The Communicative Approach to Foreign Language Learning in the Context of Higher Education Quality Assurance

Abstract

The article is focused on a communicative approach to learning a foreign language by the seekers of a higher education degree of the third (educational and research) level of higher education in the context of higher education quality assurance. The article includes a review of the main expected results of higher education quality assurance, the main features of the communicative approach to learning a foreign language and the analysis of its application. The research material is taken from the coursebook Speakout 2nd Edition (Upper Intermediate) published by Pearson Education. The coursebook corresponds to CEFR, an internationally recognized standard. It comes with access to Pearson’s MyEnglishLab, an online platform with additional practice activities. A high-quality textbook is one of the key factors of higher education quality assurance, which provides the creation of appropriate conditions for personal and professional development of seekers of a higher education degree, the successful implementation of their educational goals and achievement of planned learning outcomes. The communicative approach involves the effective use of the English language in the educational process for the purpose of communication, exchange of knowledge in oral and written forms, sharing thoughts and information. It also aims at the formation and development of skills in all types of speech activity, mastering effective communication strategies in various types of intellectual and practical activities of seekers of a higher education degree, increasing their interest in the subject, their awareness of the English language as a means of international communication in the conditions of European integration and globalization.