RussianNYC LLC
Teaching Method and Fundamental Facts
about Second Language Acqusition (SLA)
In this section, I'd like to cite relevant linguistic research findings on how people acquire second languages, and address why my teaching method can seem different when compared to the typical language classroom experience.
I understand language to be “an implicit and abstract mental representation that humans use to interpret and express meaning” (Keating 2016, p. 2). As Keating states, “the mental representations that end
up in people’s minds are of a different nature than the rules of thumb commonly found in textbooks and prescriptive grammars” (p. 2), a distinction that is key in second language instruction (see VanPatten, 2017). Implicit in Keating’s definition is the idea that language lies outside of our conscious awareness, and how it operates in our brains cannot be easily described. Native speakers have an intuition about whether a sentence is possible or not in a language, but often cannot explain why. Pedagogical rules that teachers have devised and which are presented in language textbooks “aren't psychologically real” (VanPatten, 2017, p. 20). These rigit
teaching method
In this section, I'd like to lay out the definition of a language, describe the process of second language acquisition and factors that contribute to it, addressing why my teaching method can seem different when compared to the typical grammar-focused language classroom experience.
​
I understand language to be “an implicit and abstract mental representation that humans use to interpret and express meaning” (Keating, 2016). As Keating states, “the mental representations that end
up in people’s minds are of a different nature than the rules of thumb commonly found in textbooks and prescriptive grammars”, a distinction that is key in second language instruction (see VanPatten, 2017). Implicit in Keating’s definition is the idea that language lies outside of our conscious awareness, and how it operates in our brains cannot be easily described. Native speakers have an intuition about whether a sentence is possible or not in a language, but often cannot explain why. Pedagogical rules that teachers have devised and which are presented in language textbooks “aren't psychologically real” (vanPatten, 2017). they do not account for all
INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN
INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN
INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN
INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN
INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN
One-on-one classes are primarily designed to develop your communication skills while learning about Russian culture. Classes can be focused on Russian art, literature, history, politics, etc.
SMALL GROUP CLASSES
(UP TO 6 PEOPLE)
Small group classes can help you gain confidence in speaking Russian while learning new grammar and vocabulary in a fun and engaging environment.
all levels are welcome !
Hello!
​
My name is Olya Ozhiganova. I'm a native of St. Petersburg, a language instructor certified by Moscow State University, and a recent M.A. graduate of the City University of New York's linguistics department.
​​
I have over five years of experience teaching Russian and love sharing my native language and culture with others. I truly believe learning should be fun!
​
In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and traveling with my husband Ben and our dog Charlie.
​
I’d be happy to join you on your Russian journey!
Olya Ozhiganova
reviews
John feldman
Olya teaches with a perfect balance between the abstract and concrete aspects of Russian. I had an overemphasis on formal memorization, but Olya quickly got me thinking and speaking in Russian, which I could not do before. She even taught with some unorthodox but fun techniques, like practicing texting in Russian. Now, I can regularly converse with friends from Russia who cannot speak English.
leeAnn stover
Olya is amazing! She is always super prepared, finds fun and effective ways to teach concepts, and is always so encouraging and positive. She also adjusts her methods and bases her pacing on your personal needs and experiences, which I have really appreciated. Highly recommend!!
olga morozova
Olya is wonderful! I go to American school, though Russian is my native language. To keep my Russian at a level, so I could read and write (not just speak), I started taking Olya's classes. She is very engaging, and I like that she adjusted to my level and age, so it is both fun and interesting. Because of Olya I keep reading in Russian and make fewer mistakes in writing. She also brought me some new teen/young adult books in Russian from St.Petersburg, which I appreciate!
cass
lowry
Olya's pedagogical style is focused on communicative competence. Even though I was at a beginner's level, she had me speaking from the first class. Week to week, my confidence increased rapidly. After just a month, I was able to introduce myself, describe my family, and speak in sentences to describe my interests. Plus, Olya is charming, supportive, and fun. I cannot recommend her enough!!
teaching method
As a graduate of linguistics, my method of teaching Russian as a second language is based on research practices to help learners of all ages effectively learn a second language most effectively rather than on common pedagogical assumptions.
​
Second language research has shown that the communicative approach is most effective. Exposing learners to a great deal of language input is the key mechanism behind second language acquisition. Thus, I have adjusted my lessons accordingly - all of them are communicative, purposeful, and involve plenty of Russian from the beginning.
