Using Case Technology and Project Method in the Process of Studying Professionally Oriented Disciplines

Abstract

The article presents a lapidary analysis of possibilities of using the case method and the project method in the formation of professional thinking of students studying philology and journalism. We also consider the possibilities of using case technology and project method in the process of studying professionally oriented disciplines. The practical significance of the work comes down to disclosing the effectiveness of the case method and the method of projects in the process of forming professional skills. The relevance of this article is determined by modern realities of educational process at the university. The case method and the method of projects make it possible to increase the motivational component of learning and contribute to the development of teachers’ progressive thinking and students’ creative potential, both of which are necessary for professional activities. In this article we also made an attempt at revealing the essence of these methods in the educational process at bachelor’s level. They turned out to be the main methods for the formation of students’ universal and professional competencies. The project method and case method act as an integral factor in the gamification of educational process contributing to the formation of skills of expedient action, activation of thinking, instilling the skills of independent search for solutions in standard and non-standard situations that may come up in the course of professional activity. Students actively and productively master the necessary competencies while revealing their latent potential. The case method and the project method demonstrate great efficiency in improving the quality of personnel training; the specific types of their practical implementation are developed jointly during classes by university teachers and employers’ representatives. The purpose of the article is to determine the methodological potential of the case method and the method of projects in the formation of professional thinking of future philologists and journalists and to consider the possibilities of using case technology and the project method in the process of studying professionally oriented disciplines. The project method is a relevant and effective technology that significantly increases the level of mastery of educational material, the internal motivation of students and their independence. The case method initiates the development of professional thinking, independence, unconventional thinking and creativity. When faced with a formulated problem, students concentrate on finding a solution to the problem and the teacher’s skillful interpretation of the problem directs students to search for non-standard ways. Everything mentioned above leads to the development of integrative thinking and significantly expands students’ capabilities. The practice of working with the case method and the project method in the classroom confirms their effectiveness in the professional development of university students, expanding their professional horizons and the formation of professional thinking.