Foreign Language In Higher Education Research Articles

IMPLEMENTATION OF PRINCIPLES OF INDIVIDUALIZATION AND DIFFERENTIATION IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES IN HIGH SCHOOL

The article examines the system and approaches of individualization and differentiation in the process of learning a foreign language in higher education. Determined factors that affect their functioning in the process of working in classes. Separate problems and ways to overcome them are analyzed. Certain opportunities for creating favorable conditions for the development of the creative potential of an individual, development of his thinking and understanding of the ultimate goal and task of learning a foreign language have been identified. Methods and techniques for increasing students’ cognitive activity in classes and strengthening their motivation are illustrated. The article examines the views of scientists N.P. Volkova, G.R. Havryshchak, O.M. Shparyk on individualization and differentiation as dominant and organic components of the educational process. Various approaches to the concepts of differentiation and individualization, as well as concepts related to them, are summarized. The works of these scientists became the theoretical and methodological basis of the conducted research. These principles help to find effective means for teaching a foreign language and learning it effectively. We must not forget that in higher education, the main influence on a student is his mood, curiosity, drive, concentration, surprise. The ability to stimulate the mental states we desire requires a process of individualization and differentiation of each student. A unique approach should be the whole system of education and training of the individual. This article describes the technology of implementing the abovementioned principles in English language classes in higher education. The use of internal differentiation for working in groups and the cluster method for strengthening the cognitive development of each individual when learning a foreign language in higher education are illustrated. The problem of a wide range of possibilities of these principles in the conditions of changes in the system of social relationships, rules of student behavior in the new realities of life is raised. Emphasis is placed on the importance of new requirements for the education system: flexibility, adaptability, feedback, quick response to changes in the social environment, cooperation with psychologists. Considered possible means of organizing students’ work in groups and individually, determined prospects for further research in this direction.

The Role of Non-Verbal Communication in Language Classes in a Multilingual Audience (from Experience of Working on Electronic Educational Platforms)

The article was written on the current topic of improving intercultural communication in the context of globalization and the rapid development of high technologies. The purpose of the article is to study the role and characteristics of mastering nonverbal communication skills by students studying foreign languages in higher education in intercultural interaction, as well as to develop proposals for the use of electronic educational platforms to improve the effectiveness of learning. The problem is that in Kazakhstan’s universities there are not enough academic hours to master non-verbal communication, so almost no attention is paid to this aspect of learning foreign languages. At the same time, ignoring the training of students in nonverbal communication of representatives of the cultures of the foreign languages being studied is a serious omission of the higher education system, since it impedes the full intercultural communication of future specialists. Today it is necessary to look for modern pedagogical technologies, methods and techniques to solve this problem. The article uses the following research methods: dialectical cognition, formal logic, analysis of scientific literature, linguistic and cultural approach, induction, deduction, comparison, complex analysis and modeling. The authors of the article come to the conclusion that effective intercultural interaction is impossible without mastering nonverbal communication of other peoples of the world. The authors of the article propose to teach university students nonverbal communication of other cultures using modern remote technologies, for example, virtual classes on electronic educational platforms. In particular, it is possible to create appropriate training modules with different tasks, exercises, lecture material, audio and video files, as well as final testing or project protection. This will allow students to study and practice nonverbal communication skills in a convenient distance format, including with native speakers of foreign languages (video lectures, real-time communication with native speakers of the languages being studied, performing creative tasks, etc.). Since today, through the Internet, all students and teachers interact with foreigners to one degree or another, solving educational tasks and analyzing specific cases will not be difficult for them. A promising direction for further research, according to the authors of the article, may be methodological developments for the introduction of electronic courses on mastering non-verbal communication of cultures of the countries of the foreign languages they study into the curricula of the higher school.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Higher Education using flipped learning/flipped classrooms: a literature review

ABSTRACT Purpose: We systematically reviewed the empirical literature that reports research in the specific context of teaching EFL to identify what is known about the efficacy of using flipped learning to teach EFL, the robustness of this evidence, and to explicate the strengths and weaknesses of the pedagogy in teaching EFL. Design/methodology/approach: Adapting the systematic literature review method and combining it with content analysis of qualitative findings we narrowed our search to 40 articles that were primary studies. Findings and originality: The majority of authors examined student perceptions of their learning; one third investigated the use of flipped learning on the acquisition and development of EFL knowledge, skills and abilities. That students like learning in a flipped learning environment is the strongest finding emerging; many linking it to the facilitation of self regulated learning behaviors. However, research evidence for flipped learning’s contribution to important educational outcomes is not robust and this remains a problem for understanding where or how to target the impact or value of this pedagogy. Nonetheless, other encouraging findings include that using flipped learning to teach EFL was linked to its capacity to improve idiomatic knowledge, oral and writing performance, motivation, and higher order thinking skills. Future research should focus on improving research design and reporting for flipped learning interventions, and focus on investigating key EFL learning skills particularly reading which is comparatively understudied despite its importance to language acquisition. Value: The results clarify for educators that flipped learning’s capacity to influence the acquisition of key learning skills remains largely unproven.

Studying students' attitudes towards the use of mobile applications and online resources for learning a foreign language in higher education institutions

The article deals with using mobile applications and online services for teaching foreign languages, which is becoming more and more widespread in the educational process of higher education institutions. There is a wide range of paid and free applications that are constantly being updated and developed. However, in the context of using such applications in higher education, selection and control become important tasks for a foreign language teacher. A survey of students from two universities reveals that the majority of students have experience of using mobile language learning apps, but only 67.9% recognise the positive impact on their level of knowledge. Among the disadvantages of their use are the monotony of tasks, loss of motivation, insufficient quantity and quality of information, and problems with performance stability. The analysis of the weaknesses of using mobile applications and online services for foreign language teaching points to important criteria for selecting resources for higher education teachers. First, given the different focus and functionality of applications, it is important to clearly understand the purpose and possibilities of using them as an additional teaching tool. Next, it is important to evaluate the autonomy of the app and take into account its affordability for students. Another important criterion is the ability to check assignments and track progress. The survey of students confirms a positive attitude towards the use of mobile applications, and the advantages they pointed out, such as convenience and accessibility, make these tools important for improving the process of learning foreign languages in higher education. Further research is needed to experimentally test the effectiveness of using certain mobile applications and online resources for teaching various aspects of a foreign language in the context of higher education

Cognitive-pragmatic approach in professional linguistic education

Introduction. This article concentrates on the concept of implementing the cognitive-pragmatic approach into professional linguistic education. For this reason, the author conducts a comparative analysis of pedagogical approaches applied to teaching a foreign language in higher education, highlights key concepts and describes the crucial theoretical and methodological positions, taking into account the educational environment and future professional activity. The purpose of the study is to identify the potential for introducing the cognitive-pragmatic approach into professional linguistic education when teaching foreign languages with the aim of developing discourse competence as the ability and readiness to perceive and create meanings in professional activity.Materials and Methods. The theoretical basis of the study involves philosophical, linguistic, psychological, cognitive, pedagogical, pragmatic concepts that reveal the essence of the cognitive-pragmatic approach in professional linguistic education. The article uses methods of comparative analysis of theoretical and methodological literature on this scientific issue. These methods enable to determine the main positions of the cognitive-pragmatic approach which are to be taken into account for elaborating further methodological recommendations.Results. As a result of scientific understanding and systematization, the article presents the main positions for the implementation of the cognitive-pragmatic approach in professional linguistic education. As a result of comparative analysis, the similarities and differences of such pedagogical approaches as cognitive, pragmatic, sociopragmatic, communicative, reflexive, and functional ones have been studied to substantiate the advantages of the cognitive-pragmatic approach in teaching foreign languages in higher education. Potential areas for improving the process of professional education of language students as well as teaching methods and techniques have been defined for further investigation.Discussion and Conclusions. In the conclusion, the author emphasizes the importance and effectiveness of the implementation of the cognitive-pragmatic approach in professional linguistic education. The results of this study present theoretical and practical interest for researchers regarding the problem of developing linguistic and professional skills of language students.

Impact of Implementing Blended Learning on EFL Students’ Attitudes in HEIs in Palestine: Lessons learned from TEFL-ePAL project

The present study addresses the impact of implementing blended learning, interactive learning materials, and 21st-century teaching methods on students' attitudes toward learning EFL at Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Palestine. Moreover, it aims to highlight the efficacy of digital resources as supportive education, which can be relied on to achieve the goals of education. To achieve the purposes of this study, the researcher developed a 5 Likert scale questionnaire. The validity and the reliability of this instrument were tested and assured. The sample of the study consisted of 208 EFL students joining 4 Palestinian universities: Al-Quds Open University (QOU), Palestine Ahliya University (PAU), Palestine Technical University/ Kadoori (PTUK), and Al-Istiqlal University (PASS) during the first semester of the academic year 2021-2022. The quasi-experimental method was used. The results indicated that implementing 21st-century methods of teaching and using interactive learning materials developed positive attitudes toward learning English as a foreign language in higher education. The results also revealed several barriers that students face, that hinder adopting educational technology and enhancing professional and sustainable development in higher education in Palestine, including usability concerns, technical issues, digital literacy gaps, etc. The researcher offers recommendations on ways to foster adopting student-centered approaches and educational technology to enhance sustainability in teacher development in Palestine.

Drawbacks of learning a foreign language and its possible solutions and approaches

The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using certain technologies in teaching foreign languages in higher education. Their role in the individualization of learning is shown. Issues related to changing the functions of a teacher are considered, with the use of video materials for studying a foreign language and the culture of its native speakers

YouTube as an open resource for foreign language learning: a case study of German

The integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education has increased the possibilities and expanded the boundaries of the learning process. It is also a prerequisite for implementing distance learning. Various online resources, such as e-mail, blogs, forums, online applications, and video hosting sites, can be used to create open learning and education environments. This study focuses on the use of informational educational technologies for learning foreign languages, especially German. The article presents the results of a theoretical analysis of the content of YouTube video materials in terms of their personal and didactic relevance for teaching German as a first or second foreign language in higher education, specifically at a pedagogical university. Based on the practical experience of using several popular thematic YouTube channels with a large and stable audience, a brief didactic analysis of their products is provided and suggestions are made on how to transform video content into methodological material for the practical course of German language for future teachers. The article also explores the potential of using alternative YouTube resources for distance learning with regard to the development of mediation skills as defined by the authors of the CEFR Companion Volume with New Descriptors. Four types of resources that can serve as teaching materials are identified and analyzed; some examples of their preparation and use for the training of future foreign language teachers are given. The article also discusses the open resources ONCOO and TWINE, which can be used to foster the autonomy of future foreign language teachers, and describes their features. The proposed recommendations can help to achieve the following objectives: enriching vocabulary; semanticizing phraseological units, fixed expressions, clichés; developing pronunciation skills; enhancing linguistic and ICT competencies; improving listening and speaking skills; increasing motivation to learn, etc.

The Effects of Gamification On Student Motivation And Achievement In Learning English As A Foreign Language In Higher Education

Gamification has grown tremendously in popularity and is now widely used in various fields including information and communication technology (ICT), healthcare, marketing, education and business. Its core principle revolves around the integration of elements from games into non-game environments with the ultimate goal of shaping behavior, enhancing motivation, and fostering increased engagement (Caponetto, 2014). The main aim of this study is to investigate the impact of gamification on student motivation and academic performance in the specific context of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) at higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To conduct this study, a cohort of 202 students attending both private and public universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina was carefully selected using targeted snowball sampling techniques. The questionnaire distributed to the participants included 57 items from various areas, including academic achievement, frequency and proficiency in using language learning apps, motivation and attitudes towards app-based language learning, and perceived improvements in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills This is attributed to the use of apps to learn the English language (ELL). To analyze the gathered data, descriptive statistics, tests for normality, reliability analysis, and linear regression were employed. The results of the study indicate a significant impact of gamification strategies on students’ motivation to learn English as a foreign language, as well as their overall success in EFL learning and academic achievement. In higher education settings, the inclusion of games has been shown to have a positive impact on students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. In addition, gamification contributes to the motivation of the students and thus increases their academic performance. The integration of games into education is expected to continue to evolve and lead to transformative changes in curricula, teaching methods and learning models. Consequently, acquiring ICT skills among academic staff is crucial to effectively mentoring students and ensuring successful educational experiences.

ДИДАКТИЧЕСКИЙ ПОТЕНЦИАЛ СОЦИОЛИНГВИСТИЧЕСКОЙ ЛАБОРАТОРИИ В ВУЗЕ

The article is devoted to the experience of the sociolinguistic laboratory, which operates at the Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev, in developing educational resources that contribute to both improving the methodology of teaching a foreign language in higher education and creating unique programmes of additional professional education.

Russian as a foreign language in higher education: systematic approach to teaching vocabulary

The paper is devoted to the peculiarities of vocabulary learning in the process of teaching Russian as a foreign language at a university. The main aspects, methods and techniques of working with lexical material depending on the stage of training are briefly highlighted. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the systemic systematic approach to teaching vocabulary. The research provides example materials and methods as well as teaching strategies for mastering vocabulary. The authors conclude that the research work points out the importance of systemic criteria in the process of mastering the grammatical and vocabulary material as well as the development of speech skills and abilities. The work contributes to the methodology of teaching of military and engineering students. The practical significance of the results of the study is due to the discussion and conclusion of the peculiarities of vocabulary learning in the process of teaching Russian as a foreign language in higher education.

Interconnection of Cultural Literacy in Learning English and its Understanding as a Foreign Language in Higher Education

This research analyzed the model of cultural literacy in learning and understanding English as a foreign language in higher education. Cultural literacy is closely related to applying English as the main foreign language in higher education. The lecturer became a role model and a central point in introducing and guiding students to understand cultural literacy and English as a foreign language. Moroever, this study portrayed a qualitative descriptive method. Five lecturers from private higher education in Malang city were recruited as informants in gathering information. Furthermore, the study unraveled that cultural literacy and learning English as a foreign language had interconnections to explore each other's culture from any aspect, thus, creating adjacent dialogic and informative spaces as intercultural communications.

Syllabus for Master Students “Methods of Teaching a Foreign Language” within “Methodology of Teaching a Foreign Language and Foreign Literature in Higher School”

Methods of teaching foreign languages in higher education is a basic discipline that is an integral part of the training of specialists at the educational qualification level “Master”, field of knowledge 035.04 Philology (Germanic languages and literatures (translation inclusive) for future professional activity. Work program for the discipline “Methods of teaching a foreign language // Methods of teaching a Foreign Language” within the course on “Methods of teaching a foreign language and foreign literature in higher education // Methodology of Teaching a Foreign Language and Foreign Literature in Higher School” was created for masters of the first year of study in the educational and scientific program “Modern English-language communication and translation and two Western European languages”. The purpose of the discipline is the formation ofmethodological competence with an emphasis on the balance of communicative and educational, educational, developmental, general educational, gnostic, organizational, constructive-planning and evaluative functions of the future teacher of a higher educational institution, which involves a reflexive understanding of their own experience of learning languages and the experience of their teaching, comprehensive orientation in modern theories of language learning and educational regulatory documents, critical analysis and evaluation of educational materials, holistic and fragmentary planning of a practical lesson in English, conducting a practical lesson, as well as creating English-language and Ukrainian-language texts of a scientific and educational nature, including scientific articles and annotations to them and writing work programs for disciplines. The program also focuses on academic integrity and means of preventing plagiarism.

Микрообучение как технология преподавания иностранного языка в неязыковом вузе

The aim of the work is to identify the features of micro-learning technology application in the foreign language education of students mastering the programs of non-linguistic universities. The scientific novelty of the study lies in a special approach to the definition of the notion of “micro-learning”, which is considered within the framework of the study as a technology that finds its application both in full-time and blended learning formats, and in the context of implementing a distance format of interaction between a foreign language teacher and a student audience. In the article, the author solves a number of tasks aimed at: studying the scientific experience of researchers on the problem of applying micro-learning in the practice of Russian non-linguistic universities; description of general approaches to the interpretation of the term “micro-learning”, presentation of the main characteristics of the named technology; determination of the advantages and disadvantages of such a format for organizing work in foreign language education of students, including distance learning; substantiation of micro-learning effectiveness in teaching English to students of non-linguistic universities. As a result of the work, it has been revealed that micro-learning can be used in the organization of the educational process of the university, since it meets the educational needs of a modern student. The paper outlines a range of methodological recommendations on the use of the technology under consideration in the framework of the educational process in a foreign language in higher education.

Digital tools in education as an integral part of teaching a foreign language in higher school in the context of large-scale digitalization of society

One of the pillars of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is quality education. It aims to provide inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Digital technologies have become an important tool to achieve this goal. Technological advances in education have made life easier for students. Instead of using pen and paper, students now use a variety of software and tools to create presentations and projects. Unlike a heavy book, browsing an e-book is easier. These methods contribute to increasing interest in research. The article briefly talks about the need to use digital technologies in education. Higher education institutions are undergoing major changes. They are caused by many factors, the main of which is the large-scale digitalization of society. Digital technologies demonstrate a number of tools chosen for teaching a foreign language in higher education. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the distinctive features of the digital transformation process that has taken place in higher education institutions. In addition, the article considers digital learning as part of the ecosystem of modern higher education.

Attitudes, Beliefs and Knowledge of Iraqi EFL Teachers Regarding Peer Tutoring

To better promote the various elements of learning, the language education industry has made a considerable shift to a more learner-centered approach. While peer tutoring in the classroom has a large body of literature, there is little study on this method in the field of foreign language in higher education. Teaching and learning a second language should not always follow a linear approach, with the teacher at one end and the student at the other. Since English is a worldwide language, it is essential for communicating with English speakers and should be required for postgraduate study. Language and communication are fundamental to human existence.

THE USE OF GROUP WORK IN LEARNING THE UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE AS A FOREIGN BY STUDENTS OF HIGHER MEDICAL EDUCATION: THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

The article reveals the problem of using group methods of work in learning the Ukrainian language as a foreign language by students of higher education in the medical profession. A scientific analysis of modern requests to the future specialist, the system of his skills from the point of view of the competence approach was carried out. The concept of soft skills and its role in the a modern specialist functioning are described.The specifics of the soft skills formation during the study of the Ukrainian language as a foreign language among students of higher education in the medical profession are presented. Attention is focused on the need to create real communication situations in order to develop foreign language speaking skills.The concept of group work in learning the Ukrainian language as a foreign language in higher education is presented, its general didactic principles of application are described in accordance with the competence and dialogic approaches. Attention is focused on the activity of students of higher education during the application of group forms of work, their possibility of inclusion in communicative situations, ensuring real interactivity during work in microgroups. The advantages of group work in language learning are described ‒ the ability to ensure the reproduction of situations of real communicative interaction, the provision of an emotionally favorable atmosphere, the modification of methods of monitoring success and the system of roles of the teacher and the student of highereducation in the educational process.The didactic principles of the possible division of higher education students into microgroups for optimal provision of the educational process are described. It’s find out that during the group work, all students take an active position, being in improvised situations of real communicative interaction; have the opportunity to improve their speaking skills in Ukrainian as a foreign language.
 Keywords: group work; pair work; Ukrainian language as a foreign language; reproduction of real communication situations; interactivity of pedagogical communication; advantages of group work; soft skills; dialogicity.

THE CHALLENGES OF LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN COMMUNICATIVE APPROACHES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The purpose of this study was to look at the difficulties students have when learning English as a foreign language in higher education. This paper reports on the results of an interview of 30 randomly selected students and four professors of the Faculty of Philology and English language department, respectively, at the University “Ukshin Hoti” Prizren. It is critical to provide learners with the best possible support in terms of a helpful learning environment and adequate and meaningful language experience when learning a second language. Furthermore, students of English language can work to enhance their English skills, making language teaching and learning more effective and relevant for both lecturers and students. After identifying some of the challenges in English language learning and use in higher education in the Kosovar context, this study will attempt to address some of the critical issues identified and suggest some measures to deal with them more efficiently than what is currently being done. One of the first principles to consider when planning and designing English language programs is the need to identify the goals of teaching English in the sociocultural context in which the learning is taking place in no uncertain terms. Finally, this research has recommended overcoming these challenges and future research.

ANALYSIS OF POSSIBILITIES OF GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS APPLICATION IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING

The article highlights the methodological potential of using graphic organizers as a modern visualization technology for the presentation and structuring of information in the educational process of a foreign language in higher education institutions. The approaches of domestic and foreign educators to the use of such organizers in the process of teaching disciplines in general and on certain aspects of teaching foreign languages in particular are analyzed. The purpose of the article is to summarize the experience of using graphic organizers and analyze the possibilities of their use in foreign language teaching in higher education institutions. Possibilities of using graphic organizers in the educational process in a foreign language are identified and generalized. These include: ease of creation, editing and verification; reusability; for individual, pair and group work; use in any learning format; use in various aspects of teaching; for students of any level of language proficiency; removing the language barrier; application of research approach in teaching and development of thinking; opportunity to consider the whole topic of the lesson; the ability to turn a large amount of information into a structured, easy-to-understand graphic image. The most common forms for use in foreign language teaching (hierarchical, cyclical, consistent, conceptual, comparisons, data organizers) and their examples are given. The stages of introduction of graphic organizers in the educational process in a foreign language are considered. The forms of presentation of graphic organizers and resources for their creation are indicated. The great potential for the use of graphic organizers in the educational process of a foreign language and the need for further research on the application of certain types in various aspects of teaching a foreign language in higher education.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Higher Education: New Challenges and Perspectives

The aim of this article is to analyze the experience of the transition to distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in domestic universities. The article considers some of the features of distance learning, as well as the advantages and disadvantages that have become obvious during this experience. The authors pay attention to the actions of public authorities in response to new circumstances in the period of pandemic. The proponents note that universities have passed major efficiency tests of their work and have successfully sorted out the problem of providing high quality education outside the walls of the universities. As a result of this complicated experience, new soft-skills have been formed for both teachers and students; moreover, the concept of an innovator teacher has been expanded. The article addresses the issues of teaching foreign languages in higher education in the context of distance learning while maintaining the high level inherent in classes in a university classroom. The authors draw attention to the psychological system of distance learning, talk about the importance of the emotional ties and face to face communication during the educational process and emphasize that the development of a digital learning environment will expand students’ access to highquality curricula, in foreign languages in particular, regardless of the form of study. In conclusion, the authors believe that it is too early to draw final conclusion about the results of distance learning, but they consider it will become an integral part of the entire educational process in the nearest future. This educational process will be a continuation of that close inter-university cooperation aimed at interaction with the aim of sharing experiences and expanding the prospects for the use of hybrid forms of education in the future.