Хоффман Айгуль Наисовна
Aygul Hoffman. A teacher of Russian as Foreign Language for children of different age groups. Currently teaches students ages 4-5 and 12-13.
Was born in the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia. Received Master of Arts degree from Kazan State University in 2007. Moved to the United States in 2008, and started working with Madison Russian School since then. Was holding Cultural Events Coordinator position for three years, and Assistant Principal position during the years 2009-2011. In 2010, received Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.
Has extensive experience of working with students of various age groups. In Russia, worked as English Language teacher for children ages 2-5. During different years in MRS, taught Russian to students ages 2-13. Practices conversational model of teaching Russian as Foreign Language to younger age groups.
Teaching philosophy for working with students ages 3-5:
- cultural knowledge as a necessary part of the learning process;
- learning language through variety of activities such as games, songs, poems, etc.;
- visual, audio and video communication as a consistent tool of teaching;
- learning through reinforcing, repeating and rewarding;
- developing positive attitudes to Russian language and culture through practical lessons in the arts;
- respect for learners and learner families and their expectations.
Teaching philosophy for working with students ages 12-13:
- cultural knowledge as necessary part of the learning process;
- learning language through exposing to environment via interviews, dialogues, authentic texts, etc.
- high expectations for learning;
- utilizing variety of programs, including authentic and Russian as foreign language textbooks, and online resources;
- respect for learners and learner families and their expectations.