METHODS OF FORMING KEY COMPETENCES OF STUDENTS IN GRADES 7–9 IN THE PROCESS OF LEARNING ENGLISH

Abstract

The article identifies and characterizes effective methods for forming students' key competencies in learning English in grades 7–9. It is emphasized that the competency-based approach entails a combination of traditional methods, aimed mainly at the acquisition of knowledge, and innovative teaching methods and techniques that make learning not only interesting but also vital for students. Innovative methods are aimed at developing the student's personality, activating his cognitive activity, independence, teamwork skills, and developing critical thinking, creativity, subject and key competencies. Game methods are characterized, which include English language teaching methods that involve the use of games to activate cognitive activity, develop communicative skills, and form subject and key competencies of students. The importance of communicative games aimed at forming key competencies of students by modelling in the educational process situations that are as close as possible to real-life ones when the use of English becomes necessary to achieve the game goal is emphasized.Game methods have a motivational function, as they make learning more interesting, which increases students' interest. It is proven that during the game, students learn new vocabulary and grammatical constructions faster and more firmly since they are used in activities and not only in theory. A significant part of the games is aimed at developing students' dialogical speech since speaking takes place in conditions close to real life. The didactic potential of the project method is highlighted, which develops students' ability to work together, willingness to help each other, and forms a sense of responsibility for the final result. The topics of projects aimed at developing eleven key competencies are presented, and several projects are described for more detailed study.