THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS AND METHODOLOGY FORMATION OF “SOFT SKILLS” AMONG STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

A future specialist in any industry must possess a fundamental set of soft skills, considered as key opportunities, the demand for which is particularly relevant in the modern world. The purpose of this article is to study the theoretical foundations and methodology of the formation of soft skills. The methods used in the study were chosen in accordance with the topic under consideration and include analogy, classification, generalization, comparative analysis, synthesis, as well as the study and analysis of literature. The article presents the results of the study, which are summarized as follows. Based on the analysis of the theoretical foundations of the skills included in the concept of soft skills, the methodology of the formation of these skills is considered. Various approaches to the interpretation of the concept and the list of components of the skills are being studied. The importance of emotional intelligence is actualized as a skill that regulates perception, expression of emotions, as well as their effective management. Special attention is paid to the use of foreign language classes as a tool that promotes the development of soft skills, since the potential for balanced mastery of cognitive, emotional and social skills is successfully revealed in the process of forming a foreign language communicative competence. Consideration of the process of forming soft skills through various types of activities, such as projects, presentations, discussions, debates, role-playing, business games, initiating communicative situations, as well as the use of learning technologies in a foreign language lesson gives the studied problem novelty and relevance. The practical significance of this article lies in the possibility of using the research results in scientific and pedagogical activities related to the problems of theory and methodology of teaching and upbringing.

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