Problem-based activities as a tool to develop cross-cultural competency at the foreign language classes

RUDN University (People’s Friendship University of Russia), 117198, Moscow, Miklukho-Maklaya str.6, Russia

^* Corresponding author: semenov.venture@mail.ru

Abstract

The article is devoted to applications of problem-based learning. Teaching foreign language is aimed nowadays at developing various skills to communicate with a speaker of another language as with a representative of a different culture, in other words, developing cross-cultural competency. Cross-cultural communication, especially in business, may imply various problems and challenges so in foreign language classes it is necessary to reveal them and teach students how to deal with them most efficiently. Therefore, most teachers of foreign language try to incorporate problem-based approach in their classes. The choice of teaching material for connected with solving a problem tasks should be made with reference to applied problem-solving methods, intellectual level of students, and level of their critical and creative thinking. Problematisation can be based both on socio-linguistic materials and on professionally oriented assignments, in the form of case studies or specialized texts discussions in accordance with other teaching tasks. The article describes an experience of using problem-based technique in foreign language classes for students of Economic Faculty taking a course of “Foreign language for professional communication” as a way to develop skills helping to solve a variety of professionally oriented communicative tasks.