Development of students' research competence in the process of foreign language learning

The issue of developing the student research competence through the discipline "Foreign Language" is explored. This competence is one of the requirements for mastering a training program at the undergraduate level. Having mastered it the student is expected to be able to search, critically analyze and synthesize information, apply a systematic approach to solving assigned problems. The study identified the relevance of this competence in the training of future specialists in scientific, natural and technical directions in accordance with the Federal State Educational Standard for Higher Education ++ and the competences required for mastering by students. A detailed consideration of the concepts "competence" and "competency" is considered necessary to determine the correct expected learning outcomes. The former incorporates more abilities than knowledge, abilities and skills while the latter requires experience and a personal attitude towards the actions performed, which may not be enough for students at the initial stage of training. Definitions revealing the nature of "competence" highlight such parameters as educational preparation, awareness, knowledge and experience, productive performance of activities, etc. "Competency" is described with such traits as application of appropriate knowledge, specialist qualifications, making responsible decisions, etc. The overview of scientific and pedagogical literature on the concept "research competence" allowed us to determine its certain typical components: work with scientific sources of information, comprehension and critical analysis of the information received, the ability to present the research results, ability to explain and prove the correctness of one’s position, etc. The authors offer an overview and analysis of the existing measures and teaching practices for the formation and development of research competence in domestic and foreign universities. Along with the significance of developing research competence, there is also a need to create a learning environment that could support the development of research skills within appropriate organized situations. In fact, in order to develop research competence in the learning process, it is necessary to include systematically tasks for the development of all skills that make up the competence under discussion: tasks for searching, analysis, comparing information, brief presenting the information obtained, discussing what has been read, developing critical thinking. To solve this problem, the potential of the "Foreign Language" discipline is used both to prepare students for intercultural communication and to search and select relevant information that they can use for their general development, educational purposes, the development of skills such as analysis, comparison, critical perception of information. Adequate organization of classroom and extracurricular work, creation of appropriate conditions and involvement of students in research activities are considered to be the key approach to solving the problem. In this connection, the learning process is based on a personal-activity approach, which allows students to be involved in research, communication, analytical and creative activities. Many specialists’ works demonstrate the effectiveness of the research competence development through active studying and research activities; organization of seminars, clubs; publications based on the results of the students’ coursework, final qualification papers, creative projects. Based on our practical experience, the given issue proposes tasks and forms of quasi-research activities contributing to the mastery of research competence. The article conveys our experience of implementing research quests in English held in the research library of our educational institution and organizing lessons, including elements of information search, its analysis, comparison and presentation of the results in a group. To carry out such activities, we elaborated a scenario involving students into research activities with problem tasks that require the activation of search, analytical skills, as well as the ability to work in a team. The survey, observation and analysis of classroom and extracurricular activities allowed us to evaluate students’ awareness about the research activities of both the students themselves and the university as a whole, as well as to probe the ways to motivate students’ involvement in such activities, allowing them to make discoveries and analyze the data obtained. Theoretical analysis of the thematic material and practical application of the proposed techniques made it possible to highlight the possibility and necessity of developing research competence in the study of a foreign language, both when studying educational topics in class, and when participating in large-scale university events such as conferences, club debates, quests. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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