THE PECULIARITIES OF TEACHING A PRACTICAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE TO FIRST-YEAR BACHELOR’S STUDENTS

Abstract

The article offers a detailed analysis of the features of the organization and teaching methodology of a practical English course for first-year undergraduate students who are preparing for the profession of an English teacher or lecturer. In the context of transformational changes actively taking place in Ukraine, in particular in the higher education system, the training of future specialists in teaching a foreign language is also undergoing significant transformations. Educational reforms put on the agenda the need to review approaches to the organization of education, update pedagogical methods, revise the content of disciplines, and improve the system for assessing the results of students' educational activities. The material outlines the goals and key objectives of the practical English course for first-year students. Particular attention is paid to the importance of updating the course content in accordance with modern requirements that determine the quality training of future specialists. It is about the implementation of progressive teaching methods aimed at developing professional foreign language competence in students of pedagogical specialties. The course structure is described in detail, and key aspects of the curriculum are also considered. The main attention is paid to the careful selection of authentic literary texts for thematic modules, as well as the development of specialized educational tasks that contribute to the development of students' speech skills and critical thinking. The article examines in detail the features of implementing the Shadowing technique in its various variations aimed at improving perceptual skills and forming speech competence. In particular, such approaches as improving auditory perception (Shadowing for listening), developing oral speech (Shadowing for speaking), selective repetition of individual parts of the text (Selective Shadowing) and combining repetition with reading the text (Text-presented Shadowing) are analyzed. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of authentic materials that form a natural speech environment and play a key role in modern educational practice. The updated course focuses on the active use of authentic literary and journalistic texts, film materials and audiobooks. Such an integrative approach not only arouses interest in students, but also significantly improves the quality of their professional training. The material considers both traditional and innovative ways of teaching a practical English course.