Digital Monitoring of Students’ Soft Skills Development as an Interactive Method of Foreign Language Learning

Abstract

Nowadays, the curriculum of higher education is mainly based on hard skills development, although soft skills are of critical importance for successful academic and professional performance. Consequently, the purpose of the article is to describe the possible methods of mastering the second-year students’ soft skills within the scope of a foreign language course, using interactive methods. The aim of the research was to elaborate on three types of interactive problem-based tasks and assessment criteria which allow us to monitor the progress of soft skills such as problem solving, teamwork, leadership, time management and technology skills, and analytical and creative thinking. Both tasks and criteria were uploaded onto an online educational platform. The case study method, which was considered to be the main monitoring tool, turned out to be effective in the pedagogical experiment where the students collaborated both online and offline. The experiment demonstrated a positive trend in students’ soft skills improvement alongside their foreign language communication skills. Moreover, statistical analyses showed the effectiveness of the system created to master soft skills. The proposed system for digital monitoring of soft skills development can be useful for teaching personnel who want to make the educational process more interactive and productive for advancing students’ soft skills.

Massive Open Online Courses and intercultural competence: analysis of courses fostering soft skills through language learning

“…Soft skills such as e-skills, critical thinking, and research skills are not only necessary for educators, teachers, and students, but also play an important role for students to access the labor market (Agrusti et al, 2017). According to Medvedeva et al (2022), soft skills are of critical importance especially in developing one's academic and professional achievement. Soft skills are also highly relevant in continuously changing environment and especially play a significant role in enhancing graduate employability (Succi and Canovi, 2020).…”

“…Dash et al (2020) showed that soft skills are related to language learning, concepts of behavioral aspects, and grooming etiquette for better employability. Medvedeva et al (2022) proposed interactive methods of assessing students' soft skills within the context of a foreign language course. They have focused on monitoring the progress of soft skills such as problem solving, teamwork, leadership, time management, technology skills, analytical, and creative thinking.…”

“…Analyzing the languages taught and offering countries involved in the MOOCs will provide insights to this topic. In addition, some studies have suggested ways of integrating soft skills into university English language class (e.g., Medvedeva et al, 2022). But there is a lack of research that bridges the two areas to explore how soft skills can be embedded in the language learning courses with IC components.…”