| Summary: | Rapid economic and social-cultural development of the society and transition to new models of business activities necessitate the formation of «soft skills» of future specialists. Modern labor market requires highly-qualified professionals who are ready for on-going self-development and advancement, who are team players, communicative, flexible, computer-literate, etc. It is noted that the course of English as a Second Language (ESL) has a great potential for the formation of «soft skills» related to effective participation in intercultural professional communication and personal development. The author’s vision of the structure of interrelations between «soft skills» and school background, teacher’s competence and efforts, student’s environment, technical strengths and hard work is presented. Four basic types of «soft skills» are distinguished. The division of soft skills into four main areas is offered. The skills that can be successfully developed when teaching ESL to business students through mutual projects, team work, the need to solve the tasks and constantly interact with partners are identified. It is stated that development of «soft skills» among students of universities can be based on support program (academic focused and non-academic programs), formal teaching and learning and campus life. It is established that implementation of the methodology of formation of «soft skills» should be based on the principles of communicative, intercultural, professional, individualized and socio-emotionally oriented learning, interdisciplinary links, etc. The stages of the technology of formation of «soft skills» when teaching ESL providing a step-by-step construction of the learning process have been established. Possible ways of introducing «soft skills» in ESL course are clarified. Based on the research, key qualities of a teacher having «soft skills» who teaches ELS to business students there have been identified. Therefore, it is recommended to implement «soft skills» development as an integral component of the ESL course. |
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