New Generation of Foreign Language Textbook as Reflecting Current Challenges

Abstract

The article deals with the conception of the new generation foreign language textbook reflecting contemporary challenges in the sphere of higher education. These are integration processes involving globalization and localization, interdisciplinary tendencies, interactive collaborative learning methods, digital technologies, visualization practices. Modern textbook is shown to have become a pedagogical platform that ensures the compatibility of methodological conditions for interconnected learning of receptive and productive types of speech activity: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Integrative approach in the textbook composition is illustrated by inclusion of Russian-English translation exercises and integrated assignments involving reading, watching a video and writing. Interdisciplinary principle is exemplified by the technical English manual combining scientific, technical, and intercultural components variation. Interactive learning methods are shown to trigger teamwork performed in the classroom or in independent mode with the use of digital technologies. It is indicated that numerous computer-assisted language learning tasks are becoming more widely used in modern textbooks, especially those aimed at the content visualization. Some of the visualizing elements, like word clouds, mental maps and info posters, are considered in detail accentuating their didactic values.

Keywords

• textbook
• integration
• digital technologies
• coll