Language competence developing methodology

Abstract

The article considers the main tendencies in modern methodology which give the opportunity to develop the language competence and strategies of the effective learning process and to participate in the professional communication situations. It compares the principles of the old and new schools, the approaches to foreign language learning, present the nature and benefits of modern pedagogical technologies and techniques which enable to engage students in teaching – learning process. Distance learning cannot but consider the existing combination of new and traditional technologies in hybrid learning. All methods are aimed at the developing of four language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. At the same time, they emphasize the use of audio, video and interactive resources. Thanks to a variety of methodological techniques, among which one of the leading places is taken by language technologies, they contribute to the formation of the skills necessary for a person in modern business life (the ability to make a report, conduct presentations, conduct correspondence, etc.). The article considers the principles of the “old school”. Among them are: direct method; grammar-translation method; audiovisual and audio-lingual and suggestopedic methods. Special place is given to communicative method which is based on the idea that the successful learning of foreign languages occurs through learning real situations and leads to natural mastery and the ability to use foreign languages. It is focused on developing not only the language knowledge, but the creativity and general outlook of the students. Among other methods of foreign language learning described in the article are intensive, emotionalsemantic, linguo-sociocultural method. The last one involves an appeal to such a component as social and cultural environment. The neurolinguistics approach, blended learning, preparation for tests and qualification exams, which is very popular nowadays, are also highlighted in the article.