Methodological Technique “Topical Card” as a Tool for Development of Creativity in Teaching English to Students of Non-linguistic Specialties
The current study addresses the detection, formation, and development of creativity, which is vital for a modern proficient specialist capable of taking an active part in the integration of the domestic economy into the world market and ensuring its competitiveness and sustainable development. The paper focuses on the investigation into the possibility of using the “Topical Card” methodological technique as a tool for the development of learners’ creativity. Materials and methods. . The paper summarizes the results of an event devoted to the creation of topical cards within the framework of the educational-methodological local lore project “Amber Marathon” on the example of the “English Language” acquisition by students of non-linguistic specialties of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University. The main methods of the research are questionnaire survey and analysis of developed topical cards in terms of form and content. Research results. The most favorable starting conditions necessary for the adoption of this method in the educational process were determined. Possible individual trajectories of embodying an inventive idea of creating English-language educative topical cards themed “Amber” were considered. A correlation between learners’ creativity level and the degree of reproducing the basic educational material or going beyond it was established. The effect of the previous experience of using design techniques or its absence was also noted. The results demonstrated a positive attitude of learners to the “Topical Card” method. Сonclusions. The findings indicate that a higher level of creativity is demonstrated by those learners who are not limited to the reproduction of basic educational material but go beyond it owing to their enhancement of foreign language competence, search activities, and acquisition of new relevant technical skills. The results also highlight that the “Topical Card” technique develops learners’ cognitive independence, benefits their self-development and self-expression, allows deriving positive emotions from practical activities, and helps to prepare learners for future professional work.