SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING METHOD IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

Abstract

The article outlines the peculiarities of students’ self-directed learning organization in mastering foreign languages for professional purposes; the concept ‘self-directed learning’ is disclosed and its multiplicity and complexity has been proved. The authors consider self-directed learning as an important component of educational process, as a method of teaching and self-education, and as an important factor in the theoretical and practical training of students for future professional activities. The types, forms and methods of self-directed learning used in the process of teaching foreign languages for professional purposes are analyzed; the main approaches to encouraging students for successful self-directed learning are characterized. Special attention is paid to teacher’s professional and methodical preparation for effective independent work organization; pedagogical conditions for this process efficient implementation have been defined. The article notes that self-directed learning includes the main trends of modern methodology of teaching foreign languages, namely: development of speech, language, educational and cognitive competences; individual approach in teaching, motivation for mastering a foreign language at the level sufficient for professional communication.