FORMING GRAMMATICAL COMPETENCE WHILE TEACHING PROFESSIONALLY-ORIENTED FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN NON-LINGUISTIC UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The article deals with teaching grammar in Ukrainian education community. Students start learning grammar at secondary, sometimes even at primary schools, and continue acquiring it while studying at institutions of higher education. However, qualitative progress in grammar usage while writing and speaking English is rarely seen. One possible explanation is that there is a widely adopted approach in Ukrainian education system according to which the formation of grammatical competence goes through a number of fixed steps from grammar knowledge to speech practice. It is assumed that detailed and thorough knowledge of rules of English grammar and their difference from grammar rules of the Ukrainian language contributes to better understanding of peculiar features of the English language and further it positively influences the acquisition of all language skills and abilities. Unfortunately, considering the real situation of teaching English at Ukrainian universities under conditions of insufficient class-room academic hours, such an approach does not bring desired results. Communicative approach of teaching foreign languages and competencies that are to be developed demands a different approach to teaching grammar that is a holistic approach.