Methods of Implementing the Communicative-Activity Approach Under Conditions of Distance Learning of a Foreign Language

Abstract

The article deals with theoretical fundamentals of the communicative-activity approach to mastering foreign languages as well as methods of its implementation under conditions of distance learning. Authors of the publication share the practical experience of distance work with freshmen of the Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University, foreign students studying the Ukrainian language. The publication considers problems that arise at the initial stage of learning a foreign language regardless of the language studied. The particular importance is attached to the following issues: the language divide, its types, reasons of its occurrence and ways to overcome it; typical mistakes made by students in the process of distance learning of reading and writing, as well as ways and methods for their prevention and elimination; the methodology for pronunciation training. The authors of the article tend to consider the usage of podcasts, mental maps and communicatively oriented authentic textbooks to be the most effective methods of distance work.
 The article provides the description of textbooks which are focused on the communicative-activity approach to the language learning and enable to essentially achieve the educational goal during the distance learning process. The publication emphasizes that of the four types of speech activity - speaking, writing, reading, listening – reaching the first one is especially challenging in the distance learning process. The joint use of exercises from the textbook and the students’ involvement in real speech situations is successful for developing speaking skills. The authors propose patterns of real speech situations, describe their content and methodology of their application. They also vividly prove the effectiveness of using podcasts, mental maps, and authentic textbooks in the language learning process.