Abstract:

Modern life places ever higher demands on the practical knowledge of a foreign language in everyday communication and in the professional field. This article is devoted to the issue of the effective supply of educational material and, in general, the effective organization of the educational process in the face of a shortage of time, insufficient formation of conceptual thinking of students.The present paper evaluates the applying of mind-map technology in such spheres of academic field as teaching and learning ESP for ecologists. This study reveals practical and investigative aspects of the mind mapping that is devoted to environmental points and is arranged taking into consideration the language proficiency and vocational training of the students. The articles explores the possibilities of using this visual technique in ESP practice in a professional field of ecology students including complex aspects which might be involved as brainstorming, collaborative building of maps or use of digital tools for designing maps. The paper focuses on the necessity of using web-resources to provide students with the opportunity to create their own virtual mind maps. Of particular interest is a developing of useful mind map bank for professional field communication. All findings are illustrated with mind-map samples obtained from the direct educational, research or professional practice.

Keywords:

Ecology, educational process, ESP, communication, mind mapping.