The Role of Collaborative Learning in Teaching Foreign Languages to Non-Linguistic Students

Abstract

The article analyzes the current stage of foreign language study in higher educational establishments. Student interaction and collaboration are considered as essential elements in the development of communication skills. Principal approaches to the definition of collaborative learning are analyzed in the article.The author analyzes advantages of collaborative learning in the process of foreign language study, including development of students’ communicative abilities and active participation in the learning process, fostering learners’ autonomy and creative thinking skills, development of students’ self-learning and cooperation abilities.A detailed description of collaborative learning activities in the process of teaching English to non-linguistic students is presented in the article.
 Keywords: collaborative learning, collaboration learning activities, student interaction, teaching a foreign language, non-linguistic students, teaching strategies, learning in cooperation, work in group, educational technology.