Abstract:

The article deals with the topic of teaching the Russian language to astronauts. Being able to communicate in Russian is one of the main requirements in the multilevel professional training of astronauts from various countries before they start working on the International Space Station which is a joint project led by international specialists from 14 different countries.

This research is based on more than 20 years of experience of preparing the astronauts and space engineering specialists for the interaction with their Russian-speaking colleagues. During that time various methods of teaching have been tested through experiments in the space centers of the Russian Federation and the United States of America.

The authors explore the value and the integrative role of interactive methods in the system of teaching the Russian language to astronauts, the necessity of its implementation in the system of verbal communication in order to overcome the language barrier. Modern language didactics is aimed at the active use of speech acts and concepts of behavioral tactics which facilitates development of the abilities that are necessary for the correct development of language skills and formation of the competence required for solving communicative tasks in Russian in both academic and professional areas.

Various methods and forms of teaching such as role playing games, didactic games, trainings, brainstorming, case studies, language portfolio, etc. motivate astronauts, permitting them to create various realistic situations of the space crew communication.

According to the research results, educational and problem-solving methods as well as gamification proved to be efficient in teaching the Russian language to astronauts, they permit to implement flexible models of teaching based on the direct interaction of astronauts with the academic and general environment, which determines the formation of integrative thinking, competence and professionalism.

Keywords:

Linguistic didactics, language skills, interactive methods, astronaut training, competence-based approach.