Applying Problem-based Learning at the Classes of Practical Course of English Classes

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyze the emergence of problem-based learning as a general pedagogical method of learning and teaching English as a foreign language for students of pedagogical higher education institutions, in particular, approaches to the implementation of problem situations in English classes and an analysis of its effectiveness. The article uses both general scientific and purely linguistic methods: deduction and induction for processing theoretical and factual material; descriptive for summarizing scientific provisions; scientific analysis to study the peculiarities of the application of problem-based learning of the English language; elements of the linguistic approach for characterizing practical problem tasks. Research results. The history of the use of problem-based learning in general and for foreign language teaching in particular has been studied. The article substantiates the necessity of using the method of problem-based learning in teaching a practical course of the English language. The place of this method in the development of students' thinking and their achievement of a better understanding of the educational material is emphasized. The main conditions for the effectiveness of problem-based learning are highlighted: student motivation, feasibility and significance of problem situations offered to students, friendly dialogic communication between the teacher and students. Conclusions. The analysis of the theoretical sources on problem-based learning of English language students proved that scientists paid considerable attention to the study and analysis of problem-based learning in general. However, in modern theoretical and practical pedagogical activity, it is possible to testify to insufficient systematicity of its application in the educational process. Prevailing teaching methods in school education during the  Soviet times, as well as in independent Ukraine, deprived students of independence and initiative during classes, as the authoritarian style of pedagogical communication prevailed. Modern education aims to create learning conditions that contribute to the development of the personality of the student of education. In modern education, changes and reforms are constantly taking place, and at the same time teaching methods and techniques must be developed, one of which is the application of problem-based learning. The following can be considered as the main results of the conducted research:

- the method of problem-based learning can be a supplement to the traditional illustrative and explanatory teaching of students, it contributes to the destruction of stereotypes of passive learning in an authoritarian style and encourages students to jointly search for answers to complex life questions using the English language;

- problem-based learning involves changes in the structure of the lesson, where a significant role is given to independent work of students. At the same time, the role of the teacher does not decrease, but increases, sincet they must clearly manage the educational process and provide students with the specific tasks.