SOFT SKILLS OF A FUTURE SPEECH THERAPIST: MODERN PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Abstract

The article examines the role of soft skills in the professional training of future specialists in specialty A6 «Special Education» in the context of contemporary transformations of the educational environment and increasing requirements for the quality of corrective and developmental services. The relevance of developing soft skills as an integral component of a specialist’s professional competence is substantiated. Such competence enables specialists to work effectively in an inclusive educational environment, engage in interdisciplinary cooperation, and provide an individualized approach to each child. Contemporary approaches to interpreting the concept of soft skills are analyzed, their place in the structure of a speech therapist’s professional competence is determined, and the skills most significant for future professional practice are characterized, including communication skills, emotional intelligence, empathy, critical and creative thinking, teamwork, adaptability, stress resilience, self-organization, responsibility, leadership qualities, and readiness for continuous professional development. It is established that the effectiveness of a speech therapist’s professional activity is determined not only by the level of specialized knowledge and practical skills but also by the ability to establish effective communication with children, their parents, teachers, and other professionals, respond promptly to changes, make well-grounded decisions, and work effectively in challenging professional situations. The necessity of integrating the development of soft skills into the professional training of higher education students is emphasized through the implementation of a competency-based approach, interactive teaching methods, training technologies, project-based learning, case-based methods, professional situation simulations, and the expansion of the practical component of the educational process. It is concluded that the systematic development of soft skills is an important prerequisite for preparing a competitive, adaptable, responsible, and professionally competent speech therapist capable of effective professional practice, self-development, and successful adaptation to current labor market requirements and the modern educational environment