Using methodology developed and piloted here at Daugavpils University, current English Language Fellow, Stephen Schuit, is taking his English language approach “on the road” here in the Baltics. Along with State Department English Teaching counterparts from Riga and Vilnius, Tamrika Khvtisiashvili, and Angela Dadak, they are presenting their respective areas of expertise to local English teachers at the University of Tartu, the University of Latvia, and finally, here in Daugavpils at the local Department of Education, in conjunction with Ilona Ustinova, Director of Methodology.

Stephen Schuit’s research area of focus is entitled “The Emotional Values Auction: A New ESL Teaching Methodology, Where Skills Meet Emotions.” An Emotional Values Auction is a new, unique, and innovative methodology for teaching English. It replicates the structure of an actual auction. The process incorporates student skill development in the areas of writing, reading, presenting and speaking. The context is both cognitive and emotional, as the students consider items to submit to the auction that represent their experience with, for example, the emotions of generosity or loss. Students present their items to the class and expand on their experiences by telling their stories. Other students bid on the items that they feel a connection to. Bids are made by writing about why they think they would be good stewards for receiving the item. The submitted bids are reviewed by the original donor of the item, and that person selects the final recipient. No money is exchanged. The “currency” is shared experience and learning. Students report positive levels of satisfaction with the process based on several factors.

On 26 April, 2005, the group’s workshops at the University of Tartu were well received. Well over 60-individuals participated. They completed the morning with more effective tools and enhanced methodology for teaching English in their respective classrooms.

Additional information:

Stephen Schuit

English Fellow, U.S. State Dept. 

Daugavpils University

e-mail: schuitstephen33@gmail.com