds a PhD in Modern Foreign Language Teaching Methodology, an MA in English Philology and an MA in Turkology. Since 2005 he has been managing his own school – Markoni's Language Centre.

Dr. Nikolov is an oral assessor and examiner for two independent internationally-recognized ESL examination boards, a participant and presenter in various international ELT conferences in Europe, Asia and North America, and a British Council ELTons 2012 and 2015 nominee.