Modern linguodidactics and mnemonics: from the experience of teaching students how to memorize new vocabulary
The paper deals with the search and application of effective methods of memorizing foreign language vocabulary, based on integrative and personal development approaches within the framework of modern linguodidactics. The Internet era, which maximally simplifies the process of searching for and translating foreign words, engender among students a false idea that there is no need to form special skills of memorizing foreign language vocabulary. In this regard, the development of new ways how to activate memory for educational purposes is of particular relevance, as well as the study of such mental processes of memory as memorizing, preserving, reproducing and forgetting. The author refers to some aspects of linguodidactics’ and mnemonics’ historical evolution, foreign and Russian experience of using mnemonic techniques in the process of studying and teaching foreign languages. Memorizing based on mnemonic encoding into images (when objects are linked with existing information in the memory) contributes to the process of mastering foreign language vocabulary, it becomes faster and easier, and it results in a long-term memorization of the material. In the paper, the author shares the practical experience of applying and teaching mnemonic techniques at English classes. The latter include phonetic associations, visual images, pictures, kinesthetic representations. In conclusion, the author makes an inference that it is advisable to teach students the technique of mnemonics as one of the effective ways to facilitate the process of memorizing new vocabulary.