BATTLE DISCUSSION AS AN INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCING STUDENTS’ FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Abstract

The article deals with the concept of interactive technologies, their place, role and significance in the education system of higher education institutions. A review of recent studies and publications related to the research topic has been conducted, which led to the conclusion that there are still a number of insufficiently investigated aspects of the issue. Thus, the expediency and effectiveness of using interactive foreign language teaching technologies, in particular battle discussions, to improve the quality of the future-to-be foreign language teachers’ professional training and develop their foreign language communication skills in the process of student-centered learning have been highlighted. The objectives of the study is to characterize and experimentally verify interactive form of FL teaching, namely battle discussion, as an effective tool for enhancing the level of future-to-be FL teachers’ communicative competence in higher education institutions. As a result of the study, battle discussions have been identified as an effective interactive form of foreign language teaching, which involves creating a lively, positive atmosphere of pedagogical interaction in the classroom and developing the future-to-be foreign language teachers’ autonomy, creativity, flexibility, communication and teamwork skills, motivation for self-development, and other skills necessary for professional improvement. Based on a democratic style of pedagogical interaction, battle discussions are aimed at the independent search for optimal solutions, promote the development of critical and logical thinking, initiative, and creativity in future-to-be foreign language teachers, who learn to express their own opinions and tolerate criticism from opponents, which undoubtedly contributes to improving their foreign language communication skills and is a priority in their future professional activities.