Changes in social and economic spheres, growth of high-technology productions set a task for educational system to train the specialists with effective performance and constant self-development. In the modern context the orientation for proactive education and formation of competencies are necessary. Special attention should be paid to the development of key competencies, which are the base of the other skills. At present, the relevant objective is the development of pedagogic technologies directed at realizing this goal. Regarding this issue, the key role belongs to the developmental teaching. The analysis of heuristic conversation potential for forming key competencies on the basis of competency-based and technologic approaches is the objective of this research. Experience in problem solution, development of communication skills, formation of critical thinking, and ability to structure information with the help of this method are justified in the article. The obtained results can be used for further studying the forms, methods and modes of instruction, which promote the development of competencies. Also, it can be useful in teaching practice when setting a goal and choosing teaching methods.