DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMPETENCE OF TECHNICAL STUDENTS BY MEANS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
Pavlodar State University (KAZAKHSTAN)
About this paper:
Appears in:
INTED2012 Proceedings
Publication year: 2012
Pages: 5543-5549
ISBN: 978-84-615-5563-5
ISSN: 2340-1079
Conference name: 6th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Dates: 5-7 March, 2012
Location: Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
This paper describes experimental work on the development of professional foreign language competence of technical students by means of information technology aids, highlights the main principles of planning and implementation of experiential learning program. The introduction of information technology can engage students into a system of professional and social - cultural relations on the basis of non-verbal forms of communication with the help of technical aids, global and interactive communication systems, as well as solve the number of challenges to enhance student motivation.
A foreign language is becoming a universal tool for a professional, productive life that is why the foreign language teaching at technical university makes the problem of development of students’ professional competence more urgent.
The high level of professional competence of a specialist is reached by the presence of his professional skills acquired during training at the university. Foreign-language skills are implemented successfully as a part of communicative competence only if they comply with professional skills, certain qualifying characteristics of specialists of this profile described by the State educational standards of higher education in Kazakhstan.
Therefore, professional and communication directed language training is appropriate and methodologically justified. In this regard, professional-centered approach to foreign language teaching at technical university is becoming especially relevant. This approach forms the students' ability of foreign language interaction in specific professional, business and scientific areas and situations, taking into account the characteristics of professional thinking.
The author proposed a method for the formation of professional foreign language communicative competence of technical students through the developed course.
Classes, conducted with the use of information technology, composed one third of the main course of "Common language", professionally - centered course "Language for Specific Purposes" and the elective course "Technical Translation". Each week, one of the lessons was held in the computer –equipped study room, where the teaching of foreign languages included:
1. The use of copyright electronic textbook in English for Specific Purposes.
2. Fulfilling of tasks involving the Internet, where students were required to attend English-language sites and carry out tasks similar to those with which they may encounter in their future professional activity.
3. Discussion at the forum where students presented their views in accordance with extended themes.
4. E-mail correspondence with the English-speaking countries.
5. Fulfilling of tasks involving work in the chat.
6. Internet - resources such as dictionaries, grammar comments, profession-oriented texts.Keywords:
Experimental work, information technology aids, professional foreign language competence, professionally - centered course, electronic textbook, English for Specific Purposes.