Developing Soft Skills in Veterinary Students in the ESP Class: Teaching Approaches and Strategies

Abstract

The paper explores the efficiency of visual education approaches (the use of visual communication tools, full-spectrum visual learning, critical thinking approach, active and performance-based learning) infusing into the content instruction in the ESP class at the Omsk State Agrarian University. The five instructional strategies were used to understand the impact of visuals upon visual thinking abilities: 1) "reading circles" strategy; 2) concept mapping; 3) visual thinking activities; 4) storytelling; 5) making presentations. The improvement in the visual thinking abilities in veterinary students doing the ESP course was assessed by the methods of pretesting, end-course students' performance and direct observation in class. The study produced several findings: 1. There was a positive change in visual thinking skills after the treatment; 2. The notable improvement of students' visual learning abilities and communication skills has been achieved due to the "Reading circles" strategy; 3. The growth of visual evaluation abilities is observed in students with high cognitive capacities and rather good communication skills; 4. With concept mapping technology, students are better visual and oral communicators; 5. Though there is an improvement in visual thinking abilities in students, still there is the need for more development in critical engagement with the visual.

Technological Aspect of Terminological Training of Professional Workers

“…Moreover, some scholars researched the innovative technologies for the development of "soft" skills that facilitate learning of professional terminology (Kulamikhina, Esmurzaeva, Marus & Zhbikovskaya, 2019;Kulamikhina, Esmurzaeva, Marus & Zakotnova, 2020); as well as the implementation of project technologies for this purpose via the integration of major subjects with humanities (Alipichev & Takanova, 2020).…”

Proposing A Conceptualization Of Terminological Training In Veterinary Education

“…Professional language skills and terminology knowledge in the veterinary context can be https://doi.org/10. 15405/epsbs.2021.07.17 Corresponding Author: Zhanbota B. Esmurzaeva Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Organizing Committee of the conference eISSN: 2357-1330 137 improved substantially with the development of soft skills in students (Kulamikhina et al, 2019;2020).…”