Is a second foreign language needed in secondary school? Learning a second foreign language at school.

Teaching a second foreign language at school

Educational reforms are now taking place in most developed countries of the world - it is generally accepted that in information technology societyXXI century - the determining factor in the competition of states will be the level of education of the nation, the ability to make maximum use of its intellectual potential, and develop advanced technologies. In connection with the ongoing modernization of the education system in Russia, the role of foreign languages ​​in the education of a comprehensively developed personality is increasing.

Recently, significantly the status of a foreign language in Russian society has changed. Russia's rapid entry into the world community and the economic and sociocultural situation in the country have created a huge demand for knowledge of foreign languages ​​and created a powerful motivational base for their study.

Proficiency in a foreign language has come to be considered as a necessary personal and professional quality of any specialist, as a means of humanitarization and humanization of society, a macrofactor that unites states and peoples, and a means of socialization. Moreover, today it is already quite obvious that knowledge of one foreign language is not enough to solve problems of professional, and therefore economic and social security. Many Russian schools are introducing the study of a second or third foreign language.

In a letter from the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation dated November 28, 2000 N 3131/11-13 “On the study of foreign languages ​​in educational institutions”

it says:

State educational policy in the field of teaching foreign languages ​​is based on recognition of the importance of the development of all languages ​​and the creation of the necessary conditions for the development of bilingualism and multilingualism in Russia.

Currently, the ratio of foreign languages ​​studied in school has changed dramatically in favor of English. It is necessary to know English - this is the language of the modern global community, the Internet and the world of science. On the other hand, the development of individual regions of the world follows its own laws, and national languages ​​continue to dominate there. Potentially promising languages ​​for studying will be those countries that are actively developing trade and economic relations with Russia, and also provide interesting learning opportunities for Russian students at their universities.

Soon everyone will speak English and it will no longer provide significant competitive advantages, while knowledge of German or French is still in high demand.
Russia's main foreign trade partners today are the countries of the European Union. The most active participants are Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and the UK.

In the current situation, the only way to preserve other European languages ​​in our schools is to introduce a second foreign language through the school component. In the basic curriculum for the first time legislatively the possibility of learning a second foreign language is fixed. It can begin in basic school and continue at the senior level through the school component of the basic curriculum. For the first time, the Federal component of the state standard of secondary (complete) general education distinguishes basic and specialized levels of studying a foreign language at the senior level.

The transition from an industrial society to a post-industrial information society determines the importance of the comprehensive development of communication skills in the younger generation. It is no coincidence that UNESCO proclaimed the 21st century the century of polyglots. A second foreign language can be introduced in all types of schools (not only in schools with in-depth study of a foreign language or linguistic gymnasiums) as a compulsory academic subject or as a compulsory elective subject or, finally, as an elective.

Most often this is one of the European languages ​​mentioned above or one of the languages ​​of our neighbors. If a school can provide the study of two foreign languages, which includes English, then it is not so important that it must be the first foreign language.

The most common combinations of foreign languages ​​studied in schools are:

English (first foreign language) + German (second foreign language);

English (first foreign language) + French (second foreign language);

German (first foreign language) + English (second foreign language);

French (first foreign language) + English (second foreign language);

Spanish (first foreign language) + English (second foreign language).

The practice of teaching foreign languages ​​shows that the difficulties of mastering each new foreign language decrease by approximately half compared to the efforts spent on learning the previous language. The second language requires half the work required to master the first, the third - a quarter of this work, etc. This pattern is confirmed by the so-called law of Chernyavsky, the oldest polyglot of our country (Evgeniy Mikhailovich Chernyavsky speaks 15 languages, translates 30, teaches 12).

Many schools in cities and regions of Russia already have some experience in students learning not one, but two or even three foreign languages.

The goal of teaching a second foreign language is understood as the formation of communicative competence in a second foreign language on the basis of students’ communicative skills in their native and first foreign languages, as well as on the basis of previously formed general educational skills, both at the interlingual and interdisciplinary levels. At the same time, communicative competence is defined as the ability to consciously communicate with representatives of other cultures.

The beginning of studying a second foreign language depends on the type of school: when studying the first foreign language early, the practice of studying the second is common - from the 5th grade; in secondary schools, when studying the first foreign language from the 5th grade, the second is usually introduced from the 7th grade, although there are cases of later introduction of the second language, for example, from grades 8, 10 with a significant increase in hours for its study (up to 4 hours per week).

Practice shows that a second foreign language is learned faster and easier if the first one acts as a support for it. To do this, knowledge of the first foreign language must be sufficiently strong, which must be taken into account when choosing the timing of introducing a second foreign language in a particular school.

As for teaching aids, special educational and methodological kits have now been created for the German language as a second foreign language, namely the series of teaching aids by N.D. Galskova, L.N. Yakovleva, M. Gerber “So, German!” for grades 7 - 8, 9 - 10 (Publishing House "Prosveshchenie") and the series of teaching materials by I.L. Beam, L.V. Sadomova, T.A. Gavrilova "Bridges.

German after English" (based on English as the first foreign language) for grades 7 - 8 and 9 - 10 (publishing house "Mart"). The basis for the development of the UMK series "Bridges. German after English" is based on the "Concept of teaching German as a second foreign language (based on English)" by I.L. Beam (M., Ventana-Graf, 1997).

You can start studying English as a second language using the intensive course by V.N. Filippov “English Language” for grades 5 and 6 (Prosveshchenie publishing house).

Currently, special textbooks are being developed for all second foreign languages, which provide for the peculiarities of its study (reliance on the first, on already formed special learning skills, a faster pace of progress, etc.).

Bibliography:

1. N.D. Galskova, L. N. Yakovleva. German. 7-8 grades, “So, German!” - M. “Enlightenment” 2008.
2. Workbook for the German language textbook “So, German!” for grades 7-8 of general education institutions - M. “Prosveshcheniye” 2008.
3. Program “German” as a second foreign language. 7-11 grades. A basic level of. Author: Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor N.D. Galskova // in collection. Programs for general education institutions. German language grades 7-11. M.: “Enlightenment” 2007.

5. Bim I.L. The concept of teaching a second foreign language (German based on English). - Tver, Title, 2001. - 36 p.

6. Denisova L.G. Solovtsova E.I. Second foreign language in high school. I.Ya.Sh. – 1995 – No. 3

Individual characteristics of teaching foreign languages

Main profile of the school- variable multilinguistic language education, with the possibility of multi-level study four languages : English, French, German and Spanish.

Studying foreign languages ​​at school is possible in the following programs:

- one language at an advanced level, and the second at a general educational level, or

- two languages ​​at an advanced level (the second language is in-depth from the second half of the 2nd grade, since when studying two foreign languages ​​at an in-depth level early, it is recommended not to start them at the same time).

Children who study a second language in depth from the second grade have the opportunity to begin studying a third language in the 5th grade.

All schoolchildren learn English as their first language at an advanced level, and more than half of the students learn two languages ​​at an advanced level.

English language

In 2006, GOU Secondary School No. 1272 received a certificate from Oxford University for its success in teaching English and signed a license agreement for the right to use the Oxford Quality logo. The purpose of joint work of educational institutions was to enhance the integration of Moscow educational institutions into the international educational space through high quality of students' English language proficiency, better satisfaction of the educational needs of students and teachers in intercultural and professional communications, and improvement of software and methodological support for the educational process.

As part of the development group classes for preschoolers “Zvezdochka”, introducing children to the basics of English in an audiovisual, playful form, without relying on reading and writing, which ensures continuity of preschool and school language education.

To ensure equal starting opportunities, we offer all students first grades undergo propaedeutic English language course “Understanding the world with English” in the afternoon during extracurricular activities, so that students can painlessly change the choice of a foreign language study program in the future, if necessary.

If you do not want your child to take the “Exploring the World with English” course, a separate group can be created for such students, which will begin learning English from the second grade. In this case, you should keep in mind that your child will be able to start learning a second language only from the fifth grade at the general education level.

In grades 2-4 English is taught 3 hours per week within the framework of the Curriculum. In grades 5-11- 5 hours a week within the framework of the Curriculum.

Technical translation (English). The proposed school course allows students to look into the future and see how the skills they acquired at school may be needed in a particular profession. The course is designed for 2 years of study in 10th and 11th grade. The number of training sessions is 2 or 3 hours per week, depending on the students’ level of foreign language proficiency or depending on the humanitarian, socio-economic or natural science profile they chose at the third stage of study.

French

For schoolchildren, in-depth study of a second language is an elective subject, taught:

- at the first stage of education outside the main academic schedule due to extracurricular hours in the afternoon

- at the II and III stages of education

The remaining students learn a second language, French, as part of the general education program from the 5th grade.

German

Teaching is also conducted according to the Advanced Study Program.

- at the first stage of education

- at the II and III stages of education- the hours allocated by the BUP for a second language within the framework of the main schedule are supplemented with an in-depth study program due to hours of after-hours employment in the afternoon.

The remaining students study the second language German as part of general education programs from the 5th grade.

Spanish

Teaching is also conducted according to the Advanced Study Program.

For schoolchildren, this is an elective subject, taught outside the main curriculum:

- at the first stage of education outside the main academic schedule due to hours due to extracurricular hours in the afternoon

- at the II and III stages of education- the hours allocated by the BUP for a second language within the framework of the main schedule are supplemented with an in-depth study program due to hours of after-hours employment in the afternoon.

The rest of the students learn a second language, Spanish, as part of general education programs from the 5th grade.

Language education

The school has created and operates an Educational Resource Center as an independent educational unit of the school in the second half of the day, the purpose of which is to develop the personality of students through project and educational and research activities, developmental, pre-profile and profile programs, extended and in-depth study of subjects.

The URC offers programs for school students aimed at developing meta-subject and design-research skills of students using a foreign language:

- developmental programs (in accordance with age characteristics and needs),

- elective courses for pre-professional training,

- elective courses for specialized training at the senior level.

URC programs in foreign languages:

Preschool groups - “Game English” - level 1

Preschool groups - “Game English” - level 2

Preschool groups - “English for preschoolers”

1st grade - “Exploring the world with English”

2nd grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

2nd grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

2nd grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (deepening)"

3rd grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

3rd grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

3rd grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (deepening)"

Grades 3-4 - “Theater in French”

4th grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

4th grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

4th grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (deepening)"

5th grade - “Country studies. Discover the UK"

5th grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

5th grade - “French language. On the path to success (expansion)"

5th grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

5th grade - “German language. On the path to success (expansion)"

5th grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (deepening)"

5th grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (expansion)"

5-6th grade - “Exploring the world with French”

5-6 grades - “Spanish as a third foreign language”

6th grade - “Country studies. Discover the UK"

6th grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

6th grade - “French language. On the path to success (expansion)"

6th grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

6th grade - “German language. On the path to success (expansion)"

6th grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (deepening)"

6th grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (expansion)"

6th grade - “Entertaining French grammar”

7th grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

7th grade - “French language. On the path to success (expansion)"

7th grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

7th grade - “German language. On the path to success (expansion)"

7th grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (expansion)"

7th grade - “French language. We read with interest"

7-8 grade - “Theater in French”

8th grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

8th grade - “French language. On the path to success (expansion)"

8th grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

8th grade - “German language. On the path to success (expansion)"

8th grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (expansion)"

8th grade - “This amazing German”

8th grade - “This amazing French”

8th grade - “French with ease”

9th grade - “This amazing English”

9th grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

9th grade - “French language. On the path to success (expansion)"

9th grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

9th grade - “German language. On the path to success (expansion)"

9th grade - “Spanish language. On the path to success (expansion)"

9th grade - “This amazing German”

9th grade - “This amazing French”

Grade 10 - “Spanish as a third foreign language”

10th grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

10th grade - “French language. On the path to success (expansion)"

10th grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

10th grade - “German language. On the path to success (expansion)"

Grades 10-11 - “Development of compensatory competence in learning English”

11th grade - “French language. On the path to success (deepening)"

11th grade - “French language. On the path to success (expansion)"

11th grade - “German language. On the path to success (deepening)"

11th grade - “German language. On the path to success (expansion)"

5-7 grades- extended study of a second foreign language (French/German/Spanish)

2-11 grades- in-depth study of a second foreign language (French/German/Spanish)

As part of the implementation of the School Development Program and the integration of basic and additional language education within the framework of additional education, the following are offered:

- Language theater,

Studying third languages(Spanish, French and German),

Studying “business” languages: English, French and German included in the course "Electronic office" for students in grades 9-11, upon completion of which school graduates receive the qualifications of secretary-assistant and office manager with knowledge of “business languages”.

School No. 1272 since 2000 collaborates with the Faculty of English Philology of the Moscow City Pedagogical University. The university provides assistance in the methodological and innovative work of the Department of Foreign Languages, the school conducts teaching practice for 4th year students, and 5th year students undergo continuous practice at the school during the academic year. This type of school activity ensures the continuity of school and university education, which ensures the continuity of the student’s language education.

Thus, the school implements various educational programs in the field of language education (basic and additional), which include preschool education and connection with higher education, forming an integral system based on the principles of continuity, continuity, accessibility and personal orientation of students. Forms in students strong self-education skills and the need to continue education throughout life.

Consequently, the unified educational environment created at the school based on the integration of preschool, general education, primary, secondary vocational and additional language education corresponds to the goal of the school: creating an individual educational trajectory of the student depending on the needs and abilities of each.

The main advantage of studying a second foreign language at school lies on the surface - it is the opportunity to send a child to study at a foreign university, both for a full course of study and for several semesters under a student exchange program. As you know, education abroad is not a cheap pleasure. However, talented children have the opportunity to enroll in a government-funded department or win a training grant from one of the commercial or non-profit organizations.

For example, countries such as Germany and France offer excellent public higher education programs, but there is one catch - teaching is conducted in the official language of the country. Of course, there are courses in English, but the vast majority of them are paid, and the competition for such programs is many times higher. International student mobility programs such as Erasmus Mundus also often require, or at least consider as an advantage, certificates confirming knowledge of the official languages ​​of the countries in which the study will take place.

Of course, in addition to the practical aspect, learning several foreign languages ​​also has a romantic side. Many of those who have visited Europe have been amazed at how easy it is to meet a person on the street who speaks three or four languages ​​fluently. After all, any foreign language is an additional chance to make friends, find love or advance your career. As Nelson Mandela said:

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

(“If you speak to a person in a language he understands, you speak to his mind. If you speak to him in his native language, you speak to his heart.”)

In general, the innovation itself looks quite logical and useful. But what will happen if we implement it in the conditions of our domestic reality?

1. “Russia is not Europe”

No matter how much many of us would like to get closer to Europe (or even move for permanent residence), the living conditions “here” and “there” are radically different. A compact territory, a single visa-free space, cheap air tickets, high-speed electric trains, a high level of student and labor mobility... Russia can only dream of all this.

It is common for a European to fall asleep in Rome and wake up in Paris. It is quite normal for a European to be born in Italy, grow up in France, get educated in Germany, and then go to work in the Netherlands. A European may have a mother from Austria, a father from the Czech Republic, a best friend from Switzerland and a girlfriend from the USA. And this is not to mention countries like Belgium, where there are only three official languages. How can you avoid becoming a polyglot?

2. “Oh, if only I had someone to talk to”

Since the average Russian schoolchild does not have a pressing need to speak a foreign language, the only motivation for studying remains “high goals” and “dreams of a bright future.” But here, too, not everything is so simple.

If in prestigious gymnasiums and lyceums (where, in fact, they have been teaching two foreign languages ​​for a long time), 9 out of 10 students would not mind going to study abroad, then in ordinary schools on the outskirts, it’s good if 1 out of 10 is found. As a result, talented and motivated children will have to learn the language among completely unmotivated peers. But a foreign language is not mathematics, where you can calmly solve problems alone; You need to communicate in a foreign language. What to do if you have no one to communicate with?

3. Hindi or Swahili?

A separate sore point is the teaching staff in schools. After all, the question of quantity is no less acute than the question of quality. Not everyone knows that in many schools there are still not enough English teachers. In this regard, half of the children are forced to learn not the language that is needed, but the one that is “available.” German, for example. There is reason to believe that with a second foreign language everything will be even worse. I’ll enter it, but you and I are unlikely to be asked what kind of language it will be.

4. “We should at least learn English!”

And, perhaps, the most important thing is the quality of education itself. How many of you learned English in a regular high school? Not in a gymnasium with “in-depth study”, not in courses at a language school or in classes with a tutor? There can be many reasons, and you shouldn’t blame everything on “bad teachers.” The teacher may be the most wonderful, but the conditions at school are initially unfavorable for learning any foreign language.

How does it usually happen? A class of 30 people is divided into 2 groups of 15 students each. The lesson lasts 45 minutes, that is, only 3 minutes for each child. But you still need to check your homework, analyze a new topic, solve some organizational issues... What about study guides? Biboletova alone is worth so much! Gloom, boredom and, as a result, a complete aversion to the English language in the child. Is anyone else surprised that children cannot speak English after school?

As a conclusion

Of course, parents’ worries about the introduction of a second foreign language cannot be called in vain. There is a high probability that by the end of their studies according to the updated standard, children will not learn to speak any foreign language, but will acquire a bunch of complexes and a firm belief that “I have no abilities.”

But if parents are unable to change state standards, then it is quite possible to set their own “educational standards” at home.

Look for good teachers for your children, teach them yourself, travel more, make new acquaintances, watch films and read books... Become your child’s guide to the exciting world of foreign languages, and one day he will thank you.

Starting from September 2015, in schools of the Russian Federation, starting from the fifth grade, a second foreign language is being introduced as a compulsory subject. This is a new standard of education in all regions of the country. This decision was made back in 2010, but was implemented after five years.

Reasons for changing the program about a second foreign language at school

A second foreign language in school for the 2016-2017 academic year, according to the Minister of Education, is a vital necessity. A foreign language is a means for developing memory and thinking, therefore studying it will help the comprehensive development of schoolchildren.

The choice of a second language depends on the capabilities of the school, on the choice of parents and students. According to research, rural schools and institutions with minimal financial resources cannot fully afford to implement the requirements of the new legislative decision. This is due to the shortage of teaching staff in the specialized subject and the lack of opportunity to order and purchase textbooks and educational literature.

The study of a second foreign language in lyceums and gymnasiums has long been implemented. In some educational institutions, students even study three languages.

Time frame for implementing the law

The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Dmitry Livanov, claims that it will be possible to fully implement this task in five years. This is due to the lack of economic support and school opportunities. The head noted that initially the introduction of a second language is carried out only in every tenth school in the country. In other educational institutions this will happen gradually, when the degree of their readiness for this is optimal.

Livanov argues that in the absence of textbooks, other literature and specialists, it makes no sense to introduce such an idea. Knowledge of a second language will not be observed at the proper level. In this case, it is better to master one thoroughly than to know both poorly. In this case, a number of educational institutions were given the opportunity to delay the implementation of such changes.

School heads are not all happy with these changes and asked for a delay due to lack of readiness. So, much in the situation depends on the choice of the parents. The latter can offer any language, even if it is not on the list of those taught by the school. And this entails that the educational institution will not have proper methodological training and teachers who could teach the chosen subject. Therefore, preparation is necessary. And they won’t introduce the language in high school – only starting from the fifth grade.

Among the rights that the school was given in this matter, it became possible to choose the year when a foreign language will be introduced into the program, as well as regulate the number of hours for its study. In this case the load will not increase. That is, the number of lessons per week required by the standard will remain within the limits permitted by law.

Other educational policy changes

Among the main innovations, the mandatory use of electronic textbooks is also noted. This way, students will be able to carry less weight on their shoulders and protect their health.

Second foreign language at school: questions, problems, prospects.

Prepared by:

Sagaidakova N.L.

MKOU "Novoivanovskaya secondary school"

Email:[email protected]

“One language leads you into the corridor of life.

Two languages ​​open all doors along this path."

(Frank Smith)

Changes in the political, socio-economic and cultural life of Russia that have been taking place in the country over the past 20 years, of course, are reflected in language policy and language education in our country. Early learning of foreign languages ​​has become popular, and the trend of mastering several foreign languages ​​is becoming increasingly widespread. The first foreign language, in most cases, is English, on the basis of which children begin learning another European language.

The general goal of teaching a foreign language, including a second foreign language, as an academic subject in the context of the new federal state standard of general education is formulated in the text of the fundamental core of the content of general education - one of the basic documents of the new generation Federal State Educational Standard. It consists of developing foreign language communicative competence in schoolchildren, that is, “the ability and readiness to carry out foreign language interpersonal and intercultural communication with native speakers.”

In the new academic year (from September 1, 2015), a second foreign language will become a compulsory subject in school education, said the head of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Livanov. The head of the Ministry of Education and Science emphasized the importance of learning foreign languages ​​at school. “This is not just a means of communication, but also a means of developing the child’s memory and intelligence,” he noted. On September 1, the first federal state educational standard (FSES) for grades 5-9 comes into force in Russia. It defines the status of a second foreign language for the first time - it is included in the list of compulsory subjects in the subject area of ​​"philology".

We are actively integrating into the global community and the global education system. In Europe, everyone knows several languages, so our children should master at least two. True, for this it will be necessary to unload the school curriculum: the main emphasis will be on the study of the Russian language, literature, history, mathematics and foreign languages, and the program in other subjects will be made more compact.

To introduce a second foreign language, knowledge of the first foreign language must be sufficiently strong. The beginning of studying a second foreign language depends on the type of school: when studying the first foreign language early, the practice of studying the second is common - from the 5th grade; in secondary schools, when studying the first foreign language from the 5th grade, the second is usually introduced from the 7th grade, although there are cases of later introduction of the second language, for example, from grades 8, 10 with a significant increase in hours for studying it (up to 4 hours per week). A second language is given an hour or two a week in schools; it can be either a compulsory or an elective subject.

As for teaching aids, special educational and methodological kits have been created for the German language as a second foreign language, namely the N.D. series of teaching materials. Galskova, L.N. Yakovleva,

M. Gerber "So, German!" for grades 7 - 8, 9 - 10 (prosveshcheniye publishing house) and the UMK series I.L. Beam, L.V. Sadomova, T.A. Gavrilova "Bridges. German after English" (based on English as the first foreign language) for grades 7 - 8 and 9 - 10 (publishing house "Mart"). Work is underway on the third part of this series. The development of the series of teaching materials "Bridges. German after English" is based on the "Concept of teaching German as a second foreign language (based on English)" by I.L. Bim (M., Ventana-Graf, 1997). Line of educational complex “Horizons” by M. M. Averin and others. German as a second foreign language. 5–9 grades.

In French as a second foreign language, it is recommended to use the intensive course I.B. Vorozhtsova "Bon voyage!" (Publishing house "Prosveshcheniye").

To study Spanish as a second language, the current series of teaching materials on Spanish as a first foreign language by E.I. can be used. Solovtsova, V.A. Belousova (prosveshcheniye publishing house).

You can start learning English as a second language using the intensive course by V.N. Filippova "English language" for grades 5, 6 (Publishing house "Prosveshcheniye").

Many parents have already heard that a second compulsory foreign language is being introduced in schools. Moreover, representatives of education, and some parents, consider this the norm. However, even the opinions of experts are divided - more than half are confident that the introduction of a compulsory second foreign language will only entail a weakening of our native, Russian language. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education even lowers Unified State Exam scores in order to issue children a certificate of secondary education, since almost a third of schoolchildren simply do not reach the normal level of knowledge of Russian.

Starting from 2020, the third mandatory Unified State Examination will be introduced - in foreign languages. You can only prepare well for exams by turning to the services of tutors. So how can you introduce a second foreign language if the issue with the first is not resolved?! And who will lead it?

Let's figure out what problems are associated with learning a second foreign language at school.

Lack of practical application ( Some children directly tell their parents: “I don’t want to learn (foreign) English/German, I won’t need it anywhere in my life.” We are used to admiring Europeans, many of whom speak several foreign languages. However, life in Russia is strikingly different from European realities. Europeans live in conditions of close economic and cultural integration, as well as active labor and student mobility. As for the majority of Russian citizens, for us this state of affairs is the exception rather than the rule. Of course, there are examples of people from Russia who also go to study or work abroad, but compared to the bulk of the population, these are very few.

Teacher shortage ( In many “regular” schools, some children are forced to learn a foreign language solely on the basis of the availability of a teacher. From here a stream of questions immediately arises. Where will schools find new teachers? What languages ​​will they teach? How will this affect the number of hours allocated to other subjects (including Russian)? Questions, questions, questions to which no one has yet given a clear answer.))

Low learning efficiency (But what worries parents most of all is the quality of education. Of course, you can blame staff turnover, unprofessionalism of teachers, or, to put it mildly, “strange” textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education... But, by and large, school lessons are generally of little use for studying Just imagine: a class of 30 people is divided into 2 groups. The lesson lasts 45 minutes, with only 3 minutes left per student. But you still need to devote time to organizational issues, explain a new topic and check your homework. speaks in class for no more than one minute. Should we be surprised at the disastrous results? In general, whatever one may say, parents’ fears cannot be called unfounded. Many are already forced to resort to the services of tutors, since the child cannot figure it out on his own, and his parents cannot. help (for example, because they themselves studied German at school, or simply forgot everything). In this light, the prospect of paying for a second tutor also looks scary. But getting twos or threes in the school magazine is not the worst thing. The saddest thing is that after such “training” children leave school with a firm belief in their “inability” and an ardent hostility to languages.)

But not all schools are ready to introduce a second foreign language. Each specific school has its own educational situation: the presence or absence of qualified personnel in a particular foreign language, its own traditions of teaching this subject. Parents and students choose the language they are learning based on their interests and needs.

But in fact, speaking a foreign language is a very useful practical skill. Languages ​​open up new opportunities for travel and career advancement, to expand your horizons and make friends around the world.

At the same time, experts note that learning two foreign languages ​​is much easier than one, and the sooner a child masters this, the easier it will be for him in later life. A second foreign language is learned faster and easier if the first one acts as a support for it.

Foreign language classes have not only an educational purpose, but also a developmental one - they train memory, broaden their horizons, and introduce them to a different culture. Therefore, even if the child does not use this language in the future, the second language lessons will not be useless.

But, of course, you shouldn’t place the same hopes on it as on your main foreign language.

“For language learning, free curiosity is much more important than formidable necessity.” Aurelius Augustine

Bibliography

Bim I.L. The concept of teaching a second foreign language (German based on English). - Tver, Title, 2001. - 36 p.

Denisova L.G. Solovtsova E.I. Second foreign language in high school. I.Ya.Sh. – 1995 – No. 3