About national culture and some approaches to english language teaching process

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About national culture and some approaches to english language teaching process

Palamarchuk Kateryna Mykolaivna

Candidate of Art History,

Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of foreign languages at the mathematical faculties

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ykraine

Summary. The article deals with some key approaches which are generally used in the foreign language teaching (English in particular). The national features of the languages' unique culture play a great role and are considered in the article. Nowadays the studying process in Ukraine is under reforming, the importance of these reforms in the system of higher education is underlined. Innovative approaches to the English teaching students' process are revealed and analyzed. Teachers' educational and scientific activities should also be taken into consideration. educational reform teacher training

Keywords: educational reforms, teachers' training, innovative, communicative, cognitive, approaches, methodology, research projects.

Sociocultural field of Europe of the late XX-early XXI century is defined by changes in social and public status of the society, increasing the impact on art, lifestyle and morality. Preserving of national and spiritual values of the people and an important part of the ecclesiastical culture takes the problem of correlation between culture and national - ethnic form and content.

The society and culture are ideologically interrelated, as the cultural heritage of the people is the criterion of its national identity. Many researchers (A. Kartaschev, A. Richynsky and others) believe that culture has always had and now has a national, individually ethnic form and content; only national culture is able to make a contribution to the treasury of world cultures. [3, 14]

Myhailo Hrushevsky, historian, social and political statesman, develops the Ukrainian idea, including the impact of national origin on the religion, in the context of the European cultural tradition. M. Hrushevsky wrote in his time about resolving the "eternal" problem of relations with international and national, about the folk poetry on the theme of Mary at the cross, recorded in Volhynia. The scientist noted: "Having catholic parallels, west slavic songs about the blessed Virgin Mary in Ukrainian musical versions, obviously, come out from the song about the widow, who is searching for her son. Our Mater dolorosa is a variant of the mourning widow in general". [1]

The history proves that each nation, each ethnos gave birth to their own system of beliefs, their culture, which was an integral part of interwoven different languages of the world. The uniqueness of national cultures largely depends on the peculiarities of the vision of the world, the creation of national images of peoples.

Therefore, modern researchers are trying to understand such phenomena as languages and culture, to understand the specific features of the national character and the language, the national soul that have spawned culture of people, religion and language [1]

The national features of languages' culture are not formed under the influence of some peculiarities of their beliefs or worship, but are caused by predominantly concrete historical and geographical conditions of the lives of those peoples, among which they are arisen or spread, as well as the specifics of national spirituality [2].

The national spiritual culture is characterized by a creative form. The combined force of the national language culture is obtained in the interpersonal space of public communication and it makes an important part of this process.

Therefore, the recognition of national identity in the language culture means finding a future model of culture, determination of its place and role in the modern world. International dialogue and cooperation have become the norm for the foreign languages culture of different countries of the world. Taking into account the experience and fate of different world languages, a return to the classical cultural heritage, exercising its reappraisal of use in social practice have defined a new worldview - multicultural basis of different cultural traditions. Teaching foreign languages is linked with the fundamental knowledge of all customs and traditions of the studied languages.

The educational reforms that are needed to be carried out in Ukraine in order to achieve a good level of education are very significant for teachers and play a great role in the teaching and learning processes.

In order to reform the educational system, we need to have highly qualified, creative, innovative teaching staff and the support of the EU countries. It will be necessary to fulfill educational reforms in several key areas:

Curriculum reform: The current curriculum in Ukraine is outdated and does not adequately prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. A new, modern curriculum demands critical thinking, problem-solving, and besides digital literacy is needed.

Teacher training: Ukraine needs to invest in training of its teachers to deliver the new curriculum effectively. This training should focus on innovative, modern teaching methods, digital skills, teaching critical thinking and problem-solving.

Another key approach is assessment and accountability: Ukrainian teachers need to develop a system of assessment and accountability that encourages creation of highly qualified programs for teaching and learning. This should include regular teachers' skills evaluations, students' assessments, and external evaluations of schools and universities.

As far as the access to education is concerned, Ukraine needs to be ensure that all children have access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. This may require investments in school and university infrastructures, transportation, and support services for disadvantaged students.

One more very important approach is cooperation with EU partners: Ukraine can benefit from collaboration with EU partners in the field of education. This could

include students' and teachers' exchange programs, joint scientific-research projects, and partnerships between schools and universities.

Overall, the educational reforms that Ukraine needs to carry out are complex and challenging, but they are essential for building a strong human capital base and positioning Ukraine for success in the 21st century. By investing in education, Ukraine can create a brighter future for its people and become a more active and prosperous member of the EU community.

Add also that the government should give several times more funds for education than now. At the same time, control over the observance of integrity must increase, that is, corruption in Ukraine must be eradicated not only in education, but also in politics and society as a whole, and start with improving education.

Increasing funding for education is essential to ensure that schools and universities have the necessary resources to provide quality education to their students. Additionally, eradicating corruption in education and throughout the Ukrainian society is critical, as it creates an environment in which students cannot receive a fair and equitable education. Furthermore, reforms should be implemented to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date, and students receive the skills and knowledge necessary to be competitive in the modern world. This may involve implementing new teaching methods, introducing new subjects, and enhancing professionally developed opportunities for teachers. Finally, reforms must be accompanied by a shift in societal attitude towards education, with greater emphasis on the importance of education for individual and national success.

The methodology of teaching foreign languages is constantly developing and searching the most efficient means of studying process. The development and modernization of education in higher educational establishments demand conducting a wide range of scientific researches, connected with the introduction of the newest technologies and modern approaches in the studying process. The Ukrainian government's need in the highly qualified specialists, capable of establishing business contacts, mutual cooperation with the foreign partners and specialists, who speak foreign languages fluently at the professional (Upper - Intermediate or Advanced) levels is very significant [5].

Speaking about the modern stage of the scientific development in Ukraine one can note, that the sufficient proof of foreign languages' knowledge was the specialist's ability to translate from the foreign language (in general, it was English) into Ukrainian and vice versa. Such methodology of translating adapted, non- authentic texts has gone in the past.

Nowadays the studying process in the higher educational establishments is under reforming. The Ukrainian high schools and universities try to master and follow the European way of getting qualitative education, using E uropean countries' experience in information, globalization and integration with the leading European and Eastern colleges and universities is also very important. Teachers' educational and scientific, activities, international exchanges, the possibility of getting the second education, studying, accordingly to the Magistrates programs abroad are also highly valuable.

The language education is gradually modernized by introducing moduleranking system of foreign languages' teaching and multi-disciplinary integration.

The following teaching approaches are vitally important and should be taken into consideration:

1) Informative approach, the peculiar feature of which is exactness of theoretical knowledge. Very important as far as this approach is concerned, is the role of professionally -oriented texts and it is explored in terms of listening, speaking, writing and translation. Informative approach implies reading foreign language information and identifying it.

2) Behavioristic approach, which determines reactions' forming on the foreign stimulus through traditions and values of another country. It focuses on the principle that behavior is learned through conditioning. It should be taken into account that the main principle of this approach is that behavior is a function of the environment. The deep learning English teaching strategy is based on data analysis and intelligent processing to study the behavior advantage in the field of the English learning.

3) Innovation approach gives the motivation of active intellectual functionality. It involves the technology, hands-on activities and other materials to help students learn English in a meaningful way, encouraging them to take an active part in mastering language skills. This approach emphasizes the importance of students' natural abilities for acquiring language.

4) Cognitive approach determines person's knowledge and the environmental object for effective studying. It's the process of developing and cultivating language ability. It should fully combine the learner's inner la nguage ability with the existing cognitive structure to analysis. This approach focuses on the understanding of information and concepts. It combines conscious and reason thinking process, involving the deliberate use of learning.

5) Communicative approach combines conscious and sub-conscious components in the studying process It is based on the idea that learning language successfully comes through having to communicate real meaning. This approach entails students' teaching English through communication. The main task is to enable students to communicate in real life situations, rather than just acquiring grammatical skills [4]

Teachers, working at the universities and colleges, know perfectly well, that grammatical aspect of the English language is also very significant. It is necessary to be highly professional in this. Teaching students English at the university level requires perfect knowledge of the language peculiarities and brilliant skills. At all levels of education there has been developed the unfortunate tradition of considering grammar to be something dull, not updated, useless and meaningless. It does not matter, is English obligatory or optional subject, it concerns all learners without any exception;

A great attention is devoted to grammar in EFL teaching. Such methods of teaching, as behavioristic, cognitive and some others should also be taken into account. Experienced lecturers will be able to find easily interesting, exciting, efficient learning materials in text and work books. More "communicative" approaches to teaching fundamentals of English grammar should also be considered.

A student's workbook can be noted as an integral part of the English language course. Students of the higher educational establishments need to know perfectly well not only English grammar rules, but also should have adequate practical skills.

We also should take into account teacher's experience It is necessary to develop ESP skills. Different kinds of grammar exercises are certain to be widely used at the lessons. For contemporary teachers using Internet resources is also very important. A wide range of specialized grammar textbooks, a great number of interesting video and audio materials may be also at the teacher's disposal.

A great attention is devoted to listening and reading in EFL teaching. Such methods of teaching, as behavioristic, cognitive and some others should also be taken into account Experienced lecturers will be able to find easily interesting, exciting, efficient learning materials in text and workbooks. More "communicative" approach to teaching basic principles of English reading and listening should also be remembered.

It should be taken into account that lecturers and students practice research projects, in which the aim, structure and Students need to get acquainted with English people' customs and traditions and to know the history of the English language development perfectly well.

The conclusion is, that teachers' knowledges should be constantly mastered by providing in their own teaching practice new methods and fundamental educational concepts.

Speaking about the modern stage of the scientific development in Ukraine one can note, that the sufficient proof of foreign languages' knowledge was the specialist's ability to translate from the foreign language (in general, it was English) into Ukrainian and vice versa. Such methodology of translating adapted, non- authentic texts has gone in the past.

Conclusions

The language education is gradually modernized by introducing module-ranking system of foreign languages' teaching and multi-disciplinary integration. Lectures and students practice research structure and creativity should be taken into account. Students' role playing at the lessons is also very important and useful. The conclusion is, that teachers' knowledges should be constantly mastered by providing in their own teaching practice new methods and fundamental educational concepts. We must admit that these innovative approaches would obviously help to improve the quality of education in Ukraine, and ensure that Ukrainian students are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

References:

[1] Hrushevskyi M. C. History of Ukrainian literature./ M. C. Hrushevskyi. - K.: Lybid, 1994. -

320 p.

[2] Zhalovaga A. S.Anthropological nature of Christianity./ A. S. Zhalovaga. - K.: Znannya

Publishing House, 2008. - 288 p.

[3] Kartashev A. V. Church and nationality./ A. V. Kartashev. - K .: Way, № 44, 1943. - p. 3-14.

[4] Volkova N. P. Pedagogics: tutorial / N.P. Volkova. - K.: Academia Publishing House, 2007. - 616 p.

[5] New technologies of studying: tutorial collection. - K.: Scientific - methodological Centre of Higher Education, 2008. - Special issue. - 187 p.

[6] Kuzmichev A. I. Pedagogics: textbook /. A.I. Kuzmichev. - K. : Znannya Publishing House, 2010. - 447 p.

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