John Rassias

John Arthur Rassias (August 20, 1925 – December 2, 2015) was an American professor who developed a new method for the teaching of foreign languages, the Rassias Method, also known as the Dartmouth Intensive Language Model.[1] He was William R. Kenan Professor of French and Italian at Dartmouth College where the Rassias Center uses his method.[2] He studied at University of Bridgeport, obtained a doctorate at the University of Dijon, and did further research at the Sorbonne. In 1964 he became Director of Language Programs at Dartmouth, working on language teaching programs for the Peace Corps.[2]

His method aims to "make the participant feel comfortable and natural with the language in a short period of time" and involves "teaching procedures and dramatic techniques which seek to eliminate inhibitions and create an atmosphere of free expression from the very first day of class".[3] He died in Norwich, Vermont on December 2, 2015 at the age of 90.[4][5]

His parents were Greek immigrants.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/06/us/john-rassias-who-pioneered-foreign-language-teaching-dies-at-90.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fobituaries&action=click&contentCollection=obituaries&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0
  2. 1 2 "John Rassias". Dartmouth College Rassias Center. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  3. ↑ "The Method". Dartmouth College Rassias Center. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  4. ↑ http://now.dartmouth.edu/2015/12/dartmouth-community-mourns-john-rassias-1925-2015
  5. ↑ http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/education/article/Dartmouth-language-Prof-Rassias-method-founder-6672755.php

Further reading

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