SOFT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF ESP TEACHING

Abstract

The article focuses on the most effective methods of soft skills development in the ESP classroom. The authors consider different approaches to interpretation of soft skills and specify their own understanding of the notion. Soft skills are defined as interprofessional skills that ensure effective personal interaction, productive cooperation and successful self-realization in a professional workplace environment. The most essential soft
skills for workforce success include complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, coordinating with others, emotional intelligence, decision making, service orientation, negotiation and cognitive flexibility. The authors analyse different interactive methods that encourage foreign language communication and foster soft skills development in specialism-related situations. The cooperative learning as a form of active learning where students work in small groups to perform a specific task is considered to be appropriate for the development of students’ soft skills as well as professional foreign language competence in the ESP classroom. Such methods as problem solving method, case study, method of projects, discussion method, business games and role playing, cooperative method are thought to be relevant to simulate situations close to real professional problems, and valuable to further professional development and personal growth. The appropriateness of methods used for soft skills development depends on the lesson aims and objectives, students’ language level
and personal qualities, availability of technical equipment, resources and other factors.