THE ESSENCE OF THE MULTIMODAL APPROACH TO TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

СУТНІСТЬ МУЛЬТИМОДАЛЬНОГО ПІДХОДУ ДО ВИКЛАДАННЯ ІНОЗЕМНИХ МОВ У ПЕДАГОГІЧНИХ ЗАКЛАДАХ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ

Abstract

This scientific study is devoted to an in-depth analysis of the essence of the multimodal approach in the context of professional training of future teachers in higher education institutions. In today's globalised world, English is a strategic tool for intercultural dialogue, economic integration, and the implementation of international scientific and technical projects. As a result, society has a significant demand for highly qualified specialists who not only speak a foreign language fluently, but are also able to work with specialised materials in foreign languages. This demand is driving fundamental changes in the teaching of foreign languages for professional purposes (LSP) at universities, where an integrated approach is becoming key. According to this approach, student teachers begin to master the skills of professional communication and utilize various information channels from the very first lessons. Modern educational guidelines envisage a transition from traditional linear models to dynamic didactic systems and an understanding of the multiplicity of educational content. Modern conditions require increased attention to multimodality, which means incorporating many semiotic means into communication and teaching practices. The paper theoretically substantiates the use of multimodality for teaching professional English, taking into account the interaction of numerous sign systems. The relevance of the study is determined by the need for specialists who demonstrate a deep command of English in their professional field. An analysis of the scientific discourse on multimodality in both domestic and foreign sources has been conducted. As a result, the key advantages of integrating multimodal teaching materials into the process of teaching LSP in higher education institutions have been identified. A promising direction for further scientific research is the detailing and formulation of the essential characteristics of the multimodal approach as an effective educational strategy for integrated foreign language teaching in pedagogical universities.