PROBLEMS IN DEVELOPING SOCIO-CULTURAL COMPETENCE AMONG FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHERS DURING THE DIGITALIZATION OF EDUCATION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the role of socio-cultural competence (SCC) in learning English as a foreign language, which is considered one of the key competencies for language perception and successful integration into the cultural space of English-speaking countries. The article presents the results of a study examining the professional training of future foreign language teachers for teaching in a digitalized educational environment. It also analyzes the role of socio-cultural competence in language learning.The research includes a review of extensive methodological and pedagogical literature, an analysis of the term “digitalization”, and an investigation into the main differences between “communicative” and “socio-cultural” competences. Additionally, students from the Faculty of Foreign Languages were surveyed about the challenges they face in acquiring SCC.The responses were gathered and subjected to statistical analysis, enabling a detailed clarification of the level of sociocultural competence instruction at the selected higher education institution. This process also helped identify the primary issues encountered by the respondents and identify ways to overcome them.The author emphasizes the necessity for individuals to work effectively in the realm of electronic media and ICT, including reading and creating web pages, finding and analyzing news, and expressing and communicating information in English. Therefore, one of the most effective methods of teaching English is the use of digital tools in higher education classes.The study provides a theoretical justification for the importance of using digital authentic materials in foreign language classes, highlighting the need to optimize these tools according to student needs. According to the modern system of higher pedagogical education in Ukraine, the practical goal for students is to successfully master digital tools and various applications.