TSPU’s Innovative Teaching Materials to Enhance Russian Language Education in Kenya

A recent business visit by Vadim Yuryevich Zyubanov, Head of the Department of International Cooperation at the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation (IFLIC), to Kenya has concluded with promising developments in Russian language education. The visit focused on the Center for Open Education in Russian Language and Russian Language Learning, established by Tomsk State Pedagogical University (TSPU) in Nairobi in 2023.

During his visit, Zyubanov finalized the curriculum for Russian as a Foreign Language (RFL) courses for Kenyan citizens in 2024. He also oversaw the preparation of teaching spaces and discussed plans for upcoming joint projects. A highlight of the trip was the presentation of a unique teaching and methodological toolkit, developed by IFLIC staff, tailored for elementary-level Russian language learners. This toolkit was introduced to language educators from various educational institutions across Kenya, as well as to private tutors. 

The presentation attracted more than 20 specialists and was conducted in a hybrid format, both in-person and online.

Specialists from IFLIC are working on a unique educational and methodological complex (EMC) for Russian language education aimed at Kenyan students. The team, led by Director Anna Gennadyevna Bogdanova, includes Associate Professors Irina Konstantinovna Zabrodina and Dina Fedorovna Mymrina, Head of the Department of International Cooperation Vadim Yuryevich Zyubanov, and expert Anna Vladimirovna Ageeva. The project is expected to be completed by September-October.

«The key feature of our educational product lies in the carefully selected and culturally adapted materials that consider the unique lifestyle, psychology, and mentality of Kenyan citizens, — says Vadim Zyubanov. — For instance, we incorporate the names of Kenyan heroes, Kenyan proverbs, and scenarios that are most relevant and relatable to Kenyan students. When students encounter examples and situations that reflect their own way of life and values, they find it easier to grasp and retain new material. This approach fosters a deeper understanding, better retention, and more practical use of the language in real-life situations».

The TMC will consist of a textbook designed to help students learn Russian grammar and phonetics, expand their vocabulary, and improve their language skills. It will also include a workbook and a teacher's guide with recommendations for effectively organizing the learning process. Each lesson will be supplemented with audio and video materials, enhancing the theoretical content with phonetic and situational exercises, dialogues, interactive tasks, and more.

The curriculum will cover a variety of thematic sections, including "Introduction" (alphabet, talking about oneself and one's family, place of study or work), "Hobbies and Interests" (music, cuisine, travel, sports, favorite activities), and "Russia and Kenya" (culture and traditions of both countries, history, geographical features, etc.).

The new EMC will be implemented at the TSPU Center for Open Education in Russian and Russian Language in Nairobi. The next group of students will begin their studies with a picture-based Russian alphabet adapted for Kenyan learners, featuring examples like "A for Africa" and "K for Kenya." The pronunciation of Russian sounds will be reinforced through video materials. The first section of the complex was thoroughly introduced to Kenyan language teachers during an August presentation.

In addition to being used in the Center's courses, the complex is planned to be integrated into the Russian language training for educators at the Kenyan Institute of Foreign Languages and Professional Studies (KIFLAPS). Before the launch of the TSPU Center, Russian was not taught at the institute. This initiative will help develop a pool of Kenyan specialists proficient in Russian, paving the way for the expansion of Russian language education across Kenyan educational institutions.