MIND MAPS AS A MEANS OF DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMPETENCE OF ECOLOGY STUDENTS

Abstract

The objective of the study is to characterize the linguodidactic potential of using mental maps in teaching a foreign language to form the professional foreign language competence of students of non-linguistic areas of training. The scientific novelty lies in the description of the advantages of using mental maps in the process of teaching a foreign language to students of natural sciences. As a result of the conducted research, the possibilities of using mental maps in the practice of teaching a foreign language are analysed. The use of mental maps allows students to systematize terms within the topic being studied and demonstrate logical connections between lexical units, which contributes to the development of lexical competence and critical thinking. A mental map looks like a scheme that contains basic concepts and can be used both to memorise new information and to compose a detailed monologue on a topic, which contributes to the development of students’ communication skills.