DISCUSSION AS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF TEACHING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE TO NON-LINGUISTIC STUDENTS

Abstract

The subject of the research concerns a problem of using discussion as an effective method of teaching a foreign language to non-linguistic students. In the modern world, along with the knowledge of a foreign language, students of non-linguistic universities should have skills of critical thinking, expressing their own opinions and arguments by means of a foreign language. The article analyzes the content and essence of the concept “discussion”, its forms, types, advantages and stages. In the framework of the paper, some recommendations for overcoming difficulties in the process of foreign language teaching at non-linguistic universities have been suggested. On the basis of the analysis, the author indicates key features of using discussion in teaching a foreign language to non-linguistic students, particularly, the necessity of following main stages of the discussion, the possibility of combining discussion with other methods of teaching foreign languages, the use of discussion method within a professionally oriented approach. In addition, taking into account the specifics of the method, some examples of discussion activities have been considered.