Subconscious Training English Skills
In the first part of this article, I described the deficiencies of 'total immersion' and 'comprehensible input,' and why these methods cannot be recommended for acquiring fluency in English by digital learners.
In the second part of this article, I describe the new method of 'subconscious training English skills,' and why it is the winner among the known methods of learning English.
Should Teachers Be Replaced By Digital Programs?
The science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke memorably stated that “any teacher who can be replaced by a machine should be.” Let's elaborate on this statement from a different perspective. The modern mobile application for subconscious training English skills can provide a language training environment that no teacher or even a linguist can create. Does it mean that the English teachers should be replaced by mobile application? Of course not! It means that the current role of teachers should be changed, and they should be turned into language trainers or coaches who help learners in their self-training in the classroom using mobile applications. This new approach maximizes benefits because the mobile application can be used for learning just 'right ' in the classroom and after the class is over. Thus, the learners start speaking English fluently much faster because they use a subconscious process that is 500,000 times faster than conscious learning.
Subconscious Training Combines A Multitude Of New Processes
The method of subconscious training English skills combines a multitude of new processes which were never used for learning languages before:
- Special drills for activating right brain processing.
- Priming implicit memory that results in “retention without remembering.”
- Comprehensible multimedia input.
- Simultaneous repetition
Reading the text, listening to the recording by native speakers and speaking concurrently. - All texts are comprehensible due to the built-in contextual translation organized to eliminate the innate habit of cross-translating in the head.
- Self-testing of active vocabulary is built-in the application with diagnostic feedback measuring learners' fluency.
- Learners add lessons of their own choice by copying any text and using the high-quality text-to-speech program for simultaneous repetition.
Special Drills For Activating Right Brain Processing
Learning Just 'Right' - the word 'right' in this phrase has two meanings: (a) correct or in optimal form and (b) activating right-hemisphere of the brain. When we complement left-directed thinking with right-directed intuitive processing we create a whole new mind that will be capable of subconscious training language skills. Our language schools traditionally are engaged mostly in left brain (logical) conscious learning with appalling forgetting curve.
Each lesson in subconscious training starts with observing a Word Cloud in colored 3D fonts and spatially located in various directions. This drill activates the right hemisphere of the brain that is responsible for language acquisition. Each Word Cloud has a dynamic content: each time a learner opens the mobile application a different set of words from the current lesson is displayed, and different relaxing music is played.
Priming Implicit Memory
Priming implicit memory consists of observing a Word Cloud graphically formatted in colored 3D fonts in 3D space for about 60 seconds while listening to relaxing music. Priming implicit memory sets the stage for learners to start the subconscious training English skills by invoking “retention without remembering.” Implicit memory is a type of memory in which previous experiences aid in the performance of a task without conscious awareness of these experiences. Evidence for implicit memory arises in priming: a process whereby adult learners show improved performance on tasks for which they have been subconsciously prepared; in this case, by observing Words Cloud and listening to relaxing music they improve retention of new words from the lesson. Visual priming works best when the learner observes the visual signals in a state of relaxation.
Comprehensible Multimedia Input
One of the main tools in subconscious training English skills is comprehensible multimedia input. Let’s define each word in this new concept:
- Comprehensible
It contains a new type of support in the native language that makes all lessons and drills understandable by providing contextual translation for a very limited time, sufficient for visualization the story and eliminating the cross-translation habit of adult learners. - Multimedia
Reading the text, listening to the recording, speaking, and recording of the learner’s speech is built-in the application. Multimedia support utilizes all senses concurrently and ensures a subconscious process of training because it is not possible to perform three actions simultaneously and to keep conscious control of the learning process. - Input
Each lesson contains pre-recorded lessons and drills on various topics, and text added by the learner or the teacher. Each lesson of the Input ends with an inspiring poem since we know that the fastest are the learners who are emotionally involved in the process. Most importantly, the mobile application requires simultaneous repetition to ensure subconscious training. It has unlimited possibilities of creating authentic new lessons with much higher acquisition efficiency than 'total immersion' or 'comprehensible input.'
Keep in mind that according to this definition, many popular learning options such as video lessons, conversations with native speakers, online learning or such programs as Duolingo, Babbel, etc., DO NOT belong to comprehensible multimedia input.
Comprehensible multimedia input is always brought to the learners via a smartphone, the ubiquitous device that all generations of English learners use daily for many hours. In the comprehensible multimedia input, there is no place for passive listening or reading or watching. You need more Input, not more speaking practice. More speaking will not improve your vocabulary and grammar; actually, it can make things worse. According to Krashen, talking (output) is not practicing or experiencing English. Comprehensible multimedia input combines output (speaking) with multimedia input and ensures subconscious training of English skills.
Simultaneous Repetition
Simultaneous repetition allows all students in the classroom to perform three actions at the same time: reading the text, listening to the recording and speaking simultaneously using earphones and working on the lessons provided by the mobile application. In subconscious training, learners speak 5-10 times more than in a traditional classroom or in Total Immersion because the output (speaking) takes place concurrently with the input (lesson text is displayed while a recording of the text by native speakers is played).
In cases when the lessons are created by the student or teacher, the learners are reading, listening and speaking (output) by imitating the natural-sounding text-to-speech program.
Contextual Translation Makes All Texts Comprehensible
When the learner taps on any English word of the lesson in the mobile application, a window appears on the display with a context-specific translation (only one meaning according to the context) into the native language. If the learner selects as the individual word “work,” for example, an answer bar will display not all 22 translations of this word, as is the case in Mandarin, but only one context-specific translation of this word that actually fits the context of the lesson text.
It is believed that context-specific translations may resolve the problem of cross-translation into the native language that most adult learners perform subconsciously. Hearing the word in English and seeing its context-specific translation helps to form a direct link between the English word and its image or action which it describes.
Self-Testing Of Active Vocabulary
Learners take a self-test of active vocabulary after they complete each lesson, putting on earphones with a microphone and saying a few sentences on any topic from their experience prompted by the word that drops down randomly from a Word Cloud. Learners use earphones with a microphone for both self-training and guided learning to ensure high audio quality during simultaneous repetition and testing. The learner’s speech is automatically recorded and used for evaluating fluency and giving diagnostic feedback. The learner can share the recording via social networking or by attaching it to an email to the teacher in the case of blended learning.
Testing active vocabulary provides gamification elements and keeps the learners engaged. Responding quickly during tests helps learners develop the habit of automatic speech by pushing them to think in English.
Adding New Lessons To Mobile Application
The mobile application allows learners or teachers to create their own lessons by copying and pasting (or manually entering) text using the high quality, natural-sounding text-to-speech program to perform simultaneous repetition of the new material. This feature could be used to assign or post homework or help job-seekers prepare for interviews or create professional presentations. This feature of adding new lessons could be used for vocational training or to adjust the application for general English to special English in various industries.
Special English Or Globish
For every native speaker, there are three non-native speakers. It is natural and obvious that English as the language of global communication differs from standard English by its limited vocabulary (1500 – 2000 words), reduced speed of speech (about ⅔ of the speed of a native speaker), and simplified grammar that is closer to intuitive grammar than to formal grammar. Some call this global language Special English, others prefer the term 'Globish.' Whatever term you use, remember that it is not an objective; it is a practical result of the current situation when 75% of global communications in English are carried out by non-native speakers.
Conclusion
'Subconscious training English skills' is based on new pedagogy implemented on mobile devices which learners use daily for hours. Subconscious training is stress-free with no forgetting curve; it eliminates cross-translation and develops the skill of thinking in English and speaking effortlessly. Subconscious Training is equally beneficial for self-training and for learning guided by English trainers familiar with the patented technology.
The company who will implement subconscious training English skills will control the language market throughout the next decade.
